Pusher for manicure: what is it, how to choose and use?

In the current rhythm of life, there is practically no time left to spend it on self-care. Modern girls try to create a manicure with a minimum waste of time and money, since their hands should always be well-groomed. Today, women at home perform various procedures for hair, face, and nails. Manicure plays an important role, because the more accurately it is done, the more graceful the nails look. To create a beautiful manicure, you should initially put your hands in order, and for this you need to purchase special tools. The cuticle pusher deserves special attention. It is worth considering what it is, how to choose the right one, and how it should be used.

A pusher is a special tool that every professional manicurist should have, as well as for use at home. This tool is designed to work with cuticles. With its help, you can give the nail bed a beautiful symmetrical semicircular shape. The main task of the pusher is to push back the cuticle, because the name comes from the English word push.

Modern pusher models have basically two sides, each of which is designed for a specific purpose.

• One side is presented in the form of a paddle. It can be of two varieties: flat or beveled. This tool allows you to easily move the cuticle off the nail surface, while not injuring it.
• The other side is called the hatchet. It has a different purpose - removing cuticles and burrs, as well as removing dirt from under the nails. With the help of this tool, the preparation of the marigold for further extension is often made.

It is worth noting that some girls prefer an orange stick for working with cuticles, but it is the pusher that is more convenient and effective to use.

Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of pushers, where each customer can choose a manicure tool depending on personal goals. They differ not only in purpose, but also in size, as well as the materials from which they are made. It is worth taking a closer look at several varieties of modern pushers.

• Unilateral. This model has a paddle at one end. It is specifically designed to push back the cuticle; nothing can be cut off with it.
• Bilateral. This tool already has more functions, since on one side there is a spatula for pushing back the cuticle, and on the other - a sharp tip that allows you to remove dirt from under the nail plates. The second end of the reversible instrument can be equipped with a trimmer that allows you to cut off dead skin.

The silicone tip is ideal for those people who have close capillaries, because this material cannot damage the skin. If we consider environmentally friendly materials, then you should pay attention to wooden models, in addition, they are quite cheap. And, of course, professional tools are made of metal.

The shape of the pusher can be different - round, semicircular, pointed and even square. Each buyer decides for himself which form will be most convenient to achieve the goals for which this tool is purchased.

Today, the pusher and the scraper have become almost identical concepts, since modern models usually combine the two tools, which are used for different purposes, and this is their main difference. So, the word "pusher" came from the English push - to push, and the word "scraber" was derived from the German schaben, which translates as "scrape". From this it follows that the pusher is designed to push back the cuticle, and the scraper is designed to cut off all that is unnecessary. These two tools are indispensable for creating a beautiful manicure, which is why many companies create models that have a pusher on the one hand and a scraper on the other. And how to call such an unusual tool, everyone decides for themselves.

The cuticle is very important for the marigold as it prevents bacteria from entering. But unfortunately, the use of detergents has a negative effect on it, as a result, the skin becomes dry, and over time it even bursts, small wounds appear, which can become a focus of inflammation and abscesses. Therefore, the cuticle treatment ensures hand hygiene. Of course, nippers or scissors should be used to trim the cuticle, but first you should push it back, in which case the pusher is indispensable.

This is the difference between these two manicure tools.

It is worth summarizing the above, noting that the pusher is a small-sized spatula with a rounded edge for pushing back the cuticle, while the scraper is a device for removing the cuticle adherent to the nail plate.The scraper can be used for a variety of purposes, so it comes in a variety of forms. It also looks like a spatula in appearance, but one edge is beveled and sharpened, which allows for convenient and quick scraping.

Many manufacturers today make a so-called mix, which is both a pusher and a scraper. Such a two-sided tool is in demand because it attracts attention with its convenience and practicality. It was this hybrid that influenced the fact that the two concepts became interchangeable.

The choice of a tool for working with cuticles is very important, since only a high-quality pusher can guarantee a good result as well as safety. It is worth paying attention to several recommendations when choosing such a tool from professionals.

• Material plays an important role. They can be made from wood, plastic and metal. Better to give preference to a metal tool. It is stainless medical steel that will be an excellent solution for both professional craftsmen in the nail industry and beginners. If we consider wooden and plastic pushers, then it is worth noting that they break down rather quickly, so you need to constantly buy a new tool.
• Wood pushers ideal for working with soft cuticles, so they are recommended to buy for girls. But for men with hard cuticles, experts recommend using exclusively metal options.

