Pirastro Finger Protect Skin Care
Skin Care • Player Wellbeing Pirastro Finger Protect
A skin conditioner formulated for string players. Prevents blisters and soreness during the early weeks of playing and protects fingertips during intensive practice. Trusted across all levels.
What It Is Protection for the fingers that do the work
String playing puts sustained pressure on the fingertips of the left hand. For new students this causes blisters and soreness that can interrupt practice and slow progress. For experienced players who increase practice load suddenly, the same issue can emerge.
Pirastro Finger Protect is a cream formulated specifically for this purpose. Applied to the fingertips before and after playing, it conditions the skin and creates a light protective layer that reduces friction damage without numbing the touch needed for clean intonation.
Pirastro is a German string manufacturer with over a century of experience making products for string players. Finger Protect is part of their direct instrument care range.
Key Specs
Brand
Pirastro (Germany)
Format
Cream
Use
Fingertip protection and conditioning
Suitable for
All string players, all ages
When to apply
Before and after playing
Price
$26.00 NZD
Who Benefits Useful at the start, and during intensive periods New students
The first four to eight weeks of playing are when blistering is most likely. Finger Protect helps students get through this period without interruption. Players after a break
Returning from holidays or illness softens the callus. Using Finger Protect helps rebuild without pain during the readjustment period. Pre-exam or heavy load
Before exams, concerts, or intensives where practice load spikes, regular use protects fingers through the increased demand.
How to Use Apply before and after, absorb fully before playing
Apply a small amount to the fingertips of the left hand before practice. Allow it to absorb fully before picking up the instrument. There should be no slipperiness on the fingertips when contact with the string begins. Excess cream on the fingertips can reduce intonation sensitivity.
Apply again after practice when fingertips are sore or feel dry. Regular overnight use on damaged skin will speed recovery.
Keep it in your case pocket so it is available before each session.
Care Storage Hygienic, long-lasting
Store at room temperature. Cap tightly after use. Do not share between multiple users in a classroom setting without a clean applicator. The tube lasts most players several months under regular use.
Frequently Asked Questions Can children use this?
Yes. It is suitable for all ages including young beginners. It is actually most commonly used for children in the early weeks of learning, when their skin is not yet accustomed to string pressure. Check with a parent or guardian if the child has a known skin sensitivity. Will it affect my intonation or string feel?
Not when used correctly. Let it absorb fully before playing. If there is any residue on the fingertip at the time of contact with the string, there may be a slight reduction in tactile feedback. A minute or two of absorption time is sufficient. Will it affect the strings?
Minimal amounts absorbed into the skin before playing should not transfer significantly to the strings. Avoid applying large amounts immediately before picking up the instrument. If the skin feels greasy rather than merely smooth, let it absorb longer or wipe the fingertips with a dry cloth first. Does it have known allergens?
Pirastro does not list common allergens in its published product notes. If you have sensitive skin or a known cream allergy, test a small amount on your wrist before applying to fingertips, or consult a pharmacist or GP before use. Can I use it when blisters have already broken?
For open blisters, consult a pharmacist or GP first. Broken skin may need an antiseptic treatment before any conditioning cream is applied. Finger Protect is preventive and for intact but sore skin, not for open wounds.
In store
Available at Symphonia Strings
57-59 Wellington St, Freemans Bay, Auckland ✨