The Best Essential Oils for Nails + a DIY Roll-On Cuticle Oil Blend

There’s barely a touch of fall in the air and I can already feel my hands starting to getting chapped. Despite slathering them in lotions, butters and balms, as soon as the air starts to dry out my hands take a beating – especially my nails. This is where essential oils can come to the rescue.

Maybe it’s genetics (my mom’s cuticles are always cracked). Or maybe it’s just that I run my water a little too hot. But either way, I think we all can agree that dry nails need a little extra TLC during the colder months.

This DIY cuticle oil works wonders on dry skin of all types, but it’s especially effective when it comes to soothing cracked, peeling cuticles. Store it in a refillable pen and stash it in your purse, bedside table or kitchen cabinet so you can apply on the go.

The Best Carrier + Essential Oils for Nails

Certain oils are great for strengthening nails and healing cracked cuticles. Things like olive and grape seed oils are hydrating, while vitamin E and carrot seed are strengthening, and tea tree and cypress oils are antibacterial.

A good cuticle oil blend should contain a healthy mix of different essential oils for nails so you can reap all the benefits they have to offer. While you don’t have to use all of the same oils I do (two or three should work just fine), a well-rounded mix helps to cover all your bases and heal your cuticles as quickly as possible.

Vitamin E 

Vitamin E oil has long been used to help strengthen brittle nails and hydrate chapped skin. It has been shown to improve blood circulation, which is important for nail growth and healing.

Carrot Seed Oil

Carrot seed oil is one of my favorite oils, not just for nails but for skin in general. It’s rich in beta carotene, vitamins A and E and pro-vitamin A. It’s great at restoring moisture that dry, cracked skin so desperately needs.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed is another one of my favorites. It’s rich in vitamins C, D and E and it contains a plethora of fatty acids and polyphenols, which may help reduce the appearance of aging. Plus it’s inexpensive and odorless making it the perfect carrier oil.

Lemon Oil

Lemon oil has antioxidant properties which are beneficial for supporting skin and nail health.

Cypress Oil

Cypress oil may help prevent infections and is believed to help soothe inflammation. Applying it directly to cracked cuticles may help them heal more quickly.

Myrrh Oil

Myrrh has long been used to heal skin ailments such as sores, acne and rashes.  Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, myrrh is great for dry, chapped, or injured skin. 

DIY Cuticle Oil Blend

Here’s a quick and easy cuticle oil blend, plus a video showing you exactly how to do it. Don’t be afraid to mix up the oils in the recipe to suit your needs.

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4.41 from 5 votes

Healing Cuticle Oil Blend

Strengthen your nails and heal dry cuticles with a refillable cuticle oil pen.

Prep Time5 mins

Total Time5 mins

Course: Natural Beauty

Keyword: essential oils, skincare

Yield: 6 pens

Author: Stephanie Pollard

Cost: $5

Equipment

• Small bowl
• Funnel
• Refillable brush pen

Materials

• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
• 5 drops myrrh essential oil
• 10 drops carrot seed essential oil
• 8 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops cypress essential oil
• 25 drops vitamin E oil
• Dried lavender and heather blossoms optional

Instructions

• Combine ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.
• Using a small funnel, transfer the mixture to a refillable brush pen.
• Apply to cuticles 2 or 3 times a day to strengthen nails and soothe cuticles. Store in a cool, dry place indefinitely.

Video

Notes

Don't feel like you have to use all of the essential oils listed in the recipe. Just use as many as you can or swap them out for oils you already have on hand. This blend would also make a great sugar scrub or hair mask, so feel free to make extra and use it later.

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Holly Smith, a board certified physician in nephrology and internal medicine with a background in nutrition. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.