Cuticle pushing is a common task done by nail technicians who want to tidy up the edges of their clients’ nails. It’s also something that many people do at home, but it can be difficult to know when and how often you should do this.
In this blog post, we are going to talk about how and when you should be pushing back your cuticles, as well as how to do it safely.
The Cuticle Pushing Process
Cuticle pushing is a quick process that involves using an orange stick or metal pusher to push the skin surrounding the nail down towards the tip of the nail. This helps tidy up any ragged edges around the free edge of nails, but should not be done too often, as it can damage the skin.
When Should You Push Back Your Cuticles?
There is no one definitive answer to this question – it depends on a number of factors, such as your occupation, lifestyle and personal preferences. However, in general you should only push back your cuticles when they are overgrown, which is when the skin around your nails begins to hang over them.
Can I Do This At Home?
Yes, you definitely can! However, it’s important that you’re careful and make sure that you only push back the cuticles on healthy nails; if they are damaged or diseased in any way then pushing back your cuticles could make them worse.
How Do I Do It Safely?
There are a few things to keep in mind when pushing back your cuticles:
- Make sure that your hands and nails are clean and free of any product or oils before you start
- Only push back the cuticles on healthy nails – if they are damaged or diseased, then pushing back your cuticles could make them worse
- Use a light pressure when pushing back the cuticles and avoid overdoing it – you don’t want to damage the skin
- If you’re doing this at home, even if you also do your gel nail polish on your own, be careful not to prick yourself with the orange stick or metal pusher
- Finish by applying a moisturizer to your hands and nails to help keep them healthy and hydrated.
Now that you know how and when to push back your cuticles, make sure to follow these tips to do it safely!
Why Do You Have to Push Up Cuticles?
Cuticles are the thin layer of skin that covers and protects the nail bed. When they are pushed back, it allows for a neater looking appearance to the nails and also keeps them from growing out too far.
It is important not to push cuticles back too often, as this can damage the skin. Only do so when they are overgrown and be sure to use a light pressure to avoid any damage. If you’re doing it at home, take care not to prick yourself with the orange stick or metal pusher.
How to Soften Your Cuticles?
There are a few ways that you can soften your cuticles before pushing them back:
- Soak your hands in warm water for several minutes before beginning
- Apply a cuticle oil or cream to your hands and nails, then rub it in well
- If you have any dead skin around the nail bed, use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently push it away from the nail
- You can also apply a small amount of lotion or hand cream to your cuticles and massage them until they are soft. Then you should be able to easily push back your cuticles without causing damage or pain. Softening up before pushing will allow for a more comfortable process, so try these methods if you need to.
What You Need for Pushing Back Your Cuticles?
You will only really need two things: an orange stick or metal pusher and moisturizer. These are the tools that you use to push back your cuticles, so they can be easily purchased at any drugstore or supermarket. Just make sure not to buy any nail files or buffers, as these can cause damage to the skin.
There are many things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to cuticle pushing. It’s easy enough if your cuticles aren’t overgrown – buy some moisturizer and an orange stick and push them back whenever you like.
However, if they are overgrown then it’s best to consult a professional to make sure that you’re doing it safely and correctly.
Why is Cuticle Health Important?
Cuticles are important because they protect the nail bed from infection and keep the nails looking neat and tidy. When they are damaged or overgrown, it can lead to a number of problems such as ingrown nails, fungal infections and even permanent damage to the nails.
It is therefore important to take care of your cuticles by keeping them hydrated and soft, and only pushing them back when they are overgrown. Use these tips to help you keep your cuticles healthy and looking good!
Cutting Overgrown Cuticles Properly
If your cuticles are overgrown, then it’s best to leave the cutting and pushing of them up to a professional.
However, if you want to do this at home then be careful not to push too hard or try removing the entire top layer with an orange stick – this can lead damage and infection in the skin.
You should only be cutting away the dead skin that is hanging over your nail bed. Be sure to moisturize afterwards and apply a rich hand cream throughout the day for added protection against dryness.
