Many people consider cuticle oil to be an insignificant product in nail and cuticle care, but this is far from true. Imagine that a small drop of this oil can extend the life of your manicure by as much as a few days. Intrigued? Cuticle oil not only intensely moisturises and repairs dry cuticles, but it also forms a protective barrier that helps keep your nail polish on your nails for longer. This is especially useful when you accidentally touch up your nails and they're not completely dry yet - the oil helps prevent chipping and smearing. To learn more about the benefits and proper use of cuticle oil, we turned to the experts in the manicure industry.
Keep reading to find out how to properly use cuticle oil and how it benefits your nails.
What is cuticle oil?
Cuticle oil usually contains vegetable oils such as olive oil, apricot oil, almond oil, avocado oil or coconut oil. This product is designed to be applied to the cuticle, i.e. the skin around the nails, to nourish both the cuticle and the nail itself. Pure avocado oil is especially recommended for fingertips if your nails are prone to brittleness and delamination.
Benefits of cuticle oil
✅ Moisturises the cuticle. Cuticle oil effectively moisturises and nourishes the dry skin around the nails, providing quick hydration. It is recommended to choose oils rich in nutrients that are easily absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy sheen. Almond oil is particularly useful: it intensively regenerates the skin and its vitamins A, E, B1, B2 and B6 provide deep moisturisation.
✅ Strengthens weak nails. The oil helps maintain the elasticity of the skin and nails, which prevents hangnails and brittle nails. This is especially important for cuticles exposed to extreme weather conditions such as frost or hot sun, or those that suffer from cracking due to frequent contact with salt water, chlorinated pools or aggressive cleaning products.
✅ Stimulates nail growth. Cuticle oil not only effectively cares for damaged nails, but also prevents further damage. As with hair, long and healthy nails are often a sign of good maintenance. In addition, regular use of the oil stimulates blood circulation in the nail area through massage movements during application, which promotes nail growth. A moisturised cuticle also helps to avoid the habit of picking or biting the skin around the nails, keeping them looking neat and healthy.
✅ Adds shine. The skin around your nails needs special attention, and nail technicians know how to achieve shine and health. Cuticle oil not only nourishes the nail plate, but also creates an incredible shine. Its rich components not only protect your manicure from damage, but also enhance its durability. Each application of the oil is not only a care for the skin, but also the secret of a long-lasting and bright manicure.
How to use cuticle oil correctly
1. Clean your cuticles. To groom your nails, start by gently pushing up your cuticles. Then wash your hands thoroughly, paying special attention to the nail bed and fingertips. To soften the cuticle, it is recommended that you dip it in warm soapy water several times a week, as they do in nail salons.
2. Groom your cuticles. This step is not mandatory, but its mentioning is recommended: If you aim to make your nails look as well-groomed as after a visit to the salon, you can, after softening them, gently push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher. Then remove any burrs and flaky skin. Cutting cuticles is not recommended as it can lead to infection.
3. Application. When applying cuticle oil, it is recommended that you use a variety of applicators. This will allow you to spread the product evenly on each cuticle of each finger. The ideal is to apply after every hand wash, but you can apply the oil as often as you like. If there is no applicator included with the cuticle oil, you can use a few drops on a cotton pad for easy application.
4. Massage the cuticle oil in. Dedicate some time to massaging the oil into each cuticle. This little touch ensures that the oil is fully absorbed, preventing greasy prints on the surfaces. If you apply too much oil, simply gently remove the excess with a tissue or clean cloth. The bonus will be improved blood circulation and stimulation of nail growth.
When to use cuticle oil
If your cuticles are dry, you need to turn your attention to caring for them with oil. However, to achieve long-lasting results, it is important to use the oil regularly. Most cosmetic oils have an accumulative effect, revealing their best properties with systematic use. Therefore, just as with toothpaste, applying cuticle oil twice a day is recommended.
In addition to the regularity of use, you should pay attention to the composition of the oil. A quality oil should contain components that help to moisturise and nourish the cuticle, such as vitamins, natural oils and other nutrients. Only in this way you can be sure of its effectiveness and safety for the skin.
So, to achieve the desired effect in cuticle care, it is necessary not only to choose the right oil, but also to use it systematically, paying attention to its composition and quality.
✅ Tip from Global Fashion: Apply cuticle oil before bed and leave it on overnight to allow the skin to absorb its nourishing ingredients deep into the cuticle, keeping it soft and healthy looking.
Our favourite cuticle oils
Cuticle oil with dropper with watermelon flavour, 15 ml
Nail and cuticle oil from Global Fashion, designed specifically for damaged nails. This oil is a real saviour for brittle nails and dry skin, giving them incredible nourishment and moisturising. Specially selected composition, enriched with vitamins A and E, as well as natural oils and mastic tree resin, allows the oil to effectively penetrate into the structure of nails, restoring their strength and health after just a few applications.
Cuticle oil with almond flavour, 60 ml
Gentle and nourishing cuticle oil is specially designed to care for brittle and damaged nails, as well as dry skin around them. Rich in vitamins and natural oils, it gently softens the cuticle and helps to restore the nail plate after just a few applications. The unique formula enriched with mastic tree resin effectively nourishes the cuticle, prevents dryness, cracks, breakage and brittleness, making nails strong and healthy.
Cuticle oil in a handle - aloe
This oil is enriched with a unique complex of vitamins and minerals specially balanced for your skin. It effectively moisturises, nourishes and soothes the skin, eliminating inflammation, irritation and flaking in the nail area, making it incredibly soft to the touch. The unique formula also helps to improve cuticle elasticity for healthy and well-groomed nails. The oil application brush is a real pleasure to use. Its comfortable shape and soft fibres allow you to easily and evenly coat each area of skin around the nail. Thanks to this, nail care becomes even more pleasant and effective.
Cuticle oil with dropper with peach flavour, Global Fashion, 15 ml
Cuticle oil perfectly softens the cuticle and promotes the regeneration of the nail plate after just a few applications!
Cuticle oil with coconut flavour, Global Fashion, 60 ml
A nutrient-rich cuticle oil that helps regenerate nails and prevents dryness, cracks, splitting and brittleness. Regular use gives nails the necessary strength and healthy appearance.
---> Large range of cuticle oils - open catalogue
FAQ
How long should cuticle oil be left on?
When cuticle oil is absorbed into the skin, its nourishing ingredients penetrate deeply, leaving the skin moisturised and cared for. The longer it stays on the skin, the more effective it is at softening and strengthening the cuticle. Make sure the oil is fully absorbed before applying a nail decorating coating to your nails, otherwise the coating won't be able to set firmly. This simple step will help your manicure stay fresh and long lasting.
Does cuticle oil help with nail fungus?
Cuticle oil not only helps to strengthen your nails, but it can also be helpful in preventing the development of fungal infections. This is by improving blood circulation and providing the nails with essential nutrients, which helps prevent the formation of cracks through which fungi and bacteria can enter.
Some oils, such as coconut oil or tea tree oil, have antibacterial properties, making them effective in fighting nail fungus. However, it is important to consider the percentage of active ingredients in the oil to gauge their effectiveness.
Does cuticle oil have an expiry date?
While cuticle oils typically have a longer shelf life than many other products, they can still expire. Be sure to check the packaging for the date specified by the manufacturer and watch for any signs of change, such as colour, smell or texture. Also be aware that some ingredients can lose their effectiveness when exposed to oxygen for long periods of time.