You should never remove your cuticle, but using a cuticle pusher may not be as abhorrent as some people make it out to be. This will show you the best way to do it for your perfect DIY manicure! The key here is moderation and if you take the preventive measures necessary, you’ll reap the benefits and avoid the unpleasant side effects. Find out what pushing back your cuticles can do for you and what’s the best way to do it.
3 Benefits of Using a Cuticle Pusher
#1 Aesthetics
The main reason why people push back or remove cuticles is for a much prettier manicure. Cuticles cover the bed of the nail, often creating an unaesthetic sight. When you push it back, you will give the illusion of a longer fingernail and make it look more oval and evenly-shaped.
#2 Cuticle Biting
Just like nail-biting, cuticle biting is a compulsive behavior that mostly stems from anxiety and nervousness. Those that struggle with it would be best off by pushing back their cuticles, so that the temptation disappears altogether.
#3 Peeling and Flaking
For some, cuticles require special care so that they don’t become dry or damaged. If they do, this can lead to peeling or flaking. Not only is it particularly bothersome to the eye, but this can potentially develop into damage for your fingernail.
How to Use a Cuticle Pusher
The best way to push back your cuticles is by heading over to a specialized manicurist. But if you’ve already been there and done that, you are probably ready to take the matter into your own hands. If you follow these steps, it should actually be a fairly simple process.
Step #1 – Supplies
You will need to prepare by acquiring a[easyazon_link identifier=”B00198ZPU2″ locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]cuticle pusher[/easyazon_link] and a [easyazon_link identifier=”B01DS7LX2K” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]cuticle remover[/easyazon_link].
Cuticle pushers come in all kinds of forms and shapes. When making your pick, you will need to decide whether it’s made from steel or wood, first of all. Steel pushers are most suitable for hardened cuticles and wood is best for the softer ones. Next, the shape of the tip will also be a criterion you need to think over. Decide according to the shape of your nail.
Step #2 – Preparation
Soften your nails so that the cuticle pushing will be smooth and easy. Apply cuticle remover and then soak for nails in a bowl of water for about five minutes. If your cuticles aren’t soft, you may risk acting too harshly when pushing them back, which could result in painful lesions.
Dry your nails off with a soft towel afterwards.
Step #3 – Pushing
With a rounded tip of a pusher, gently slide it across the surface of the nail into the cuticles, pushing them back to the bottom of the nail bed. With the sharper end, push against the cuticles around the corners of your nails.
Repeat this process for every nail.
Wrapping Up
Using a cuticle pusher is easier than you may think. The most important things to remember are to soften them up to avoid damage and to never remove them entirely. If you do so, you will leave your nails vulnerable in the face of bacteria, fungi, and yeast.