Alright, real talk. If you’ve ever wondered “Do I really need cuticle oil?”—yes, yes you do. Think of cuticle oil as a little drink of water for your nails and the skin around them. And yes, the bit underneath the tip of your nail matters more than you might think (I’ll explain why in a sec).
Cuticle oil isn’t magic potion that instantly makes your nails explode with growth—but it does make the whole ecosystem around your nails healthier. A happy nail environment = stronger nails, fewer breaks, less cracking, and smoother overall growth.
So what actually happens when you use cuticle oil?
Here’s the science you can feel, baby:
1. It hydrates the cuticles and nail bed
The skin and nail area don’t have many natural oils, which means they dry out so easily—especially if you wash your hands a lot or live in a dry climate. Cuticle oil stops dryness, preventing cracks, peeling and painful hangnails.
2. It supports the whole nail growth environment
Your nails grow from something called the nail matrix at the base of the nail. If the skin around your nails is dry, cracked, inflamed, or damaged, that protective environment gets compromised. Cuticle oil keeps that area soft and intact, which means fewer chances of infections or irregular growth.
3. It improves flexibility and strength
Oiled, well-hydrated nails are less brittle. When nails bend instead of snap, they have a much better chance of growing longer and healthier. Oils also help the tiny keratin layers in your nails stick together instead of flaking apart.
4. The massage matters
Rubbing a little oil in isn’t just about slathering stuff on—the massage increases circulation around your nail bed. Better circulation = better nutrient delivery (which helps the growth environment, even if it doesn’t “speed up” growth on its own).
Why you might want to oil underneath the free edge
Okay, so that tip of your nail, the part that sticks past your finger, is technically not where the nail grows, but it is a place that frequently dries out and splits. Some nail pros and enthusiasts actually put a tiny drop of cuticle oil under the free edge to keep that skin hydrated and flexible, especially if it gets dry or flaky. This can help with nail flexibility and comfort, and people report fewer splits and snags when they do this consistently.
Cuticle Oil During Perimenopause & Menopause: Why It’s Extra Helpful
Ladies, hormones shift hard around perimenopause and menopause. One lesser-talked-about area that gets affected? Nails.
As oestrogen levels drop, your skin—and yes, nails—can get drier and more brittle. That means:
nails may peel more easily
breakage becomes way more common
cuticles get dull, flaky and irritated
Keeping your nail bed and cuticles hydrated with oil helps put some of that moisture back where your body stopped making as much of it. It doesn’t “reverse” ageing, but it does soothe dryness and keep your nails looking and feeling healthier. Moisturised cuticles also protect the fragile area around the nail matrix from inflammation and irritation, which is especially important when your skin is already feeling less resilient.
What kinds of oils are good?
Most cuticle oils are made from plant-based oils that are rich in vitamins and fatty acids (hello, nourishing goodness!). Some common gems include:
Jojoba oil – mimics your skin’s own natural oils, so it absorbs beautifully and deeply.
Almond oil – rich in vitamin E and great for hydration.
Avocado or sunflower oil – fats and antioxidants for hydration and protection.
Some formulas even use essential oils, which can add calming or anti-fungal benefits, but always patch-test if you have sensitive skin.
How to actually apply it (so your nails say thank you)
Here’s the fun part:
Put a tiny drop of cuticle oil on each side of your nail and gently rub it in.
Lightly drag a teeny bit underneath the free edge if that area feels dry (just a little!).
Massage for 20–30 seconds to boost circulation.
Do this once or twice daily—especially after washing hands or before bed.
Consistency is the real secret sauce here.
The takeaway
Cuticle oil isn’t just a cute accessory in your nail drawer, it’s actually doing work to keep your nails and the skin around them hydrated, happier, stronger, and healthier. It doesn’t make nails sprout overnight, but it gives your nails the best possible environment to grow without breakage or splitting.
And if you’re going through perimenopause or menopause? That little bottle of oil might just become your favourite ritual for keeping your nails way more resilient and comfy every day.