What You Need When Pushing Cuticle
When removing cuticles, you’ll need…
- Moisturizer – to soften the cuticles
- Cuticle pusher or orange stick – to gently push back the cuticles
- Nail file (optional) – to smooth out the edges of your nails
- Hand cream/lotion (optional) – to moisturize and protect the hands
- Cuticle scissors (optional) – to trim any excess skin from around your nails before pushing back the cuticles.
What Can Go Wrong When Pushing Cuticles?
Some people may not like how this looks or want to wear nail polish, in which case you can simply leave them alone! However, if you want to push back your cuticles then here are some things that can go wrong:
Cut too deep – pushing cuticles back should only be done when the top layer of skin is overgrown, not completely attached. If you try cutting them out with an orange stick or metal pusher it’s easy to slip and accidentally cause damage to the nail bed.
Infection – parts of dead skin or bacteria from your hands can get pushed back into the cuticles and infect them, causing an infection around the nails that will need medical attention to heal properly.
Cuticle damage – pushing too hard with a metal pusher or orange stick can cause permanent damage to your cuticles, causing them to dry out and crack.
What is the Role of the Cuticle on Your Nails?
As mentioned above, the cuticle is a thin layer of skin that covers and protects the nail bed.
It forms part of your epidermis – or outermost layer of skin on top of your nails. It also contains blood vessels which supply necessary nutrients to keep them looking healthy and hydrated. Cuticles contain an oil gland as well, which helps to keep the nails moisturized.
Cuticles should never be removed entirely – this can lead to infection and other problems. When they are kept neat and tidy, however, they provide a polished look to your nails.
Pushing back cuticles is an easy way to maintain their appearance without having to go to a professional. Just be sure to use the correct tools and moisturize regularly!
Final Thoughts About Cuticle Pushing
Cuticle pushing is an easy way to keep your nails looking neat and tidy.
However, it is important to only do this when necessary and to use the correct tools in order for it to be safe and effective. Be sure to moisturize regularly after pushing back your cuticles, as this will help to protect them from damage and infection.
Cuticle pushing should only be done when necessary, so it’s best not to do this too often or before a manicure appointment with a professional if needed. Using the correct tools will make the process easy and painless. And remember, don’t ever push back your cuticles fully – this can lead to infection or damage in the nail bed!
FAQs
Question: I have acrylics and my cuticles are overgrown – what do I do?
Answer: You will need to consult a professional for help cutting your nails down so they can grow back safely.
Question: My cuticles always peel off, even after pushing them back with an orange stick – why is this happening?
Answer: Peeling cuticles are often a sign of dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water and apply a rich hand cream throughout the day for best results.
Question: What is the difference between cuticle oil and hand cream?
Answer: Cuticle oils are designed specifically to moisturize and protect the cuticles, while hand creams usually contain a wider range of ingredients including sunscreen and anti-aging properties.
Question: I have a cut on my cuticle – is it okay to push it back?
Answer: If the cut is deep or bleeding, then you will need to wait for it to heal before pushing back the cuticles. Pushing them back when they are damaged can lead to infection.
Question: I have a cut on my nail bed – is it okay to push back the cuticles?
Answer: No, you should not push back the cuticles if you have a cut on your nail bed. This will increase the chances of infection. Pushing them back when they are damaged can lead to infection.
Question: Can I use a cuticle pusher to remove my cuticles?
Answer: No, you should never remove your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. This can lead to infection or damage in the skin. Only cut away the dead skin that is hanging over the nail bed.
Question: Can I use a nail clipper to remove my cuticles?
Answer: No, you should never remove your cuticles with a nail clipper. This can lead to infection or damage in the skin. Only cut away the dead skin that is hanging over the nail bed.
Question: What are the best ways to moisturize my hands and nails?
Answer: The best ways to moisturize your hands and nails are by using cuticle oil, hand cream, or both. Be sure to apply them throughout the day for best results.
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