What is an orange stick for nails? Have you ever used an orange stick to push back your cuticles? The main purpose of wooden orange sticks is to clean under and around nails and to push back cuticles.
Clean and healthy looking fingernails, toenails and cuticles always look beautiful. Keep reading to learn more about orange sticks and to see how to push back cuticles with these manicure stick.
What is an Orange Stick for Nails and Cuticles?
An orange stick can be used to clean your nails and push back cuticles. The stick is usually made from wood but it can also be made of metal. Sometimes, however, it is orange. Manicurists may use one end for specific functions, while the other ends are more pointed and sharp. It is lightweight and inexpensive, so it’s easy to keep your nails in good shape while on the move.
These tools can be small and resemble a pencil at first glance. They are typically approximately 4 inches long (about 10 cm), and range from 0.25 to 1.5 inches (about 1.25cm) in diameter. As such, they can be comfortably held in the palms most people’s hands. Flat ends are used most commonly to push the cuticles out of the nails beds. The sharper, pointed end can be used to remove debris underneath the nail.
For manicures and pedicures, orange sticks are a great tool. Modern orange sticks are often made from inexpensive wood and come in multipacks of 10 or more. These orange sticks are usually disposable and don’t last a lifetime. While metal models are more durable, they tend to be more costly.
The origin of the name “orange sticks” is a matter of controversy. The common belief is that the tools were originally made from wood from the orange tree. Another theory states that the sticks were delivered to clients by an early manufacturer in orange paper envelopes. Regardless of its origins, the name stuck regardless. The sticks are seldom orange-colored.
Using Orange Sticks For Manicures and pedicures
These tools are usually used at the beginning or end of a manicure. Clients usually soften their cuticles by first soaking their hands in warm water. The manicurist will push the cuticle skin down on the nail with the flat end of a stick once the skin has become loose and malleable. As the delicate skin around the nails is sensitive, this action should be done gently. You can also buff the nail’s top to a satin finish with the flat end.
Often, soaking the hands in warm water will loosen any dirt or other debris underneath the fingernail. The pointed end of a nail technician’s tool can be used to remove this debris, but they should not poke the sensitive skin below the nailbed. If polish has been applied, the stick might make a comeback at the end. Either the flat or pointed edge can be used to clean up any errant colors and keep the edges neat and tidy.
You can use the tool during a pedicure in the same manner, but most technicians make sure to keep the sticks on your feet and hands separate. A person who is getting both a manicure or pedicure at the same time will need two orange stick. This is usually a precaution as bacteria can often be found on the feet. Although bacteria is most likely to pass through skin that has been broken, the delicate nature of the work done around the cuticles can cause infection.
How to Push Back Nail Cuticles with an Orange Stick at Home?
Individuals also love to use these sticks for their nails, whether they are using them as a part of a regular manicure or as a way of maintaining and improving their nails. They are easy to carry and affordable. They may also include a protective case that protects them from dirt and dust.
Manicure sticks will keep your nails looking neat and clean by cleaning under the nail edge, while the other side will push excess cuticles back.
Using Orange Sticks Video Guide
This video goes over fingernails but it can easily be used the same way for toenails to. It is a great demonstration that shows how helpful this simple tool can be.
Safety and Health Precautions For Using Orange Sticks
To prevent infection, orange sticks must be kept sterile. This is especially important for salons that have multiple clients per day. After each use, metal sticks should be thoroughly cleaned and soaked in antibacterial solution. Wooden nails are usually thrown away by professional nail salons after one use. They can become contaminated with bacteria and germs, making it difficult to clean the wooden surfaces.
These precautions may be less important if the sticks are used only by one person. However, cleanliness is still essential. It is important to wash the tools before inserting them under the nails or piercing the cuticle. Sharing with others is discouraged.
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