“Pusher” - what is it and what is it for? It is a stick, the main task of which is to remove the cuticle and clean the skin around the nails. Getting your hands in order without such a simple but useful tool is simply impossible. The item is present in all manicure sets. The best manufacturers have launched the production of popular pusher models that differ in shape, type, and material of manufacture. The appearance resembles a spatula. Designed for gentle cuticle removal. Belongs to the category of double-sided instruments.
general description
To avoid mistakes when choosing products, you need to understand the concepts. It is worth noting that professional masters have an extensive set of tools for manicure. It includes nippers, scissors, all kinds of files, orange sticks and much more. An integral attribute is a manicure spatula. Belongs to the category of multifunctional devices. It has two working sides, called “scraper” and “pusher”. They work alternately, holding the device in one hand.
“Scraper” translated means “scrape.” Performs the main task - cleanses the nail plate of dirt. The shape resembles a rounded spatula. Allows you to push back the cuticle and scrape out a thin layer of skin, leaving the plate smooth and clean, ready for coating. People's nails are different. Therefore, the popular models of devices produced are square, flat, oval, concave, and semicircular. On sale you can find a special device in the form of a spatula knife. Allows you to correct and treat ingrown nails.
“Pusher” is translated from English as “push.” The most common type is the hatchet. There are options with notches. Helps clean the space under the nails. The side rollers remove dirt. How does a pusher differ from other tools? Lack of cutting surface. The tip comes in the form of a large spatula or lance. Suitable not only for manicure, but also pedicure.
Masters call a pusher and a scraper the same manicure instrument designed to create the shape of a nail.
What types of pushers are there?
What to look for when choosing products? On the functionality of the accessory, which depends on the type of product. The following types of devices are found on store shelves:
Kinds | Characteristics |
Double sided with trimmer | A trimmer is a V-shaped pointed tip. First, the expanded end moves the growth towards the base, and then cuts it off using a trimmer. |
Bilateral | Working two sides. One of the tips has the shape of a spatula, the other has a pointed tip. The wide surface is intended to free the surface from the growth; the sharp side cleanses the keratinized area. |
Unilateral | Has one working side. The tip looks like a spatula. The main purpose is to push back the overgrown skin and free the nail plate. |
Based on the material of manufacture, products are:
- Wooden. We are talking about an orange stick. Inexpensive It has a beveled edge that moves the growth. Use the pointed tip to remove dirt from under the nail. A disposable tool that is disposed of after each use. Positive aspects include antiseptic properties, the ability to draw moisture from the dermis, no need for sterilization, complete safety, and ease of use. The main disadvantage is high consumption. There are up to 6 sticks per client.
- Plastic. According to buyers, the most common double-sided model, which has a spatula on one side and a pointed tip on the other. Safe plastic is used in production. They cannot boast of durability.
- Metal. They are considered the best and most reliable. Medical steel is used in production. How to care for such a pusher? There's nothing complicated about it. Can be disinfected along with other manicure equipment. The device has a number of advantages: the ability to sharpen, a variety of shapes, and the presence of additional functions. A review of reviews shows that these tools last for decades without losing their original qualities. Of course, there are more benefits from such a device than harm. It is worth noting that this scraper is considered dangerous, and in the hands of an inexperienced master it can cause wounds on the hands. There are no budget ones.
- Plastic with special tips. What product is best to buy for a home manicure? Exactly this one. It is practically impossible to disinfect. It is not very popular among craftsmen. It differs in the material of the tip, which is produced:
- silicone (safety level is high);
- ceramic (cleanses the skin around the nail due to the presence of an abrasive tip);
- rubber (beveled model is used to move overgrown skin);
- silicon (ideally cleanses the nail from the cuticle, which is previously softened).
Comparing an orange stick and a plastic pusher
Benefits of an orange stick
- The orange bark tool has great capabilities. It is used not only to shape the nail, but also in coating design;
- The composition of the wooden device is natural and safe;
- The antiseptic properties of orange bark allow you to further disinfect the nail and adjacent skin.
The main disadvantage is the ability to use the tool only once. This is inconvenient and economically unprofitable.
Advantages of a plastic pusher
- The plastic product can be used several times. Plastic wears out much slower than wood;
- To treat the instrument, you just need to wipe it with peroxide or an antibacterial solution;
- Tips made of different materials serve not only to move the cuticle, but also for a slight abrasive effect;
The disadvantage of a plastic pusher is the low strength of the material and tip. After just a few uses, the tool becomes deformed and loses its properties.
