Types of pushers - comparison, characteristics, operating rules

A pusher is a special manicure tool that will be difficult to do without. Well-groomed, delicate and beautiful hands, with neat nails and perfect manicure are the dream of any woman or girl. And men, especially business men, are increasingly trying to make a favorable impression, always trying to look impeccable. However, many mistakenly believe that in order for your hands to look beautiful and well-groomed, you need to regularly visit modern beauty salons, where professionals will do everything as needed.

This is a common misconception, because everyone can purchase a manicure set on their own and take care of their hands correctly and regularly. But first, you should understand some of the tools that you will definitely need in your work. Today we will help you find out what a manicure pusher is, how to choose it and how to use it correctly.

Types of pushers

1. Unilateral. It has only one working side in the form of a spatula and performs the main function - it pushes back the overgrown skin, releasing the nail plate.

2. Bilateral. One of the sides is equipped with a spatula, and the other with a sharp end of a certain shape. The device allows you to free the surface from the growth with the wide side, and clean off the stratum corneum with the sharp end.

3. Double sided with trimmer . In this case, a trimmer means a sharpened V-shaped cutting tip. When using the device, the extended side of the skin is moved towards the base, after which the growth is cut off with a trimmer.
4. According to the shape of the wide side, the scraper can be round, square, semicircular and pointed. This variety allows you to choose a scraper for any type of nail plate.
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There are four types of material:

1. Metal . Made of medical steel, it is easily disinfected with other manicure equipment.
2. Wooden - Orange stick. The beveled edge allows you to easily move the skin growth to the base of the nail, and the pointed edge is used to cleanse away dirt.
3. Plastic . It has a familiar appearance - a blade on one side and a pointed end on the other. It is made of safe plastic, but is not durable.
4. Plastic with tip. Used only for home manicure. Disinfection is ineffective. To prepare the nail for work, the plastic version is almost never used. Depending on the tip material, such a pusher can be:
   Ceramic . One of the sides is a ceramic bar. Cleaning the cuticle is achieved by grinding with an abrasive tip;
5. Silicone . The plastic base is complemented by a silicone tip. Of all the available varieties, it is the safest.
6. Silicon . In this variation, the tip is made of silicon and, due to its abrasive properties, copes with pre-softened cuticle.
7. Rubber. The beveled rubber tip is used to move the skin tag.

Scraper VS pusher - what's the difference?

Pusher and scraper: two in one

Manicure blades are called pushers and scrapers, but these concepts serve to designate different devices. Let's look at the main differences between them:

1. The pusher is used to push the cuticle away from the nail plane. In its classic form, the tool does not have a cutting surface (special knife) - there is only a blade.
2. Using a scraper (hatchet or knife), remove burrs, dirt from under the nails, and trim overgrown cuticles.

Why are the concepts confused? The fact is that a traditional spatula (pusher) is often combined with a knife (scraper) - and the result is a universal tool. On one side of such a device (2 in 1) there is a scraper, and on the other there is a pusher, so it is impossible to put an equal sign between these concepts.

A pusher and a scraper are completely different tools. In this case, one tool can serve as both a pusher and a scraper.

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.

What to look for when choosing

1. Quality. An element made of a high-alloy medical alloy is recognized as the best for everyday use. With proper care: good sharpening and frequent disinfection, such a scraper will serve for a long time.
2. Form. Those with narrow almond-shaped nails should give preference to oval pushers, but those with other types of plates should pay attention to a square, round, concave or flat blade. You can understand which of these variations is yours by simply comparing it with the shape of your nail.
3. Oval specimens that work with any type of plate are recognized as multifunctional.
4. The functionality of the scraper should be determined by the personal needs of each person.
5. The next selection criterion is the popularity of the brand and the method of purchase. It is advisable not to purchase the product on the market or in dubious shops. Or it would be better to even order it online from a company boutique, based on customer reviews and the reputation of the manufacturer itself.
6. Comfort of use is one of the main requirements for the device. The handle of the scraper should not only be of high quality, but also as comfortable as possible; it is good if the tool also matches the length of the palm. For 2022, you can find options from 110 to 150 mm, therefore, the best choice would be a model equal to the size of the master’s brush. The holder should not slip out or twist during operation; such a small thing can lead to injury to the nail. In this regard, it is worth paying special attention to the quality of the handle. There are 2 types of gutter - completely smooth and with a rough surface.

