A cuticle pusher is a small manicure tool used to gently move the cuticle away from the surface of the nail. It can help to make the nails look neater and create a cleaner area for applying nail polish, gel, or other nail products.
Cuticle pushers are not essential for everyone. They need to be used gently because pushing too hard can irritate the skin around the nail.
What Does a Cuticle Pusher Look Like?
A cuticle pusher is usually a slim, handheld tool with either a round or a spoon shaped end; the curved end follows the shape of the nail.
Some cuticle tools have another end that is narrower and can be used to clean away dead skin from the nail plate.
Cuticle pushers can be made out of:
- Stainless steel
- Plastic
- Rubber or silicon
- Wood
Metal cuticle pushers are quite durable, whilst wooden ones are gentler and great as a disposable alternative.
What is a Cuticle Pusher Used For?
The main purpose of a cuticle tool is to move softened cuticle tissue back towards the base of the nail.
The cuticle is a thin layer of dead skin that can grow into the nail plate. Gently pushing it back can:
- Make the nail surface look tidier
- Remove dead skin from the nail plate
- Create more space for applying nail polish
- Help to prevent polish being applied over the skin
- Prepare nails for a manicure
A pusher should not be used to aggressively scrape at the nail or to dig into the surrounding skin.
How Do You Use a Cuticle Pusher?
Cuticles are easier to push back when they have been softened first.
You can soften them by soaking your fingers in warm water, or using cuticle oil or cuticle remover.
To use the tool:
- Wash your hands and clean the cuticle pusher.
- Soften the cuticles with warm water, oil, and cuticle remover.
- Hold the pusher at a low angle against the nail.
- Gently move it towards the base of the nail.
- Work slowly around the curved edge of the nail.
- Wipe away any loosened dead skin.
- Clean the tool after use.
You should only ever use light pressure. Pushing too far at the living skin around the cuticle can cause soreness or irritation.
Do You Need to Use a Cuticle Remover?
You don’t always need to use cuticle remover before using a nail pusher.
Warm water or cuticle oil may soften your nails enough for a home manicure. Cuticle remover helps to loosen dead skin, but you need to follow the product instructions.
Cuticle remover isn’t the same thing as a cuticle pusher. The remover is a liquid, whilst a pusher is a tool used to remove softened tissue.
Can a Cuticle Pusher Damage Your Nails?
Yes, a cuticle pusher can damage your nails or the surrounding skin if you use it with too much force.
Pressing hard, scraping repeatedly, or using the pointed end aggressively may may scratch the nail plate or cause cuts around the nail.
Stop using the tool if you notice:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Redness
- Swelling
- Broken skin
Never use a cuticle tool on skin that is already red, irritated, or infected.
Are Metal Cuticle Pushers Better?
Metal cuticle pushers are durable and quite easy to clean. However, they can also be quite firm against your nail, so need care when using.
Softer tools made of rubber or silicon, or a disposable wooden tool, might be better for a beginner, although a bit less effective than metal at removing residue.
The best option between the two is how experienced you and and how much tissue you need to remove.
Do You Need a Cuticle Pusher?
A cuticle pusher is useful if you regularly give yourself manicures or you want to prepare the nail surface before applying polish.
However, it’s not an essential part of everyday nail care. Keeping the skin moisturised with cuticle oil is or hand cream may be enough if your cuticles aren’t growing far into the nail plate.
A cuticle pusher is just a tool for tidying the nail area. It should make nail care easier, not hurt you.