When choosing one of these products, it is important to understand that an orange stick or plastic tool cannot replace a full-fledged metal pusher. This is especially true for nail salons and beauty salons.
How to choose the right product
Which company to purchase products is up to everyone to decide for themselves. Recommendations from specialists are not always appropriate here. It all depends on the user's personal preferences. Everyone's selection criteria are different. Some are interested in a flat blade, others are interested in a concave blade, and others prefer disposable products. The main criterion is efficiency.
Store shelves are filled with all kinds of manicure tools. They come in both household and professional grades. New products are released every year. The assortment is so large that you can get lost in the variety. Experts advise when purchasing to pay attention to the following nuances:
- Material of manufacture. If you have experience and skills, you can choose metal products. For beginners, orange sticks or plastic utensils are most suitable. They are safer.
- If you have hard skin, it is better to work with medical steel devices. Soft growths will also overcome plastic devices.
- If the choice fell on steel products, pay attention to the base. It is advisable to give preference to a ribbed base or with anti-slip coating. A smooth surface may slip, making it unsafe to work with such a tool.
- When buying a double-sided scraper made of medical steel, you need to pay attention to the quality of sharpening. The cutting edge should effortlessly free the nail plate from growths.
- The working surface should not have visible damage in the form of burrs and nicks. To ensure the quality of the product, you need to run it across your palm. A properly made design will not cling to the skin.
- The shape of the blade is of no small importance. Square and round tips can handle a wide nail plate. Miniature fingers require a narrow, pointed tip.
Where can I buy the right product? It is advisable to visit a specialized retail outlet. There you can get acquainted with the assortment, chat with a professional seller, hold the selected model in your hands and evaluate its quality. You can order products online in the online store. This is not the most suitable option. Much depends on the integrity of the supplier. It happens that instead of an expensive global brand, a Chinese counterfeit of dubious quality comes.
Video recommendations for choosing a pusher:
Comparing a metal pusher with an orange stick
The orange stick is one of the simplified varieties of pusher. Many manicure salons use a wooden analogue, disposing of it after each client. Let's compare what is better under what conditions - a natural disposable orange stick or a reusable metal professional scraper.
Features of an orange stick
- Orange tree has antiseptic properties and perfectly draws moisture from the skin;
- It is almost impossible to damage the nail or adjacent skin with an orange stick;
- The wooden device does not require sterilization and is disposable;
- A standard wooden stick has one blunt edge for pushing back the cuticle, the second has a pointed edge for removing dirt. If desired, you can adjust the tip with a coarse abrasive file.
The main disadvantage is high consumption. When working with the cuticle, the orange stick quickly gets wet and ceases to perform its main function - to effectively push back the skin. For one manicure procedure you have to use 5-6 sticks.
Features of the metal pusher
- An instrument made of high-quality medical alloy is perfectly sterilizable;
- A dull tip is sharpened without losing its original shape and function;
- A variety of shapes allows you to choose a tool of the desired shape for a specific nail feature;
The main disadvantage of working with metal tools is its potential danger. If used incorrectly, you can damage the surface of the nail or cut the delicate adjacent skin.
When giving preference to one variety or another, you should focus only on your own desires and capabilities. Not the last factor in the decision is the place of use - for working with clients, it is preferable and more economical to use a metal scraper.
How to use a pusher
How to use a manicure spatula? There is nothing complicated in the procedure. However, you should follow certain rules to avoid harming yourself:
- Preliminary removal of the coating from the nails is mandatory.
- If you have gel polish, the pusher must be held at a different angle.
- Regularly treat instruments with a special solution or ultraviolet light.
- Before you start using the device, it must be disinfected with hydrogen peroxide or an antiseptic.
- Dry cuticles are not trimmed. It must first be steamed using a warm bath for this purpose.
- The peel is cut off with a tool that is set at an angle of 45 degrees. This will keep the nail plate safe and sound.
- The cuticle is moved away from the base by means of a blade. Movements are careful, slow, no jerks.
- The cut off skin is removed using the second tip of the device.
- At the end of the manipulations, oil is applied to the nail to soften it.
- The rules for caring for a pusher are not difficult. To store it, you must provide a special case. This can be a personal box or for storing all manicure tools together. In this case, the scraper must be placed so that it does not come into contact with other devices.
- If the product is used regularly, at least once a year it is sent to a specialized workshop for sharpening.
Only by taking into account these rules can you make your hands well-groomed and healthy.