An original innovation in the beauty industry was a scraper with a magnetized working head, which makes it possible to create an intricate design.

Video tips for choosing a pusher:

Tips on how to care for a pusher

Each manicure instrument should belong to only one person, but even in this case it is recommended to periodically sterilize it after use; the following are suitable for this:

• various antiseptics;
• boiling;
• treatment with an ultraviolet lamp.

The salons have separate chambers for sterilization. In domestic conditions, this process is carried out only by boiling. A steamer, conventional oven or microwave is suitable for this. However, plastic or wooden utensils should not be boiled. For such structures, other rules of care are optimal. For example, it will be enough to wipe them with an alcohol-containing solution every time after using this scraper/pusher. Metal instruments are completely unpretentious in this regard; they can be boiled, exposed to ultraviolet light, or even simply wiped with alcohol. Periodically, the sharp part of the device needs to be sharpened, so with regular use, one procedure throughout the year will be enough. However, this process cannot be done on your own; it is better to seek help from a specialist. To properly store the element, it is advisable to use a special case.

How to choose

1. Decide on the material. For a high-quality manicure, it is better to use a metal product. Safety is guaranteed by a disposable pusher made of plastic or wood;
2. Metal utensils cope better with hard skin, while wooden ones are perfect for soft skin;
3. When choosing a double-sided metal scraper, it is important to evaluate its sharpness. The cutting side should be sharp and cut the skin without effort;
4. The metal base must be ribbed or with a special anti-slip coating. A smooth and slippery surface causes discomfort during work;
5. The shape of the shoulder blade requires special attention. A spatula with a round or square tip can handle wide nail plates. For narrow ones, it is better to choose a pointed end;
6. The work area should be smooth. No nicks or burrs! To check, you just need to run a spatula across your palm - a high-quality one does not cling to the skin.

How to use a spatula

Rules for using a pusher that will help avoid injuries and defects of the nail and cuticle:

1. Before starting the procedure, be sure to remove any covering. Nails decorated with gel polish or other means force you to change the angle of the pusher.
2. Even after thorough treatment with ultraviolet light or a solution, before use you need to wipe the scraper with an antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide;
3. Do not use the device on dry cuticles. First you need to steam your skin in a warm bath. An unsteamed growth will respond to any physical impact with ruptures.
4. When working with leather, maintain an angle of 45 degrees. This tilt will allow you to cope with the main task and avoid damage to the nail plate;
5. The spatula is applied to the area where the cuticle is formed and carefully moved to the base. The movement should be made from the side ridges to the middle of the nail plate;
6. Remains of skin after work can be removed with the second end of the device;
7. After treating the nail, you need to apply oil to soften it.

Cuticle Care Rules - A Guide to Products and Procedures

Proper use does not cause discomfort or bleeding.

Examples of using

The shape of the working part of a manicure tool for nail care indicates its purpose. Thus, a one-sided pusher with a spatula at the end is used to push the pterygium and keratinized skin towards the nail fold. The spatula is used in classic and European (unedged) manicure.

A double-sided pusher for manicure, with a spatula and a hatchet (scraper), removes pterygium, hangnails, and cleans the side rollers from keratinized skin residues and dirt. This device is used to give the nail plates the desired shape and to clean the skin underneath them.

A double-sided tool, with a spatula and a spatula, is used for pedicure: the cuticle is pushed back with a spatula, calluses and ingrown nails are removed with a spatula knife. A pusher with a spatula is also used in preparation for a hardware pedicure, performed with a special machine with replaceable cutters.

Processing and storage of metal tools

• After each use, the device is sterilized. The metal scraper is subject to deep processing in an oven, solution or under ultraviolet light. Wooden is used once, after which it is disposed of, plastic is treated with an alcohol solution or hydrogen peroxide;
• Even if the device is used at home, it is important to clean it after the procedure. The surface can become a breeding ground for bacteria;
• After processing, the scraper should be in a separate case or together with other accessories undergoing sterilization. The most important thing is that the permanent storage location must be dry.
• The device needs to be sharpened once a year, but you shouldn’t do it yourself. An attempt to sharpen the pusher may cause its irreversible damage.

