How to Use Oil on Nails and Cuticles: A Small Daily Ritual
Hands do more than any other part of the body, and they are usually the last to be cared for. A drop of oil on each nail and cuticle, massaged in for a moment, is one of the smallest rituals there is. This guide explains how to use oil on nails and cuticles, and which oils suit it.
Why oil, and why so little
Cuticles and the skin around the nails can feel dry, especially in cold weather or after frequent hand washing. A single drop of oil, massaged in, leaves cuticles feeling soft and nails looking glossy. Because the area is small, a 30 mL bottle lasts a very long time.
How to oil your nails and cuticles
- Start clean: wash and dry your hands. Remove any polish first if you want the oil to reach the nail.
- One drop each: place a single drop at the base of each nail.
- Massage: work it into the cuticle and over the nail in small circles, for a few seconds per finger.
- Finish: smooth what remains over the backs of the hands.
Evening is a good moment: oil has time to settle overnight, and hands are washed less often.
Which oil?
| Oil | Feel | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Pumpkin Seed Oil | Rich | Made for hands and nails; naturally deep green, so let it settle before touching light fabrics |
| Pure Argan Oil | Silky | A drop for each nail and cuticle; also a finishing oil for hair |
| Pure Jojoba Oil | Very light | Quick to absorb, for a non-greasy finish during the day |
Pumpkin seed oil leaves nails looking glossy and cuticles feeling soft; argan and jojoba are lighter if you want to use your hands straight away.
Hands, too
After washing, smooth a little oil over slightly damp hands. On very dry hands, a few drops of Pure Wheat Germ Oil blended into a lighter oil feel richer; read Wheat Germ Oil for Skin.
Adding a scent
One drop of Frankincense Essential Oil in a teaspoon (5 mL) of your nail oil makes a warm, resinous blend. Never apply an essential oil undiluted, and keep blends away from the eyes; read Essential Oils and Carrier Oils.
A few things to keep in mind
- Test any new oil on a small area of skin first.
- Do not apply to broken or irritated skin.
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes after oiling.
- Stop using any product if irritation occurs.
For the rest of the body, read How to Use Body Oil After the Shower, or explore the Body collection.