How to Use a Cuticle Pusher

Learn advanced nail care in the comfort of home with this handy guide

Co-authored by Kristin Pulaski

Last Updated: January 15, 2024 Approved

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

Download Article

1
For best results, soften the nails and cuticles before using the 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.
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.

Advertisement
This will help soften the cuticles even more.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Push Back the Cuticles

Download Article

1
Use the rounded part of the cuticle pusher to push back the cuticles on the surface of the nail.^{[1]
X
Research source} 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]
X
Research source} You can also use this tip to clean under the nails. Repeat this process for all the nails.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Choose a Cuticle Pusher

Download Article

Steel cuticle pushers are best for tough, hard cuticles. Wooden cuticle pushers are best for soft cuticles.
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.

Video

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

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.

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
Yes No

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.
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
Yes No

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
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 22

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Instead of using cuticle remover or cuticle oil, petroleum jelly is also an effective cuticle softener.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Make sure to cut off any hangnails as closely to the base as possible without causing injury to the nail or the skin.

Thanks
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 3
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.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1