Remember that toothpick-like stick your manicurist uses while doing your nails? They pick it up for multiple uses and some of you keep wondering what it is!
If you’re too embarrassed to ask your nail tech what that wooden stick is, we’re here to help you. Those are called “orangewood sticks” and are a staple in every manicure enthusiast’s vanity.
Here’s all that you need to know about orangewood sticks, why they’re important, and how to use them.
What Are Orangewood Sticks? Importance, How to Use and DIY?
Orangewood sticks, or simply orange sticks, are an essential tool used by estheticians and nail technicians. It is a versatile tool that comes in handy for many purposes when you’re across a manicure table.
Let’s take a deep dive into understanding what exactly these sticks are and why are they so commonly used.
What Are Orangewood Sticks For Nails?
An orangewood stick is a thin pencil-like dual-ended wooden stick. At one end of the orangewood stick is a flat bevel while the other is a pointed end. Also known as a wooden cuticle stick, the tool is versatile and multifunctional and is used by manicurists for various purposes.
While the pointed end of the orange stick resembles a toothpick and is pokey but not like a needle, the bevel end is what is used the most as it is angled and flat and sits comfortably on the nail surface.
These sticks are made of 100% natural orange wood which makes them safe and sanitary. Manicurists and even DIY nail lovers should invest in durable, high-quality orangewood sticks and follow the use-and-throw approach to avoid cross-contamination amongst clients.
Why are Orangewood Sticks Important?
Speaking of nails, orange sticks are used to push back the cuticles and remove dead skin from the surface as a part of nail prep during manicures. They are cheap to buy and easy to use but shouldn’t be reused, especially in a professional setting.
It is an important tool in a manicure vanity because it is small yet useful. It guarantees a neat and clean manicure with a gentle approach and a safe material. It is chosen as a manicure tool as it is made of a strong material dense enough not to crack or break during the process. When you use a fresh orange stick for each client, it doesn’t cause splinters or get any of you in trouble in any way.
Despite being strong and durable, the wooden cuticle stick is quite soft. And despite being soft, it doesn’t break easily when working on the cuticles. You can rest assured that it won’t harm or injure you even if you’re using it in your at-home manicures.
How to Use Orangewood Sticks and DIY?
The orangewood stick is a magic wand on your manicure tool set that you can use for various purposes:
- Use the sharp edge to remove the dirt, gunk, and buildup from under the free edge of the grown-out nails.
- Use the flat end of the wooden manicure stick to push back the cuticles and clean the nail surface.
- Use the orange stick to place nail gels or acrylic beads and tap them on the nail surface to create an apex.
- Use it during gel polish removals to lift and pry on the product after soaking. Make sure you soak your nails well in pure acetone before using the orange stick for removals.
- Use it for multiple nail art designs. The pointed edge can act as a dotting tool and can also be used for accurately placing manicure decorations like caviar beads, rhinestones, etc. The flat surface comes in handy for smoothing out nail stickers, creating 3D designs, and correcting nail art mistakes.
The multifunctional tool is all you need for many of your manicure voes.
Wrapping Up Orangewood Sticks
Understanding the significance and versatility of orangewood sticks is a game-changer for nail care enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, this simple tool is essential for achieving precision and maintaining healthy nails. By mastering the basics of how to use orange sticks, you’re not only enhancing your nail grooming skills but also embracing a sustainable and cost-effective approach to beauty.
Keep your nails in top shape and your manicure kit well-stocked with these handy sticks, and you’ll be ready for any nail art adventure that comes your way!
