Cuticle removal

Do you notice a huge difference in your nails depending on whether or not you remove your cuticles? They look long and slender. When I go to a nail salon, they do a really great job removing the cuticles before the manicure, but whenever I remove them myself at home, I always end up bleeding. Even though I try to be gentle and careful, blood starts to come out before I know it. I'm sure there are others out there who have bled just like me.