Every time you sit down in the nail salon chair, there’s always the daunting question: do you want your cuticles cut?
Cutting your cuticles is risky because you could end up with an open wound.
“If your cuticles become dry or damaged, they will look chapped or cracked, making them more prone to infection,” cosmetic surgeon and head of medical for ClinicSpots HariKiran Chekuri MBBS, MS, MCh told 21Ninety.
Veteran nail designer of 11 years, Lidia Badiu, told 21Ninety that healthy cuticles appear smooth and even, without any peeling or cracking.
“They should be hydrated and not dry or flaky,” the nail designer noted.
Cuticle oils 101
“When it comes to cuticle care, having the right product can make all the difference,” Dr. Chekuri said. The cosmetic surgeon adds that finding a product specifically formulated for cuticle and nail health is key. So put the bottle of olive oil from your kitchen down, please.
“Cuticle oils contain a mixture of essential oils, vitamins, and minerals that nourish and moisturize the cuticle area,” Badiu explained. Key ingredients to look for in a nourishing cuticle oil are almond, avocado, or jojoba oils, according to Dr. Chekuri.
Additional benefits
The cosmetic surgeon suggests oils that contain vitamins and minerals that have been proven to promote healthy nail growth. Those include vitamin E, biotin, and keratin.
No matter what cuticle oil you grab, Badiu says applying regularly promotes stronger, healthy-looking nails. It also prevents them from becoming dry, brittle, or peeling.
Keep scrolling to shop the nail designer’s recommendations, along with a beloved Amazon customer favorite.
The familiar oil
You might recognize CND SolarOil Nail and Cuticle Care from your favorite nail salon. The popular cuticle oil is also one of Badiu’s favories.
“It contains jojoba oil and vitamin E, which drive nutrients deep into the nail bed to create stronger, healthier nails,” the nail designer noted.
The 0.25-ounce oil also contains almond seed oil. It comes in a bottle that’s similar to nail polish. To use, just brush the formula around and under the tip of the nails and you’ll be good to go.
Deep conditioning oil
OPI ProSpa Nail and Cuticle Oil is formulated to moisturize and strengthen your cuticles.
“This fast-absorbing oil features a nourishing blend of avocado oil, grape seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and sesame seed oil that penetrates deeply to condition and moisturize the skin around the nails,” Badiu explained.
The oil has a dropper for easy application. Just apply this oil wherever you could use more nourishment.
Non-greasy oil
Dadi Nail Cuticle Skin Oil Treatment is an incredibly useful and versatile product for maintaining healthy nails and skin according to the nail designer. It contains a vitamin E-infused oil blend of avocado, extra virgin olive oil, and jojoba oil. Plus, the half-ounce oil will take care of your nails without leaving a greasy finish.
On-the-go treatment
Essie Nail Care Apricot Cuticle Oil and Nail Treatment is incredibly portable. The 0.46-ounce tube has a rollerball attached to the tip. Applying your this oil is as easy as swiping on lip gloss. Its quick absorbing formula contains apricot kernel and jojoba oil. Badiu noted, the ingredients are key to helping soften your rough cuticles and promote healthy nail growth.
The fan favorite
The Cuccio Naturale Revitalizing Hydrating Cuticle Oil is the aforementioned Amazon customer favorite of the list. This oil has over 90,000 five star reviews. The 2.5-ounce dropper bottle contains a paraben-free and cruelty-free blend of oils that absorbs quickly into the skin. It takes care of your nails with a sweet milky and honey fragrance. The scent will transport your senses to the serenity of a spa.