Years of back-to-back manicures might leave you with weak, brittle nails—but knowing how to apply cuticle oil correctly is a game-changer. This multitasking product won’t just benefit the base of your nails. Add it to your nail care lineup, and you’ll be enjoying stronger, healthier nails from bed to tip before you know it.
For award-winning nail artist and beauty creator Jessica White, cuticle oil is a must-have when it comes to nail health. “It’s the one step that makes the biggest visible and structural difference,” she tells Glamour. “Even if you do nothing else, oiling your nails regularly will keep them stronger, shinier, and healthier over time.
What is cuticle oil?
Before we get into application tips, it’s helpful to understand what cuticle oil is and how it works. “Cuticle oil is a concentrated blend of nourishing oils designed to hydrate the cuticle area and the nail plate,” White says. “Think of it as a serum for your nails, as it penetrates deeply to soften dry cuticles, improve flexibility, and keep the nail matrix healthy. When the cuticle area is hydrated, nails tend to look glossier, smoother and more polished, even without color.”
Why is cuticle oil important for healthy nails?
In addition to damage that can occur from gel and acrylic nails, brittleness, thinning, peeling and splitting can also be caused by biting, picking, and harsh chemicals. “Cuticle oil is one of the simplest but most transformative steps in nail care,” White says. “Regular oiling replenishes lost lipids, improves nail elasticity, and helps prevent peeling and splitting. It’s also key for maintaining the skin around the nail, which supports healthy growth and reduces hangnails and irritation.”
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How does cuticle oil work?
“Nails are made of keratin layers, and when those layers become dehydrated, they separate and weaken, leading to peeling and breakage,” White says. “Cuticle oil works by penetrating those layers and reinforcing the nail’s natural lipid barrier, helping it retain moisture and stay flexible. A flexible nail is a strong nail because it bends rather than snaps.” She advises looking for cuticle oils that are rich in jojoba, vitamin E, and almond oil—ingredients that are particularly effective as they mimic the nail’s natural oils.
How to use cuticle oil correctly
White advises applying cuticle oil when your nails are most dehydrated—like after washing your hands or removing nail polish. “Apply a small drop to each cuticle and gently massage it into the nail and surrounding skin,” she says. “The massage is key as it increases circulation and supports healthy nail growth.” She also notes that you should let the oil fully absorb before applying hand cream or nail polish, “so it doesn’t dilute the products or how your polish adheres.”
How often should you use cuticle oil?
“Ideally, cuticle oil should be applied daily, especially if you wear gels, use hand sanitizer frequently, or are exposed to cold weather,” White says. “For very dry nails, twice daily can be beneficial.” The good news? You can’t really overdo it, as your nails will only absorb as much oil as they need. White says that consistency is more important: “Little and often is better than a lot once a week.”
How can I make my nails stronger naturally?
In addition to using cuticle oil to strengthen and repair nails, White recommends protecting them from environmental stressors by “wearing gloves for cleaning and avoiding using nails as tools for opening cans or peeling stickers.” Another mistake she notes is incorrectly using a nail file, suggesting “gentle filing in one direction, rather than sawing back and forth to prevent splitting.” Above all, remember that hydration is essential, so regular cuticle oil and hand cream application are key.
Originally published on Glamour US.
