Pushers

Cuticle Pushers: Choosing the Right Pair of Ends

With a double-ended pusher, you are really choosing two tools at once. One end pushes the cuticle back, the other cleans or lifts. The right pair depends on the shape of your clients' nails and on how much pterygium you usually remove.

Pusher End: Which Shape for Which Nail

• Straight flat: a straight edge for precise work along the cuticle line and deep in the side corners. A good choice for square and squoval nails.
• Rounded: follows a curved cuticle line without pressure points, the most versatile shape for oval and almond nails.
• Wide rounded: covers more of the cuticle in one movement, faster on wide nail plates and toenails.
• Beveled: a thinner, angled edge that gets close to the cuticle and lifts pterygium stuck to the nail plate.

Second End: Cleaner or Loop

• Cleaner: a narrow, pointed end for cleaning under the free edge and along the side folds.
• Loop: an open ring that scrapes off lifted pterygium and residue from the nail plate without scratching it.

If you remove a lot of pterygium, choose a pusher with a loop. If you mainly clean the side folds and under the free edge, choose one with a cleaner.

What Does TYPE Mean in STALEKS Names?

STALEKS pushers in one series share the same handle, and the TYPE number indicates the combination of working ends. The product name shows the combination in brackets, for example a rounded pusher and cleaner, or a beveled pusher and loop. If you like a series, you can choose a different TYPE within it for another end shape.

Pedicure and Podology Curettes

Curettes have a small spoon-shaped end that cleans the side folds and under the nail edge on toenails, where a pusher cannot reach. Some double-ended curettes combine the spoon with a pusher or a toenail cleaner. More pedicure instruments are in podology instruments.

STALEKS Pushers by Series

• CLASSIC: affordable everyday pushers for home manicure. See the CLASSIC series.
• SMART: professional pushers with rounded, wide and flat ends for daily salon work.
• EXPERT: pushers with beveled, flat and rounded ends paired with a loop or cleaner, and pedicure curettes. See the EXPERT series.
• PODO: curettes designed for podology.

All of them are STALEKS instruments made of stainless steel.

Before and After the Pusher

Soften the cuticle first with a cuticle remover. After pushing back, trim the lifted skin with cuticle scissors or nippers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pusher is best for beginners?

A rounded pusher with a cleaner. It follows the cuticle line naturally, does not create pressure points and the cleaner covers the rest of a basic manicure.

When should I choose a beveled pusher?

When pterygium sticks firmly to the nail plate. The thinner angled edge gets under it more easily than a rounded end.

Loop or cleaner – which second end do I need?

A loop for removing lifted pterygium from the nail plate, a cleaner for the side folds and under the free edge. Many technicians keep one of each.

Should I push back the cuticle before or after the cuticle remover?

After. Apply the remover, wait for the time stated by the manufacturer and then push back the softened cuticle.

How do I avoid scratching the nail plate?

Hold the pusher at a low angle, almost flat to the nail, and work with light movements without pressing into the nail plate.