Nail And Manicure Benefits: How To Use Cuticle Oil

How to make your own homemade cuticle oil and how to use it with a manicure to improve dry, irritated and hanging nails and cuticles.

Cuticle oil was once messy and awkward to use, but has become a vital part of regular beauty regimens across the globe. Cuticle oil is readily available in a fragrantly diverse range of scents and formulations. Products now include a variety of applicator styles, such as the popular pen and stick type. Fine-tipped brushes and sponge applicators allow for precision application. The use of cuticle oil has never been easier.

Some of the more common oils include: jojoba, lavender, almond, rice bran, tea tree, tangerine, and vitamin e oil. These products come in a combination of scents, or as a single oil to suit individual preference. Other formulations include some or one of the aforementioned oils in a gel-based formula with the same base oils. These may also include anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial additives, keeping your cuticles free of common nail diseases and disorders, ultimately helping your cuticles to remain free of dry, irritating cracks.

The benefit of using cuticle oil enhances both overall nail health and the finished appearance of a manicure when applied correctly.

Depending the dryness of the cuticle and the extent of cracking, the instructions for application of cuticle oil vary according to your personal need:

For severely dry, cracked cuticles, a weekly regimen should be adopted and include a proper manicure followed with application of a quality cuticle oil product. A few manicuring items and implements are necessary and are available at a local drug store or neighborhood salon.

– Nail polish remover and cotton balls (non-acetone remover is recommended)

– 2 small hand towels

– 1 pair of cuticle nippers

– 1 orange stick

– A small bowl of warm, sudsy water (use a gentle soap)

– 1 container of cuticle oil product

– 1 bottle of nail polish (of your color preference)

1. Remove all polish from the nails, taking caution to avoid getting the remover on the cuticle.

2. Soak the fingertips of one hand in the bowl of warm water and soap for approximately 3-5 minutes until the cuticles are soft.

3. Remove hand from water and dry thoroughly.

4. Place the opposite hand in the bowl of warm water and soap. Note: if the water has cooled, replace with warm water for best result.

5. Use the angled end of the orange stick to gently nudge any loose cuticle from around the base and sides of the fingernail.

6. Carefully use the cuticle nippers and trim the excess cuticle from around the fingernail. Removing too much cuticle will lend to additional dryness and cracking, and may cause injury to the cuticle and possibly the finger.

7. Repeat process for the opposite hand.

8. Rinse and thoroughly dry both hands; proceed with application of nail polish, taking care not to overlap polish onto the freshly trimmed cuticle area. The alcohol in the nail polish will dry the cuticle, adding to the dryness of the cuticle.

9. After your manicure, carefully open the cuticle oil container; whether it’s a small, cosmetic bowl, or a stick type product, any spills may result in minor stains to clothing or furniture.

10. Carefully apply a small bead around the cuticle area (around the fingernail edges) and gently massage into and around the entire cuticle.

Repeat steps number 9 and 10, as necessary. Cuticle oils may need to be applied one to several times daily to repair severe dryness.

Proper use of cuticle oil will result in a well-manicured appearance of the cuticle and even the hand. Continue to apply weekly as part of a regular routine for cuticles that are healthy and flexible.

By: Christine Fron





This entry was filed under Beauty . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Be the first to leave a comment.

Your Thoughts