How to: use manicure sticks like a nail professional

Also referred to as a manicure stick, the orangewood stick is a simple yet effective tool of the nail trade that can be used to eliminate excess cuticle, dirt, debris and enamel, but despite its seemingly safe appearance, using the wrong technique can quickly lead to a set of traumatized talons that are prone to soreness and infection.

In order to prevent the manicure mistakes associated with the misuse of orangewood sticks, check out my following tips on how to free the fingertips of excess dirt and debris in a safe and sensible manner...

Pre-prep
Prior to treatment, both the pointed and rounded end of the orangewood stick must be covered with a small but workable piece of clean cotton wool to:

• prevent the orangewood stick from scratching the nail plate - this is particularly important if you're using the rounded end of the stick to eliminate excess cuticle from the nail plate
• collect any dirt and/or debris from under the free edge, nail plate and/or surrounding skin - this will allow you to ensure that the treatment remains as hygienic as possible and discard and replace the cotton wool immediately after use on each hand
• cushion the cuticle in order to prevent stick induced damage to the cuticle and nail plate - subjecting the base of the natural nail plate to damage via the orangewood stick and/or too much pressure can disturb activity in the matrix and as a result, create ridges in the nail as the damaged cells are forced to grow along the nail bed.

Excess dirt and debris should be eliminated in the following way:

• holding a small tissue under each finger, the pointed end of the orangewood stick - tipped with clean cotton wool - should be positioned under the free edge at a 45 degree angle
• starting at the centre of the free edge, the orangewood stick must be gently rolled from the centre to the right of the nail, then from the centre to the left of the nail in order to remove any excess dirt - the debris can be transferred onto the tissue and discarded with the cotton wool after each hand has been treated.

Although orangewood sticks are safe in the right hands, care must be taken to avoid pressing the point of the stick against the hyponychium - the watertight seal under the free edge that can often be seen in cases of severe nail biting- which will not only cause pain due to this particular areas rich supply of nerve endings, but expose the nail bed to bacteria and infection if the seal is broken.