How and with what to disinfect, sterilize and clean manicure instruments

Rating of quality semi-professional tools

Mertz A283

Over the years, it has been proven more than once that the products of the German brand are of high quality combined with reasonable prices. In particular, tools from this manufacturer are in great demand among nail salon workers, as they are made from the highest quality steel. Many Mertz products are sharpened exclusively by hand, which guarantees great care when working with the smallest details.

pusher Mertz A283

Advantages:

• The scraper does not damage the skin next to the nail;
• it is easy and convenient to work with;
• has sharp and rounded working parts;
• inexpensive options;
• removes subungual dirt well;
• Suitable for preventing ingrown toenails.

Flaws:

• No.

Yoko SI 025 glossy

As of 2022, the company occupies one of the leading places among the creators of materials and devices for the cosmetics industry. The brand produces not only expensive products for professionals, but also high-quality budget options, which allows it to occupy a leading position in the domestic market. Scrapers of this brand with a glossy finish are actively used at home and in salons, making it easier to prepare the cuticle for the subsequent action.

pusher Yoko SI 025 glossy

Advantages:

• The instrument is almost not felt in the hand;
• it is easy and pleasant for them to work;
• aesthetic appearance;
• high quality materials;
• good value.

Flaws:

• Very sharp and can cause damage to the nail plate;
• inconvenient for left-handers.

Zinger

The well-known company launched the production of manicure devices relatively recently, but this did not stop it from quickly winning the sympathy of both ordinary women and nail service workers. Traditional German pedantry is noticeable at almost every stage of production: the composition of the steel, the quality of sharpening, and selection of shape. Among the corporation's offerings you can find affordable products and more expensive instruments with an individual storage case.

Zinger pusher

Advantages:

• The device is equipped with two tips;
• the scraper has good sharpening;
• looks stylish
• reliable;
• durable.

Flaws:

• There are low-quality analogues.

Plastic pusher

A plastic pusher can be found in stores under the name “Stack stick”. The base of the tool is made of plastic, and the tips are available in several options: silicone, rubber, silicon and ceramic.

Types of plastic pushers:

• Silicone . The silicone edge of the pusher allows you to painlessly and safely cope with the main task - moving the cuticle to the base. It will not be possible to remove skin growths from the nail plate with such a device, since silicone is not sufficiently rigid and sharp;
• Rubber . It has the same plastic base, but one of the ends of the tool is made using rubber. Allows you to clean the nail plate and move the cuticle;
• Ceramic . Does not damage the nail plate and its structure, used for both classic manicure and trim;
• Silicon . In this case, silicon does an excellent job of moving the cuticle and is used to remove the softened gel coating.

How to work with a plastic pusher

When using a plastic pusher, you should adhere to the following rules:

• Like the orange one, the plastic tool is used after preliminary softening of the cuticle;
• Regardless of the tip material, the cuticle is gently lifted and moved to the base. When dry, the tips can act as an abrasive and file away minor skin tags.

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 professional devices 2022

Staleks PRO

The “Expert” line is designed specifically for manicure specialists. To create this series, innovative developments from our own design bureau were used. Thanks to this, the tool is relevant not only for nail professionals, but also for brow and lash cosmetology workers. Each product is based on steel with high corrosion resistance, and careful workmanship ensures maximum efficiency in operation. The EXPERT 10 TYPE 6 model has two functional surfaces. The main advantage of this tandem was the special bent blade of the scraper, which increases its functionality.

pusher Staleks PRO

Advantages:

• This option allows you to remove gel polish from the nail surface.
• pleasant roundness of the handle;
• does not slip;
• comfortable;
• suitable for pedicure;
• average price.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Metzger

The products of this corporation are recognized as professional, which is confirmed by a number of certificates of conformity. Each of the tools produced by the company consists only of alloy steel. The high quality of the structure for creating the device is documented in the form of various international certificates of conformity. To maintain the proper level of sharpness of the element, the creator uses special silicone caps. The PU-164 scraper has a matte finish and consists entirely of carbon forged medical steel that is non-corrosive.

pusher Metzger

Advantages:

• All instruments are hand sharpened;
• can also be used for pedicure;
• For comfort, there is an abrasive on the holder;
• good sharpness;
• acceptable cost.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Lazeti

The representative of the MC-0010 series is functional on both sides, there is a hatchet and a slightly convex blade. On the inside it is well polished, but on the outer surface it is thinned, which makes working with it simple and effortless. Half of the tool is topped with a hatchet, which rids the periungual area of ​​unpleasant growths, removes keratinized layers and removes particles from the remaining varnish. And the comfortable handle allows you to carefully prepare the nail plate for an exquisite manicure.

pusher Lazeti

Advantages:

• High strength;
• durable;
• does not scratch the surface of the nail;
• hypoallergenic material;
• made very carefully;
• correct form;
• You can use a disinfectant solution.

