The 7 Best Cuticle Oils to Nourish and Strengthen Dry Nails

Your cuticles need love, too!

Are your nails always perfectly polished? Or are you more of a natural gal? Either way, you need to take care of your nails and hands, especially in the winter. Cold weather outside and drying indoor heat inside can take its toll on thin and delicate skin, as can all of the extra handwashing and sanitizing we’ve been doing during the pandemic, and even the best hand creams can’t combat this. The best cuticle oils, on the other hand, can provide the necessary moisture and hydration to fix your nail problems—fast.

Whether you have hangnails, brittle nails that break frequently, or acrylic nails that you want to protect as you moisturize, there’s a great option for you. The key is to sort through the many offerings on the market to find the one that’s tailored to your specific needs. No need to stress—we’ve compiled the top-rated cuticle treatments below, so you can scroll through and buy exactly what you need. Once you’ve picked the perfect product, learn these other tips that will make your manicure last for a week or longer.

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What does cuticle oil do?

At its most basic level, cuticle oil moisturizes your cuticles, the clear skin around your nail bed that can take a beating in cold weather. You know how your cuticles can feel rough, look jagged, and even sport the occasional hangnail? Cuticle oil will be your new best friend. But despite its seemingly straightforward name, cuticle oil is a multi-benefit product that contributes to the overall health of your nail. “Cuticle oil is not designed just for the cuticle,” explains Silva Nahabedian, director of education at Dazzle Dry. “It’s also designed to moisturize the nail and keep it flexible and prevent it from becoming brittle, which can lead to breakage.”

Another bonus? When your nails are kept well moisturized and supple, your manicures will last longer, Nahabedian adds. You can even use it on a fresh manicure, notes celebrity nail tech Elle Gersein, once the polish is properly set. “It can help dry or even protect against dents during the drying process,” she explains. While we’re on the subject, here’s another thing you need to try: this $5 nail product that will give you salon-level DIY manicures.

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How to use cuticle oil

Don’t just drop some oil on your cuticles and go about your day. For maximum moisturizing and nail-strengthening benefits, celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann recommends spending a full minute massaging the oil into your cuticles. “The matrix where the nail is formed is under the cuticle, and this benefits the growth of the nail,” she explains. That mini massage will ensure that the product fully penetrates the area and delivers the results you want. Not to mention that it’s pretty relaxing, too. If you’re looking to bliss out, check out these other things you need for a relaxing spa day at home.

One thing to keep in mind: “Less is more when applying cuticle oil,” Lippmann says. Just as its name suggests, it’s an oil, so a little will go a long way and too much will just get everywhere. You’ll also want to make sure your nails are dry before applying it.

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When is the best time to apply cuticle oil?

Yes, there’s a preferred time to give your nails some TLC. According to Shel Pink, founder of SpaRitual, that time is in the evening, before bedtime. That way, the cuticle oil can work its magic overnight and you won’t accidentally dilute its effects by washing your hands. And don’t worry that you’re overdoing it. Using cuticle oil every day won’t ruin your manicure—it will actually make it look better and last longer, since brittle nails are more prone to chipping.