Review of plastic pushers
Essence
Essence Studio nails professional cuticle pusher is a plastic pusher with a ceramic tip. Without extra effort, it copes with cuticles and easily cleans the nail plate. Sold in plastic packaging, which after opening can be used as a cover.
The main disadvantage is the fragility of the tip. If too much pressure is applied, the beveled tip may break. Any deformation entails the purchase of a new tool, since the Essence pusher cannot be repaired.
The average price is 200 rubles.
Planet Nails
Planet Nails offers a plastic tool with a rubber tip. The small pusher is equipped with a flat paddle and a beveled rubber tip for working with cuticles. A moderately hard pusher allows you to deal with the cuticle and remove minor skin formations on the nail.
Finding a use for a wide blade is quite problematic. The manufacturer does not say what this side of the tool can be used for. The average price is 55 rubles.
A lessandro
The Alessandro silicon pusher is used to process the nail plate and remove the softened coating. Base material: plastic. The length of the instrument is 14 centimeters.
The use of the tool can be complicated due to the general flimsiness of the structure.
The average price is 50 rubles.
A pusher with a silicone tip is often called a “manicure stick.” They are almost never produced by major brands.
Rating of quality professional models
Tweezerman Dual Siden (12970799)
The tool is included in the TOP of the best manicure spatulas. High-quality stainless steel is used in production, which allows you to use the item for a long time without losing its original characteristics. Belongs to the category of bilateral. Allows you to gently lift the cuticle in the corner of the nail. Works in hard-to-reach areas, removing growths without the risk of injury to the client. The edges of the product are polished, which eliminates the possibility of damage to the nail plates. The middle has a soft coating, which increases the comfort of use. Country of origin: Germany.
The product can be purchased at a price of 2340 rubles.
Tweezerman Dual Siden (12970799)
Advantages:
- professional level;
- safety;
- reliability;
- long service life;
- suitable for manicure and pedicure;
- light weight;
- preservation of original properties for a long time;
- strength of the material used.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Women Modern Trends (26190710)
A double-sided product from a leading global manufacturer is very popular among domestic craftsmen. Made from high quality stainless steel. Length – 12 centimeters. Belongs to the category of multifunctional. One side is a knife (scraper), the other has the shape of a spatula (pusher). Allows you to quickly and efficiently remove dirt from under your nails, free your fingers from cuticles and hangnails. The device copes with the tasks “excellently”:
- pushes back cuticles;
- scrapes the lower part of the dermis;
- cleanses the nail plate;
- carries out preliminary preparation before coating application.
Handles delicate areas without causing cuts. A distinctive feature is that the set includes two nail files as a gift. Sold in dense packaging.
The average price is 1990 rubles.
Women Modern Trends (26190710)
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- practicality;
- durability;
- safety;
- quality of materials used;
- does not require constant sharpening.
Flaws:
- not installed.
Mr. Green (26735932)
Modern products of excellent quality. It is in high demand among Russian women who try to be beautiful and well-groomed, regardless of age, place of work and financial situation. The item is stylish and good quality. Made of stainless steel. The shape is convenient. The optimal length is 13.4 cm, which allows you to work in the most difficult to reach places. One end of the tool resembles a spatula, used for trimmed and untrimmed manicure. Helps to clean the plate and remove the remaining coating, which is difficult to remove with professional means. Cleans dirt from under nails, pushes back cuticles, and does not leave any snags when working with the skin. A universal option that can be found in a beauty salon, at home and when teaching students how to do manicure. It arrives on store shelves in a gift cork container.
The purchase price is 1853 rubles.
Mr. Green (26735932)
Advantages:
- advanced functionality;
- good value for money;
- manufacturing material – stainless steel;
- long service life;
- reliability;
- practicality;
- versatility;
- Can be given as a gift to your mother, sister or loved one.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Silver Star (5331734)
The products are manufactured by a domestic manufacturer. Length – 14 cm. One tip is a narrow long concave blade, the second is a concave wide short blade. The coating is glossy. Makes it possible to carefully push back the growths and remove them without harming the client’s health. In this case, no hooks appear. There are two working surfaces, differing not only in shape, but also in size. The device is subjected to professional manual processing. The manufacturer uses one of the best grades of steel 42-44 HRC. Belongs to the professional category. Ideal for your own needs and helps beginner manicurists learn. The manufacturing process uses a unique technology that involves manual sharpening. This decision had a beneficial effect on the performance characteristics of the device.
You can purchase the product at a price of 1175 rubles.
