A cuticle pusher pushes the softened cuticle back from the nail plate and lifts dead tissue before a manicure, gel or acrylic service. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks stainless steel pushers, pushers with an ingrown nail lifter, stone pushers and single-use wooden and plastic sticks from ONME, NGHIA, MBI, Staleks and Silver Star.
Types of cuticle pushers
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel pusher | Everyday cuticle prep at the manicure table; reusable after cleaning and disinfection. | ONME #501, ONME #502, ONME #4, NGHIA S 506, Stainless steel pusher, Paie pusher |
| Pusher with ingrown nail lifter | Pedicure work: one end pushes the cuticle, the other lifts and cleans along the nail edge. | MBI-302, MBI 340 Plus |
| Stone pusher | Smoothing off dead cuticle tissue left on the nail plate. | Stone pusher 5 pcs, Stone nail file / cuticle remover |
| Wooden and plastic sticks | Single-use cuticle work, cleaning under the free edge and applying product: one per client. | Silver Star MB4 90 mm, Silver Star MB5 160 mm, Silver Star MB7 160 mm, Plastic nail sticks |
How to choose a cuticle pusher
- Check both ends. Most metal pushers pair a flat or spoon end for pushing with a narrower end for the sidewalls and under the free edge; pick the shapes that suit the nails you see most.
- Metal for the station, wood for one client. Stainless steel can be cleaned and disinfected between clients; wooden sticks are porous, so use a new one each time.
- For pedicures, an MBI pusher with an ingrown nail lifter puts two jobs on one tool.
- Soften first. A cuticle remover or a warm soak makes pushing easier and gentler on the nail.
Related: Cuticle nippers, Cuticle softener / remover, Cuticle oil, Sterilizers & disinfection, All hand tools
Cuticle pusher FAQ
Metal or wooden cuticle pusher: which should I use?
Use a stainless steel pusher for most salon work: it holds its shape and can be cleaned and disinfected between clients. Wooden sticks are softer and gentler, but they are porous and cannot be disinfected, so they are single-use. Many techs keep both at the station.
How do I clean a metal cuticle pusher between clients?
Scrub off visible debris with soap and water first, then fully immerse the pusher in a hospital-grade disinfectant for the contact time on the label, or sterilize it if your salon uses an autoclave. Rinse, dry and store it in a clean, covered container until the next client.
How hard should I press when pushing back cuticles?
Lightly. Hold the pusher at a low angle and let it glide over softened skin, lifting only the dead tissue on the nail plate. Pressing hard or digging at the cuticle line can damage the nail growing underneath, which shows up later as ridges or dents.
Order online for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours, or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada.