What is the primary purpose of a cuticle pusher?

The primary purpose of a cuticle pusher is to push back cuticles. This tool is designed specifically to help in the maintenance of the nail area by gently pushing the cuticle away from the nail plate, thereby promoting a clean and well-groomed appearance. Properly pushing back the cuticles can help in preventing hangnails and maintaining nail health, as it can help to expose more of the nail surface for additional treatments or polish application.

In the context of nail care, pushing back cuticles is important because it allows for better application of nail products and contributes to overall nail hygiene. This process prepares the nails for manicures and can enhance their appearance by giving a neat outline to the nail shape.

The other provided options relate to different functions that do not align with the primary purpose of a cuticle pusher. Polishing the nail surface involves using buffers or files, removing nail polish typically requires a solvent or remover, and clipping hangnails is performed with specialized nail scissors or clippers. Each of these tasks necessitates different tools and techniques, demonstrating why pushing back cuticles distinctly defines the role of a cuticle pusher.