The cold, dry temperatures around here can wreak havoc on your skin, and my hands are always the first to suffer! My cuticles get dry and cracked, and it can be extremely tempting to pick at them or try and cut them away.
But professionals warn against cutting your cuticles, as it can prevent them from doing their important job of protecting new nail growth from bacteria. So instead of messing around with that, I found a better way to address my cuticle crisis—making my own natural cuticle oil!
Related: This Brilliantly Simple Hack Will Make Your Manicure Last Longer
And that’s what I’ll be sharing with all of you in today’s blog post! This simple DIY formula is sure to be your new secret weapon for hydrating and strengthening your cuticles and nails all winter long! :-)
And if you’re interested in making more of your own personal care products, be sure to check out my eBook At-Home Bath & Body! You can buy it in my shop, or get it for free if you’re an OGT Plus member!
Two Ingredients For Healthier Cuticles And Nails
Why spend money on a store-bought cuticle oil when you can make your own all-natural version using just two ingredients? Here’s a brief overview of what those ingredients are.
The main ingredient in this recipe is fractionated coconut oil. It has a light consistency and absorbs quickly, making it a great choice for this nourishing and hydrating cuticle treatment! (You could also substitute just about any carrier oil here, as long as it has a light consistency.)
The recipe also calls for a small amount of tea tree essential oil. Its antibacterial properties help keep both cuticles and nails clean and strong.
How To Make Your Own Cuticle Oil For Stronger Nails
You’ll need:
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Glass roll-on bottle, 10 ml
8 drops tea tree essential oil
~2 tsp fractionated coconut oil
Directions:
Remove the roller from the roll-on bottle, then add 8 drops of tea tree essential oil.
(Tip: Using an essential oil bottle key makes removing and replacing the roller a LOT easier!)
Fill the remainder of the bottle with fractionated coconut oil, then carefully replace the roller. Shake well to mix, and you’re done!
How To Use Your Cuticle Oil
Apply a small amount of cuticle oil to each fingertip once a day, then rub it into your cuticles and fingernails. Applying the oil right before bed to allow it to work its magic overnight!
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If your cuticles could use some serious rehabilitation, apply a thin coat of cuticle oil after every time you wash your hands.
One more tip: make sure to clean any cuticle oil off your fingernails before painting them! If you don’t, the oil will prevent the nail polish from sticking to your nail.
How do you keep your nails and cuticles moisturized during the winter?
I actually made the Cuticle oil. Definitely cheaper than buying it. Thanks for the cracked skin ointment idea. I’ll have to look for it. I tend to have problems with it on my hands during Winter months.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use your recipe, but I replace the fractionated coconut oil with castor oil, and it’s wonderful! Not only does it heal cuticles, but it also strengthens nails very efficiently
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee, Is there another oil that can replace the tea tree? I absolutely cannot stand the smell of tea tree oil!! Seriously! Thanks in advance!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks so very much for sharing this great tip. Just made a batch and my cuticles are loving it! ME TOO!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.As always, I love and appreciate all of your tips and DIYs! But I have a product which is nothing short of miraculous when it comes to cuticles! Aveeno Cracked Skin Relief CICA Ointment. It come in a tube for about $8. I got mine on a BOGO sale, so I only paid $4! On a whim, I decided to try it on my nail beds, which were very rough looking and feeling. After gently massaging it in, I washed my hands and my cuticles/nail beds looked wonderful and felt even better! This treatment lasts 3 – 4 days and I like to do it just before applying nail polish or going for a manicure. I’m a big fan of Aveeno products (my daughter’s pediatrician recommended Aveeno 54 years ago and my dermatologist also recommends Aveeno products.)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.my sensitive skin loves Aveeno!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Rite Aid/Walgreen’s sells a cuticle oil at a very low price. I have been using that for the past week and it is working wonders. It is cheaper and easier to use than the recipe on Jillee’s post.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I started using organic castor oil on my nails and they’ve never been so nice. I need to file them very often to keep them from being longer than I care for. My nails use to split very badly (all my life) but now it’s almost like I have gel nails, they are so strong. I put some on my nail bed every night and let the goodness soak in.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for sharing this great tip, Kathy!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What is the difference between fractionated and organic virgin coconut oil?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Simple version is … fractionated stays liquid even in the refrigerator. Organic or regular coconut oil will harden in cool temperatures.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you!
Love this . The cuticle oils in stores are so expensive – usually $15. I have problems with hangnails. I just made a stick.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I just use olive oil on my cuticles, lips and eyebrows.
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