Silver Star (5331734)
Advantages:
- suitable for both manicure and pedicure;
- quality of raw materials used;
- manual sharpening;
- unique production technologies;
- versatility;
- numerous positive reviews.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Orly (8918028)
Products from an American company. Used for pedicure and manicure. The main task is to remove cuticles while using the remover. Quickly and accurately removes gel polish from the surface. To do this, it is enough to soften it well and carefully remove it with a pusher. The tool can be purchased in specialized stores or ordered online in an online store. Reviews online are only positive.
The cost of the product is 1095 rubles.
Orly (8918028)
Advantages:
- convenient length;
- reliability;
- light weight;
- practicality;
- functionality;
- safety.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Rating of semi-professional devices
Jacks Beauty (7322865)
The double-sided scraper is produced in Pakistan. AISI 410 stainless steel is used in production. The main purpose is to clean the nail plate. The tip in the form of a spatula removes skin growths. A device resembling a hatchet is used to remove the pterygium. The tips are sharpened in such a way that it is impossible to cause injuries. The tool is individually hand sharpened. The shape of the device is comfortable, the sharpness of the working elements is optimal. Length – 14 centimeters. Thanks to special hardening and forging, the product will serve faithfully for many years with active use. Often found in beauty salons. Suitable for home use.
How much do the products cost? You will have to pay 877 rubles for it.
Jacks Beauty (7322865)
Advantages:
- suitable for manicure and pedicure;
- light weight;
- safety;
- practical length;
- ease of use;
- increased service life;
- unique sharpening;
- multifunctionality;
- Numerous positive reviews online.
Flaws:
- none.
Nippon Nippers (16923941)
Tools from a time-tested Vietnamese manufacturer are in deserved demand among European consumers due to their reliability, increased service life and product quality. The length of the R-05 model is 13.2 mm. The spatula is used to push away growths, the hatchet helps to free the nail bed of all excess. High-strength Japanese stainless steel is used for production. Sharpening was done manually at a professional level. You can place an order online in the online store, having previously examined the photos on display and checked the integrity of the supplier.
Purchase price – 660 rubles.
Nippon Nippers (16923941)
Advantages:
- practicality;
- inexpensive products;
- reliability;
- manual sharpening;
- quality of hand sharpening and material used;
- versatility;
- wear resistance of the coating.
Flaws:
- not installed.
Zebo Professional (15048939)
The steel product is in deserved demand among domestic consumers. Used to tidy up legs and arms. Length – 13 centimeters, weight – about 20 grams. It is purchased by both professional craftsmen for use in beauty salons and for everyday home use. The reviews are positive. Defects are not found on sale. The device is designed for a long service life. Working with it does not require any special skills. It is produced in the Middle Kingdom, but there are no complaints about the build quality.
You can purchase the products at a price of 650 rubles.
Zebo Professional (15048939
Advantages:
- reliability;
- quality of raw materials used;
- multifunctionality;
- safety;
- ease of subsequent use;
- practicality;
- compact dimensions.
Flaws:
- none.
RuNail Professional (14151936)
The scraper is made in the Celestial Empire. The tool turned out to be of high quality and wear-resistant. High quality stainless steel is used for production. The main purpose is pedicure. Equipped with rasp and excavator. Double-sided device. Allows you to quickly and painlessly eliminate the problem with ingrown toenails. One tip is a thin rasp. Helps file down ingrown toenails. The other side is curved and resembles an excavator bucket in appearance. Designed to remove dead dermis. According to experts, it is an indispensable item in a manicure set. Professional craftsmen are also in high demand. The product is made of stainless steel. Belongs to a line of products for beauty salons.
Cost – 631 rub.
RuNail Professional (14151936)
Advantages:
- Excellent value for money and quality;
- numerous positive reviews;
- practicality;
- efficiency;
- ease of subsequent use;
- high degree of safety and reliability;
- increased service life.
Flaws:
- none.
Nghia P/02 (16105194)
The model falls into the category of reliable and practical. It is especially popular among manicure specialists. It is in high demand among employees of beauty salons. Women also buy instruments for home use. Length – 12.5 cm. Base diameter – 5 mm. Has 4 surfaces. High-quality stainless steel is used in production. Helps quickly and painlessly tidy up your fingernails and toenails. The reviews are only positive. The products are manufactured in Vietnam.
Cost – 549 rubles.
