You may have weak brittle nails after years of consecutive manicure treatments, but applying cuticle oil correctly can make a big visible difference. This multipurpose product will help more than just the base of your nails. Before you know it, you’ll have stronger healthier nails from bed to tip if you add it to your nail care routine.
Cuticle oil is essential for nail health, according to award winning nail artist and beauty creator Jessica White. She tells Glamour, “It’s the one step that makes the biggest visible and structural difference.” “Oiling your nails on a regular basis will keep them stronger, shinier, and healthier over time, even if you do nothing else regularly.
Cuticle oil: what is it?
It’s useful to know what cuticle oil is and how it functions before we move on to application advice properly. According to White, “cuticle oil is a concentrated blend of nourishing oils designed to hydrate nail plate and the cuticle area.” Because it penetrates deeply to soften dry cuticles, increase flexibility, and maintain the health of nail matrix, think of it as a serum for nails. Even without color, nails tend to appear glossier smoother and more polished when the cuticle area remains hydrated.
Why is cuticle oil necessary for strong, healthy nails?
In addition to damage from gel and acrylic nails, picking, biting, and harsh chemical exposure can also result in brittleness thinning peeling, and splitting. According to White, “cuticle oil is one of the simplest but most transformative steps in nail care routine.” Frequent oiling helps prevent peeling and splitting, increases nail elasticity, and replenishes lost natural lipids. Additionally, it’s essential for preserving surrounding nail skin, which promotes healthy nail growth and lessens irritation and painful hangnails formation.
How does cuticle oil function?
According to White, “dehydration causes the keratin layers that make up nails to separate and weaken, which results in peeling and breakage.” Cuticle oil helps the nail retain moisture and maintain its flexibility by penetrating nail layers and strengthening its natural lipid barrier. Because it bends rather than snaps, a flexible nail becomes strong. She suggests searching for cuticle oils rich in almond oil, jojoba, and vitamin E—ingredients that work especially well because they imitate the natural oils found in nails.
How to properly apply cuticle oil
When your nails are at their most dehydrated state, such as after washing your hands or taking off nail polish completely, White suggests applying cuticle oil carefully. “Gently massage a tiny drop into the nail and surrounding skin area after applying it to each cuticle,” she advises. “The massage is extremely important because it promotes healthy nail growth and improves circulation.” Before using hand cream or nail polish, she advises letting the oil completely absorb first “so it doesn’t dilute the products or polish adhesion.”
How frequently should cuticle oil be applied?
According to White, “cuticle oil should ideally be applied every day, especially if you wear gel nails, use hand sanitizer frequently, or are exposed to cold weather.” “Twice a day can be very helpful for extremely dry nails.” The good news? Your nails will only absorb required oil as they require, so you really can’t overuse cuticle oil. Consistency is more crucial, according to White: “little and often is better than large amount weekly.”
How can I naturally strengthen my nails?
White advises wearing protective gloves for cleaning and avoiding using nails as tools for opening cans or peeling stubborn stickers in addition to using cuticle oil regularly to strengthen and repair nails. She also points out that using a nail file incorrectly is another error, advising gentle filing technique in one direction, rather than sawing back and forth to prevent nail splitting damage. Above all, keep in mind that proper nail hydration is crucial, so applying cuticle oil and hand cream on a regular daily basis is crucial.
