If you love a fresh, polished look for your nails, a cuticle pusher is the unsung hero you need in your manicure kit. This small but mighty tool helps create that clean, professional salon finish. Plus, using a cuticle pusher is a quick, easy, and surprisingly satisfying part of nail care!

Why use a cuticle pusher

Well-groomed cuticles are the foundation for beautiful nails! By regularly using a nail cuticle pusher, you can:

Reduce hangnails: Keeping your cuticles in good shape means less dead skin buildup and a lower risk of hangnails and tears developing.
Promote nail growth: Regularly using nail cuticle tools and taking good care of your nails may help them grow in faster and stronger.
Beautify nails: Cuticle push back leads to longer and more elegant-looking nailbeds.
Make manicures last: With no cuticle skin in the way, nail varnish adheres better and lasts longer.
Reduce picking at your nails: If this is a habit you struggle with, well-kept cuticles mean less temptation.

How to choose the best cuticle pusher

Which material is perfect for your cuticle remover kit? Here’s a quick run-down:

A metal cuticle pusher is durable and easy to clean, often used as a professional cuticle pusher in salons. It’s usually double-sided, with a cuticle remover tool on the other end.
A wooden cuticle pusher most often comes in the form of wooden cuticle sticks. Cheap, disposable, and gentle on the skin and nail. A bamboo or orange cuticle stick are some of the best types of wood for this purpose.
A glass nail pusher tool is practical, durable, and offers a luxe feel.
A plastic cuticle pusher is affordable and easy to use. Just make sure the edges are nice and smoothly rounded.
A rubber cuticle pusher is extra gentle – perfect for sensitive cuticle skin that gets irritated easily.

Cuticle pusher use: Frequently asked questions

Here are the answers to the most common cuticle pusher queries, so you can use yours with confidence.

Is it good to use a cuticle pusher?

Yes! Pushing your cuticles back regularly can aid optimal nail growth and prevent tears in the cuticle.

Is it unhealthy to push your cuticles back?

Quite the opposite. Pushing them back can actually help prevent painful hangnails and splits, and promote nail growth.

Do you push your cuticles up or down?

Always push your cuticles down towards your wrist, and away from the fingertip.

How often should you push your cuticles back?

About once a week is ideal. Overdoing it too often could cause irritation.

Should you remove cuticles?

It’s not necessary. If there is a lot of excess cuticle skin sticking out after you pushed it back, you can carefully remove it with a cuticle nipper. But be careful – never cut live skin, only the excess that’s sticking out.

How to use a cuticle pusher correctly?

The key is to soak your nails for 5–10 minutes beforehand (either in warm soapy water, a cuticle oil, or a special cuticle remover gel). Carefully and lightly push the softened cuticle skin back towards the beginning of the nail bed. Finally, trim the excess skin if you’d like, and finish off with a nourishing nail oil or hand cream.