Nghia P/02 (16105194)
Advantages:
- increased convenience in subsequent use;
- multifunctionality;
- increased service life;
- quality of raw materials used;
- practical parameters.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Stalex Stalex Expert 30, PE/30/1 (6965232)
The device is produced by a Ukrainian company. Surgical steel is used in manufacturing, which is durable and reliable. The handle is wide, which allows you to work with the tool for a long time without feeling tired. The grooved surface prevents slipping. Tips in the form of blades. One is narrow, the other is wide and rounded. Masters note the convenience and practicality of use, as it allows you to tidy up nail plates of different shapes and sizes. Product length – 142 mm, weight – about 50 grams.
The cost of the tool is 520 rubles.
Stalex Stalex Expert 30, PE/30/1 (6965232)
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- durability;
- wear resistance;
- does not require constant sharpening;
- copes with any nail plates;
- safety;
- reasonable cost;
- positive reviews;
- advanced functionality.
Flaws:
- not found.
Pushers for home use
Vigor (19013851)
The products are manufactured in Pakistan. Made from durable stainless steel. It is safe and practical. Can be sterilized. It is in high demand among domestic consumers due to the price-quality ratio. The reviews are only positive. Can be purchased at specialized retail outlets or ordered online in an online store.
Purchase price – 439 rubles.
Vigor (19013851)
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- practicality;
- long service life;
- safety.
Flaws:
- not installed.
Samo.Professional (17911764)
An indispensable accessory for every woman who tries to look well-groomed. The product with a double-sided working surface is made of metal. Allows you to treat cuticles, clean the inner surface of the nail, and remove dirt. The handle is ribbed, which increases the ease of use of the pusher. Doesn't slip out of your hand. Purchased for salons and nail manipulation at home. Country of origin: Korea.
The average cost is 450 rubles.
Samo.Professional (17911764)
Advantages:
- practicality;
- ease of operation;
- suitable for regular use;
- safety;
- value for money.
Flaws:
- none.
Ineira (21680665)
An interesting and practical device for decorating marigolds. Materials of manufacture: plastic and ceramics. The instrument is white. Length – 140 mm, width – 80 mm, height – 80 mm. It weighs little, which allows you to work with it for a long time, without getting tired. Delivered to store shelves in convenient packaging. Suitable for home use.
The average price is 390 rubles.
Ineira (21680665)
Advantages:
- value for money;
- ease of use;
- ease;
- safety.
Flaws:
- none.
Irisk Professionl (14331109)
The pusher is produced by an American company. Double-sided model. Suitable for pedicure and manicure. Thanks to the convenient spatula, you can quickly and efficiently clean your sinuses. Belongs to the category of multifunctional. In production, hardened steel is used. It can be tidied up in any way, including through sterilization. Suitable for home use and as a holiday gift or just like that.
The average cost is 260 rubles.
Irisk Professionl (14331109)
Advantages:
- versatility;
- positive reviews;
- advanced functionality;
- an ideal gift for a woman;
- value for money;
- reliability.
Flaws:
- not found.
Natbro Professional (23135842)
Products made from Japanese steel are in high demand among Russian women. It can safely be classified as professional, although it is purchased mainly for tidying up your fingernails and toenails yourself, without visiting a beauty salon. Length – 132 mm. Makes it possible to painlessly push away the growths and carefully free the nail plate from them. No hooks appear. A device with two working surfaces that differ in parameters and shape. The instrument is manually processed at a professional level.
The products can be purchased at specialized retail outlets at a price of 384 rubles.
Natbro Professional (23135842)
Advantages:
- professional level;
- reliability;
- safety;
- versatility;
- practicality.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Lovely (11583005)
Products from a domestic manufacturer are suitable for everyone who is used to having well-groomed hands without leaving the house. The surface of the handle is corrugated, which prevents the tool from slipping out of your hands. The rounded tip will painlessly and safely push back cuticles. The pointed side will clear away dirt and free the nail plastic from unnecessary growths. Product length – 150 mm, width – 40 mm. The reviews are only positive.
Purchase price – 250 rubles.
Lovely (11583005)
Advantages:
- reasonable cost;
- functionality;
- wear resistance;
- versatility.
Flaws:
- not identified.
How to remove cuticles with an orange stick
Safety and low probability of injury does not eliminate the need to know the basic stages of nail treatment.
- Before using a wood pusher, you should soften the cuticle. Special products or a simple warm hand bath will help in this matter;
- After softening the cuticle, use a blunt end to carefully pry the skin and move it to the base of the nail;
- At the end of the procedure, the cuticle is treated with oil to give a healthy appearance and additional hydration.
After using a wooden tool, it must be disposed of. A wooden stick cannot be sterilized and is a place for possible accumulation of bacteria.