DIY Cuticle Oil – Jenni Raincloud

Are your nails needing some TLC? If you’re looking to remedy dry cuticles and encourage nail growth this simple DIY cuticle oil is a must. Healthy nails and cuticles can be achieved by using all natural ingredients to nourish and strengthen the nails as well as the surrounding skin of the nails. Make your own DIY cuticle oil in minutes-your hands will thank you!

I’m always experimenting on my nails. I hate going to the nail salon and go in and out of wanting salon quality nails. I’ve tried at home gel manicures, glue on nails and nail stickers all of which take a toll on my cuticles and nails. The more I do to my nails the more in need I am of a homemade nail oil to keep my cuticles and nails in good condition. Healthy cuticles are a must if you are concerned about the health of your nails. I had made a nail strengthening serum before after doing a ton of research on essential oils and carrier oils that help strengthen the nails but this time I wanted to focus more on cuticle health. Between all the nail glue, acetone, nail polish remover and cold weather, my cuticles have taken a beating! Since you’re reading this, I bet you can relate.

Why Use a DIY Cuticle Oil:

The purpose of cuticles is to protect the nails from bacteria and to protect the nail bed. If you’re cuticles are cracked and dry, bacteria can enter the nail bed. In order for cuticles to do their job efficiently, they need to be soft and moisturized.

Using a cuticle oil can help with the appearance of your nails as well. Applying plant based oils can actually strengthen and rejuvenate brittle nails.

Store bought cuticle oil can seem like one of those frivolous beauty products and I agree. In fact, many store bought cuticle creams and oil are meant to dissolve your cuticles. YIKES!! Have you ever had a manicure where they remove your cuticles? Removing or cutting cuticles is a very bad idea. When they are removed, bacteria and germs can get inside your nails. Plus, they tend to feel rough when they grow back. Cuticles have a purpose and should be protected. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is unsafe to allow nail technicians to cut your cuticles.

Making your own cuticle oil is simple, cost effective and a higher quality then most cuticle oils on the market.

Related Post: DIY Hand Cream

The Most Effective Ingredients for Cuticles:

The main issue with cuticles is that they are delicate so they can easily become dry and broken. To remedy that we must moisturize them on a regular basis. Any carrier oil will do this so if you’d like to skip making your own cuticle oil, you can choose whatever oil you have on hand and apply to your cuticles on a regular basis. My recipe calls for specific oils and essential oils known to enhance the nails and cuticles specifically.

Hazelnut Oil is perfect for a nail oil because it absorbs quickly and is light yet very moisturizing. It also is antibacterial and has a high antioxidant content.
Castor oil contains essential fatty acids, such as ricinoleic acid, which nourish and protect the nails from external damage. Castor Oil is not only moisturizing. It has been known to improve nail strength and growth. Plus, castor oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help the nails when the cuticle is damaged.
Sweet Almond Oil is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is a light yet effective oil when it comes to nourishing the skin.
Vitamin E Oil has been known to reverse nail damage as well as improve yellowing in the nails. Plus, it’s a powerful antioxidant that fights harmful free radicals.
Rosemary Oil revs up blood circulation which helps with growth and healthy skin.
Lemon Oil is a strong antibacterial oil that may help approve the appearance of yellowing.
Lavender Oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory oil that accelerates healing as well as protects against bacteria.

Related Post: Why You Should Be Taking A Collagen Supplement Right Now!

What You Need to Make DIY Cuticle Oil:

The shelf life of DIY cuticle oil is about 6 months. Since this is an oil based diy with no water based ingredients, a preservative is not needed. However, a few drops of vitamin E oil can prolong the shelf life helping your oils stay fresh longer.

Materials

3 TBSP. Hazelnut Oil
1 TBSP. Sweet Almond Oil
1 tsp. Castor Oil
1 tsp. Vitamin E Oil
3 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
3 drops Lavender Essential oil
2 drops Lemon Essential oil

Tools

Small Funnels
Cuticle Pen, Roll On Bottle or Empty Nail Polish Bottle

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a glass bottle and shake to combine.
If you are using cuticle pens, first add ingredients to a bottle then carefully pour into the pen. THe pens only hold 3ml so this recipe can make a lot of pens! (makes great gifts!)
Use daily for best results.

Notes

This recipe makes a little over 2 ounces.

Shelf life is about 6 months.

Related Post: Anti Aging Oil Cleanser w/ Non Comedogenic Oils

hand applying DIY cuticle oil.

How to Use DIY Cuticle Oil:

Simply apply a thin layer of oil to your cuticles and nails. Massage into the nail and skin. If your cuticles are in bad shape or you’re doing an at home manicure, soak your nails in warm soapy water for 5 minutes so cuticles are softened and gentle push them back with a cuticle pusher, then apply the oil. If you are polishing your nails or applying glue on nails apply the DIY cuticle oil after your manicure.

Ingredient Substitutions:

In place of hazelnut oil, there are many nourishing oils that will do the trick. Avocado oil, olive oil, jojoba oil and Argan oil are all great choices. Coconut oil isn’t a good option because it is solid at room temperature. Fractionated coconut oil is not my favorite due to it not moisturizing as thoroughly as the other options. You could even nix either hazelnut or sweet almond and use 4 tbsp. of whatever you have on hand.

I prefer to keep the castor oil if you are looking to encourage nail growth. Vitamin E oil can be omitted. However, it’s a great antioxidant as well as natural preservative.

I chose this particular essential oil blend because they are all helpful in improving nail strength and relieving dry skin. Other essential oils to consider are tea tree oil which has strong anti-fungal properties or myrrh essential oil which has been known to be especially beneficial when it comes to nail health. I use it in my DIY Dry Skin Stick.

As far as containers, there are many options. A roller bottle works great for cuticle oils but I love using a cuticle oil pen for easy application as well as a nail polish bottle.

This DIY cuticle oil is such a lifesaver during the winter months for me. I tend to get such dry skin around my nails and with all my experimenting I do in the name of avoiding the nail salon, nourishing my nails and cuticles is a must. Do yourself a favor and make this cuticle oil. It takes less than 5 minutes to make and only contains clean, simple ingredients that are easy to find. Get stronger nails by using this homemade oil daily! I make several cuticle pens and leave them everywhere so I can make sure I use them often!

xx, Jenni

zahwa News