If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, “I always forget to use cuticle oil,” I could probably buy a lifetime supply of it for the entire salon.
I get it. Between work, social life, and just remembering to drink enough water, squeezing in one more self-care habit feels like a stretch. But if you want strong, glossy, long-lasting nails, cuticle oil is not the extra step. It’s the step.
Here’s why I never let a client leave without a gentle nudge (okay, sometimes a full lecture) about making it part of their routine.
It’s Not Just About the Cuticles
Despite the name, cuticle oil doesn’t just benefit that tiny bit of skin at the base of your nail. It does a lot more heavy lifting than you think.
It hydrates the nail plate, strengthens the skin around the nail, and prevents the kind of dryness that leads to peeling, cracking, and lifting. Especially if you’re wearing BIAB, Gel X extensions or Japanese gel, you need that oil to keep your nails flexible and nourished.
Think of it like conditioner for your nails. You wouldn’t skip conditioner and expect soft hair, right?
Why It Matters More with BIAB
If you’re on a BIAB journey, trying to recover from bitten nails or grow your natural nails stronger, cuticle oil is your best friend.
Here’s what it helps with:
Softens cuticles and keeps them from overgrowing
Reduces hangnails and inflammation
Keeps the nail bed hydrated, which prevents brittleness
Extends the life of your manicure by reducing chipping and lifting
I always say: hydrated nails are happy nails. Dry nails break and pull away underneath the enhancement, creating lower retention time, snapping and breakage problems. Simple.
How Often Should You Use It?
Daily. Preferably twice. I know that sounds like a lot, but once it becomes a habit, it takes two seconds. Leave a bottle by your toothbrush, your desk, your bedside table. I even have one in my car.
One swipe across each cuticle and a quick massage in. Done. Bonus points if you apply after handwashing or before bed when your skin is resting and absorbing more product.
Picking the Right Oil
Not all cuticle oils are made equal. Look for ones with ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, or sweet almond oil. These sink in quickly, nourish deeply, and don’t leave you greasy.
I always recommend starting with a lightweight, natural oil that feels good to use. If you like the scent and the texture, you’ll actually use it. That’s the goal.
The Long-Term Payoff
I’ve had clients come in struggling with brittle nails, dry skin, and BIAB lifting way too early. Nine times out of ten, the missing link is oil.
Then they start using it daily. A few weeks go by. And suddenly, they’ve got stronger nails, smoother skin, and manicures that last the full three to four weeks without a chip.
Cuticle oil isn’t a miracle in a bottle, but it is a tiny daily habit that adds up fast.
Final PSA from Me to You
If you’re investing in premium gels, BIAB overlays, or nail rehab, don’t skip the one thing that can make all that work go even further. Your nails need moisture to stay healthy. Polish, gel, and even builder in a bottle will hold better and longer on a hydrated nail bed.
So next time you see that little bottle of oil sitting at the back of your drawer, use it. Your future self and your future manis will thank you.
📍 Book your appointment at Apricot Nails in Forest Hill
💅 I’ll take care of the polish, prep, and BIAB magic. You just promise me you’ll oil those cuticles.