• If you want to purchase double-sided tool to work with the cuticle, then you should definitely evaluate each side. The pusher should be smooth and round, and the scraper, on the contrary, perfectly sharpened, since it is with its help that you can cut off the keratinized cuticle.
• The pusher handle is of great importance. It should be comfortable to hold in your hand. If the handle slips out, it will be impossible to work with such a tool. It is worth giving preference to the device that is equipped with a ribbed handle or has an anti-slip coating.
• Do not forget about the shape of the scraper blade itself. So, a pointed tool is suitable for a narrow nail bed, but a round, semicircular or square version is an excellent choice for wide nail plates.

• It is worth appreciating the work of the pusher itself. It is worth taking a spatula and running it over your palm, or, alternatively, just feel it with your fingers. The metal should be smooth, without burrs, because they will definitely lead to wounds on the skin.
• If you need to buy a pusher with a curette, which is used to remove dead skin that usually accumulates between the cuticle and the nail, then you should pay attention to its sharpening. However, it should not be very sharp in order to avoid damage to the skin.

It is worth considering the ranking of the best pusher manufacturers to know what tools are of excellent quality and are in demand among consumers.

• Stark. This is a well-known company that produces a wide range of tools and equipment for the nail industry. To create pushers, the brand uses excellent quality medical steel. These models are equipped with a practical and comfortable handle with anti-slip effect. Each model is characterized by functionality. Among the offered assortment, models that, on the other hand, have a curette, are very popular. If you are looking for quality, then it is worth getting a pusher from Stark.
• Yoko. This is another well-known brand that offers high quality manicure and pedicure equipment. This company offers a choice of glossy and matte pushers. And also they can have different lengths and be used for a variety of purposes.The length of the instrument usually varies from 12 to 14.8 cm. Many women prefer this particular brand due to its affordable cost. Thus, a one-sided pusher usually costs from 100 to 150 rubles, and a two-sided one - from 250 to 300 rubles. It is the excellent quality and reasonable price that made Yoko products in demand among both professionals and ordinary users.

• Zinger. This company is known to many for its various devices for creating beautiful and high-quality manicure and pedicure. These include not only pushers, but also scissors, trimmers, scrapers, nail files and so on. Many models are equipped with two tips, while one of them is presented in the form of a spatula, and the second is characterized by its thinness and sharpness, so that with its help it can clean the sides of the nail plate. You can choose a pusher with different blade sizes and shapes depending on personal preference. Buyers can even purchase a tool that, in addition to the pusher, includes a file tip. Such a device will become indispensable before each manicure, while its average cost is 370 rubles.
• Metzger. This company is known in many countries as a quality manufacturer of equipment and instruments for cosmetic procedures. Compared to the brands described above, Metzger products are characterized by better quality and higher value. Such a tool can usually be seen in the hands of a professional in the nail industry. Such a pusher costs about 550 rubles. For consideration, buyers are presented with both volumetric and flat options. The manufacturer exclusively uses high quality stainless steel for the production of pushers. Practicality and durability are the strengths of Metzger pushers.

• Essence. This brand is also in demand, especially if you need to purchase a pusher. The company offers a tool that guarantees a fairly easy and neat cuticle removal. The pusher is equipped with a special tip made of ceramic, with the help of which the work with the cuticle is quite gentle and painless. There are even rubber-tipped pushers in the product range. They are specially designed for sensitive and delicate skin. All Essence products are professional, and this is the best guarantee of quality.
• O. P. I. Many beauty salons purchase manicure tools from this particular company. For home use, such devices are purchased quite rarely, because the cost of one pusher is about 2,000 rubles. Excellent quality is the main advantage of the brand's products. Tools do not need sharpening for a long time. A wide range of models, a variety of handpieces allow you to choose an option depending on your personal wishes.

• Mertz. Many masters of the nail industry work with the equipment and devices of this brand. They are characterized by excellent quality, therefore they guarantee safe work even when correcting the cuticle. All tips are perfectly sharpened, so you can easily cut off the keratinized skin, while eliminating the occurrence of scratches on the marigold plate. The company offers its fans double-sided pushers, which are equipped on one side with a sharp arrow to eliminate cuticles on the sides, and on the other, with a rounded scapula to work at the base of the marigold. Users of the brand's products leave mostly positive reviews. Quite often, a pusher is used to remove shellac or gel polish after soaking in a special tool for removing such a coating. Mertz often ranks first in the ranking of manicure and pedicure equipment.