Flaws:

• No.

Metaleks RP-526

The product has two working surfaces and a light glossy body. The tool allows you to use it both as a scraper and as a pusher. Using a rounded spatula, simply push back the cuticle and remove a thin layer of skin, avoiding the formation of hangnails. It is also very convenient for her to carry out preliminary preparation of the nail before extensions.

pusher Metaleks RP-526

Advantages:

• Beautiful execution;
• moderately spicy;
• manual sharpening;
• ergonomic body;
• fights rough skin;
• removes dirt well;
• helps create a beautiful nail shape.

Flaws:

• Not found.

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.

TOP scrapers for household use

O.P.I.

This option is not just a two-sided tool, but also a tandem of 2 textures at once. So one side ends with a silicone pusher, and the other with a plastic scraper. Inexpensive products have different color shades and accessories come in a set of 5 pieces, however, if desired, you can buy them separately.

pusher OPI

Advantages:

• Despite its external fragility, the scraper copes with its task perfectly;
• cheerful colors;
• good quality;
• can be sterilized;
• There are 5 pieces included in the set.

Flaws:

• There are fakes.

Runail Professional

Model RU-0151 with chrome plating is designed for careful removal of cuticles and cleansing of pterygium. The device has two working surfaces, and the handle is supplemented with anti-slip particles.

pusher Runail Professional

Advantages:

• Supplied in blister packaging;
• quite spicy;
• optimal length;
• convenient holder.
• can be steamed.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Silver Star Classic

The purpose of this device is to create a beautiful and correct shape of nails, but it also does an excellent job of cleaning and preparing them for manicure. This scraper is created together with a pusher, which is responsible for cleaning the free and side parts of the nail. The latter has a good sharpening, which, however, does not prevent it from being safe for use. And the ergonomic handle is equipped with a number of special notches that prevent the tool from sliding during operation.

pusher Silver Star Classic

Advantages:

• Suitable for use at home or in a nail salon;
• convenient to use;
• manual sharpening;
• fits nicely in the palm of your hand.

Flaws:

• Not suitable for inexperienced craftsmen;
• slides.

Wooden instrument

A wooden pusher is an orange stick familiar to many. It is made from orange tree bark and has two working tips. On one side the tip is beveled and flat, on the other it is sharp, cone-shaped.

The material used by different manufacturers is the same – tree bark. Depending on the brand, the stick can be from 7 to 15 centimeters. The required length is selected based on the convenience of the specific user.

Features of orange stick:

• Due to the use of high-quality bark, the product becomes durable and reliable, but has a soft effect on the nail plate. Using a wooden product minimizes damage to the nail;
• In addition to its main function, a wooden instrument has an antiseptic property;
• The tip can be given a suitable shape using a manicure file.

Using an orange stick in manicure

Despite its apparent simplicity, a wooden stick is used not only for working with epithelial growths.

How to use an orange stick:

• The main task is to work with the cuticle and shape the nail plate;
• A common application is to remove softened gel coating. Due to its softness and simultaneous strength, acrylic can be removed without much difficulty, while the nail remains undamaged;
• Decoration and design. It is the wooden stick that is used to install rhinestones, stickers and other decorative elements on the nail.
• Some manufacturers produce a wooden stick with an abrasive tip. In this format, it acts as a pusher and also acts as a light polisher for the nail and side rollers.

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.

Precautions when using a pusher, scraper and trimmer

Your nails will always be in order, and you will not encounter unpleasant consequences as a result of incorrect use of the tool if you follow simple rules.

1. Forget about the rush . One careless movement and a scraper or trimmer can damage the skin.
2. You will only work on a hard, flat surface , and not on weight.
3. Buy a special cuticle oil or cream - they are needed to soften the delicate skin.
4. You will try to cut off any burrs as close to the base as possible .
5. Don’t skimp on your beauty and health: a quality tool is already half the success.

Practice working as a pusher and scraper with an experienced manicurist: