What’s cuticle oil?
Step one to understanding tips on how to apply cuticle oil appropriately is knowing what it’s and the way it works. “Cuticle oil is a concentrated mix of nourishing oils designed to hydrate the cuticle space and the nail plate,” explains Jessica. “Consider it as a serum on your nails because it penetrates deeply to melt dry cuticles, enhance flexibility and maintain the nail matrix wholesome. When the cuticle space is hydrated, nails are inclined to look glossier, smoother and extra polished, even with out color.”
Why is cuticle oil necessary for wholesome nails?
Along with injury that may happen from gel and acrylic nails, brittleness, thinning, peeling and splitting may also be brought on by biting, selecting and harsh chemical compounds. “Cuticle oil is likely one of the easiest however most transformative steps in nail care,” Jessica says. “Common oiling replenishes misplaced lipids, improves nail elasticity and helps stop peeling and splitting. It’s additionally key for sustaining the pores and skin across the nail, which helps wholesome development and reduces hangnails and irritation.”

How does cuticle oil work?
So, how does cuticle oil work to enhance nail well being? “Nails are manufactured from keratin layers, and when these layers develop into dehydrated, they separate and weaken, resulting in peeling and breakage,” the professional nail artist says. “Cuticle oil works by penetrating these layers and reinforcing the nail’s pure lipid barrier, serving to it retain moisture and keep versatile. A versatile nail is a robust nail as a result of it bends slightly than snaps.” She advises on the lookout for cuticle oils which are wealthy in jojoba, vitamin E and almond oil – components which are significantly efficient as they mimic the nail’s pure oils.
What’s the correct method to make use of cuticle oil?
Jessica advises making use of cuticle oil after washing your arms or eradicating nail polish, “as a result of that is when your nails are most dehydrated”. To correctly apply your cuticle oil and maximise the outcomes, she says: “Apply a small drop to every cuticle and gently therapeutic massage it into the nail and surrounding pores and skin – the therapeutic massage is essential because it will increase circulation and helps wholesome nail development.” An necessary reminder, she provides is to let it absolutely take up earlier than making use of hand cream or nail polish, “so it doesn’t dilute the merchandise or how your polish adheres”.