So, the above has already been considered what a pusher is for, and now it is worth taking a closer look at how to use it correctly in order to achieve the desired result. It is worth adhering to a certain sequence of actions.

• Initially, it is worth preparing the nails for working with a pusher - remove the base, gel polish and other coatings, if they are present on the nail plate, otherwise it will be impossible to control the instrument at the required angle.
• After that, it is worth disinfecting the instrument itself, as well as treating your hands with an antiseptic. For these purposes, you can use peroxide, rubbing alcohol, vodka or chlorhexidine.
• It is necessary to give the nails the correct shape - correct the free edge of the nail, while leaving the required length, correct the shape so that it is the same on all nails. To prevent delamination of nails, it is worth using a glass nail file.
• It is strictly forbidden to push back the cuticle when dry. It is worth preparing a warm herbal bath or soap solution, immerse your fingertips in it. This procedure will avoid tearing the cuticle in the future.

• If there are large cuticle growths on the nail plate, then you should use a special remover that is applied to problem areas and left for 10 minutes to soften them.
• Next, you need to rinse your hands under water, and soften the cuticle with oil, for this you should perform massage movements, as if rubbing it into the periungual roller. In this case, you can slightly push the cuticle in the right direction, so that further manipulations are made easier and faster.
• All excess oil should be removed with a cotton swab.
• Now is the time to use the pusher - you need to attach the wide part of the scapula to the nail plate, namely: to the cuticle, which should be pushed back, while maintaining an angle of 40 or 45 degrees. Gentle action should be taken to move the cuticle closer to the base of the marigold, the plate should remain free.
• It is strictly forbidden to work with the pusher when it is at an angle of 90 degrees, because a sharp edge can lead to delamination and wounds.

• Then it is worth moving with a pusher from the middle to the sides of the periungual roller.
• This procedure should be performed on each nail. If after the procedure there are cuticle fragments on the nail, then it is worth using a scraper, which is usually located on the opposite side of the instrument. Movements should be light.
• After the cleaning procedure, it is worth rinsing your hands, processing the skin, and disinfecting the instrument.
• To soften the cuticle, it is worth applying any oil to it, while performing a light massage.

To make the process of removing the cuticle with a pusher easy and efficient, it is worth adhering to the following expert advice:

• it is better to put the marigolds on a hard surface when cutting off the excess cuticle;
• cutting the cuticle should be done carefully, slowly, so that the hand does not slip, since then the skin can be damaged;
• in order not to cut off the excess cuticle, it is worth regularly pushing it away;
• the cuticle should also be regularly moistened, then the repulsion process will be much easier;
• if the cuticle is very dry, then it is worth moistening it with olive oil, while performing massage movements;
• Vaseline is an excellent substitute for cuticle removers, as it softens it perfectly;
• if it is necessary to cut off a dead or keratinized cuticle, only high-quality tools should be used;
• cutting off the excess cuticle is as close to the base of the marigold as possible, but at the same time the skin should remain without wounds.

Many girls are interested in how you can sharpen a pusher at home so that the process of removing excess cuticles is quick and easy. If you sharpen the pusher correctly, you won't have to buy a new one. Professionals say that a quality tool needs to be sharpened at least once a year. If the pusher is of poor quality, or you use it quite often, then you will have to sharpen it much more often.

A special machine is ideal for sharpening a pusher. To begin with, you should use an abrasive wheel, because it is responsible for rough sharpening. Only then can the pusher be polished. It is imperative to grind its edges every time, because this affects how the work will be done.

When work with the machine is finished, the tip of the tool should be blunt to prevent possible cuts while working with it, because it will be very sharp. A diamond block is ideal for this. After that, the tip should still be sanded with the help of special devices.

Many girls use a rather original way to sharpen the pusher. The main tool is sandpaper. They stick it on a nail file using double-sided tape, and get a great tool for giving the pusher its initial sharpness. This method can be used not only for a pusher, but also for other manicure tools.

For information on how to properly use a cuticle pusher, see the next video.