How to Use a Cuticle Pusher

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Learn advanced nail care in the comfort of home with this handy guide
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A cuticle pusher is a simple nail tool used to perform manicures and pedicures. It pushes the skin from your cuticles back and away from your nails to help your nails grow stronger. Here's information on how to safely use a cuticle pusher.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Prepare Your Nails

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Cuticle Pusher
    This is a necessary step to make pushing the cuticles away from the nails easier. If the cuticles are not soft and you try to push them, you might tear the skin, causing painful lesions.
    • Try using cuticle softener for this.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Cuticle Pusher
    You can also use cuticle oil together with the cuticle remover. Make sure to spread it evenly all over the edges. Leave it for 2 minutes.
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    This will help soften the cuticles even more.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Cuticle Pusher
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Push Back the Cuticles

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Cuticle Pusher
    [1] Angle the pusher 35 to 45 degrees and gently slide it towards the base of the nail and push away the softened cuticles.
    • Always be gentle when you're pushing back your cuticles.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Cuticle Pusher
    [2] You can also use this tip to clean under the nails. Repeat this process for all the nails.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Choose a Cuticle Pusher

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    Steel cuticle pushers are best for tough, hard cuticles. Wooden cuticle pushers are best for soft cuticles.
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    Some have blunt rounded ends, others have sharp pointy ends or spoon-shaped ends and yet others are curved. The most common one has a rounded tip on one end and a sharp tip on the other.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Should you cut your cuticles or push them back?
    Kristin Pulaski
    Salon Owner & Nail Specialist
    Kristin Pulaski is a Professional Nail Artist and the Founder of Paintbucket, a self-owned and operated nail salon based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has over five years of experience running Paintbucket and is licensed as a nail technician. Paintbucket offers nail art manicures, pedicures, and soft gel extensions along with customized packages for wedding and bridal parties. She holds a BA in Managerial Science from Manhattan College.
    Kristin Pulaski
    Salon Owner & Nail Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Always push your cuticles back instead of cutting them. Your cuticle (also known as your eponychium) is there to block any outside bacteria from getting in—if you cut your cuticles, you could get a bacterial infection.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Can I use Vaseline to soften my cuticles?
    Community Answer
    Yes! Be sure to rub it in a bit and allow it to sit on your cuticles for some time before trying to push them back. Vaseline is what I use for my cuticles, and they look quite nice!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 35
  • Question
    Why is a metal cuticle pusher less recommended?
    Community Answer
    The metal cuticle pushers can hurt if you push too hard or if you slip while pushing. The rubber tipped cuticle pushers are more gentle, but still get the job done.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Instead of using cuticle remover or cuticle oil, petroleum jelly is also an effective cuticle softener. [3]
        Thanks
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      • Make sure to cut off any hangnails as closely to the base as possible without causing injury to the nail or the skin.
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      • It is best to rest your nail on a firm surface as you trim away the excess cuticle. Try to do this slowly and be careful that your hand doesn't slip or you might get yourself a cut. Be very careful when you are using the cuticle cutter.
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      Warnings

      • Whichever type of cuticle pusher you choose to use, always remember to never push too hard.
        Thanks
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      Things You'll Need

      • Cuticle pusher
      • Cuticle cutter
      • Cuticle remover
      • Cuticle oil – optional
      • Cuticle hydrating oil
      • Small bowl – filled with warm water
      • Small towel

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      References

      1. ↑ https://glowsly.com/how-to-use-a-cuticle-pusher/
      2. ↑ https://glowsly.com/how-to-use-a-cuticle-pusher/
      3. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/caring-for-your-cuticles#2
      4. https://www.nailpro.com/cuticle-guide/
      5. Videos provided by JauntyJuli

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To use a cuticle pusher, start by applying cuticle remover to your nails, and leave them for 2 minutes. This helps soften your cuticles and makes it easier to compress them. After 2 minutes, soak your fingertips in a small bowl of warm water for another 3 minutes. Use a small towel to gently dry them. Once your nails are soft and dry, hold the rounded part of your cuticle pusher at a 45 degree angle. Gently slide it towards the base of your nail while pushing away the softened cuticle. Use the pointed, sharp side to push down the cuticles at the corners of your nails. Then, repeat the process for each of your nails. For more tips, including how to choose a cuticle pusher, read on!

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        Dec 13, 2018

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