Top 6 Essential Oils For Strengthening Brittle Nails And Dry Cuticles

Rose oil has a special connection to the heart and is widely used in the cosmetic industry for its skin nourishing effect as well as in perfumery. Its lovely floral scent feels like a warm cuddle whenever I use it topically or for inhalation.

This oil come comes from the damask rose petals and has been traditionally used for skin nurturing. It has moisturizing and nourishing properties, and that is why it works well for cuticles, skin irritation, dryness and mature types of skin.

For a lovely smelling natural oil that moisturizes dry cuticles and nourishes splitting and peeling nails, add 4 drops of rose oil to 1 tbsp. of jojoba oil.

Essential oils should always be diluted before skin application and jojoba carrier oil is great for moisturizing cuticles.

In addition, and according to a 2009 study, when rose oil is absorbed into the skin, it has a relaxing effect on people. So, while pampering your hands and nails using rose oil, you will feel emotionally more calm and relaxed. Isn´t this a lovely nail spa-like experience you fully deserve?

Bright and energetic, vibrant and delightful, lemon oil is a fruity oil which has a stimulating and toning effect. Like all citrus oils, it is high in monoterpenes, which gives the oil antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Its antiseptic properties make lemon good for cuticle infection while its anti-inflammatory qualities can help relieve cuticle pain and heal damaged and cracked cuticles.

The lemon essential oil has also been traditionally used for strengthening brittle nails due to its stimulating benefits. It also works as an excellent natural remedy to whiten nails and make them look more healthy and toned.

For a revitalizing DIY natural nail and cuticle treatment, dilute 3 drops of lemon oil into 1/3 teaspoon of natural hand gel and add it to a bowl of warm water. Soak your fingernails in the water and remove after 5-10 minutes.

Citrus oils are very vulnerable to air and light and they have a short shelf life of 6 months after opening. Old oils can cause skin sensitization and the best way for me to avoid this negative reaction is by putting a sticker on the bottle which reminds me of the exact date of opening.

Raisin essential oils such as Myrrh have been used for thousands of years and been admired for their healing properties. One of Myrrh´s chemical constituents is Sesquiterpenes which offer the oil great anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Myrrh essential oil has been regarded over the years as a wonderful skin healer, which makes it one of the top essential oils for hands and healthy nails.It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and skin healing potency in case of skin injury.

These qualities make myrrh oil a very useful natural remedy for healing damaged cuticles and strengthening weak nails.

For a deeply healing and skin-repairing DIY natural cream for hands, nails,and cuticles, mix 50 ml. of an unscented cream base with 15 drops of myrrh oil. 

The scent of myrrh is also uplifting and deeply relaxing, which is an additional benefit.

Just a word of caution. Do not use myrrh oil if you are pregnant because it is a uterine stimulant. Also, avoid using whilst breastfeeding.

Geranium is such a versatile essential oil with multiple uses for both physical and emotional wellbeing.
I love mixing geranium oil with Camellia carrier oil to make a skin regenerative, emollient and moisturizing essential oil blend that softens dry cuticles and strengthens my fingernails.

Geranium oil is well known for its circulatory properties and its benefits to dry skin but, according to a 2018 study, it also has antioxidant potential and the ability to prevent oxidative stress, which means that it can slow down skin aging.

Can you think of a better way to enjoy anti-aging benefits for your hands and boost the health of your nails? Simply add some drops of geranium oil to your hand lotion and enjoy skin and nail pampering throughout the day.

One of my most favorite oils, Frankincense oil is gifted with qualities that have applications in both nail care and skin care.

A 2016 study on Frankincense demonstrated significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects due to the combination of three active ingredients (linalool, a-pinene,and 1-octanol).

These properties can be very helpful in healing peeling and splitting nails, strengthening them, as well as relieving cuticle pain and cuticle infection. This makes Frankincense one of the best natural oils for nails and cuticles.

Historically used for mature and very dry skin, Frankincense is also popular for smoothing out wrinkles.
For a healing nail and cuticle oil blend, add 12 drops of Frankincense to 30 ml. of calendula carrier oil which is also a great skin healer.

Patchouli has a distinct sweet and spicy aroma that is often described as overpowering and is very popular in perfumery. You will either love or hate patchouli, but bear in mind that when the oil dries down to the skin, it smells a lot lighter and pleasant than what you smell directly from the bottle.

Apart from its aromatic complexity, patchouli oil has been traditionally used with success for dry skin and is a skin regenerative oil that can be very beneficial for cuticle care. 

For a lovely DIY cuticle balm with essential oils, mix 20 ml. of natural balm base with 10 drops of patchouli oil.
Keep the balm in your bag and give your nails a quick treatment when you are out and the temperatures are very cold.