Best essential oils for strengthening nails and cuticles
Are your nails and cuticles prone to breaking and peeling? Do you want to strengthen them naturally? Learn which essential oils you can use to help have healthy, strong nails and cuticles.
Plus learn which are the best carrier oils to use with the essential oil and get a DIY Nail Growth Serum Recipe, Cuticle Cream, and natural nail polish remover!
In this blog post we will cover the best essential oils for healthy nails and cuticles.
I use affiliate links in this article. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not  information is not medical advice and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your doctor before using essential oils.
Pin for later
Best Essential Oils for Healthy Nails
Essential oils aid in natural nail strengthening and cuticle care. Their antiseptic and antibacterial properties help prevent bacterial infections and promote overall nail health.
Slow nail growth and inflammation can also be alleviated with the use of these top essential oils.
Applying essential oils with a cotton ball and massaging them into the nails and cuticles is an effective way to strengthen and nourish your fingernails and toenails.
Following is a list of the best essential oils to use for your nails and cuticles.
Lemon Essential Oil and its Benefits
Lemon essential oil benefits nails by providing nourishment and promoting healthy growth. Lemon can combat slow nail growth, without the side effects often associated with artificial nail care products.
It has antimicrobial properties that help to combat nail infections and prevent the growth of fungus.
Additionally, lemon essential oil helps to strengthen weak and brittle nails, making them less prone to breakage.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is a powerhouse and works fabulously when used alone, or combined with any other essential oil. It can help other essential oils to work better and amplify their effects.
Myrrh Essential Oil: A Natural Nail Strengthener
Myrrh essential oil is recognized for its ability to nourish and strengthen nails, making it a valuable addition to nail care routines.
Its natural properties effectively address brittle nails, promoting healthy growth and overall nail health.
By incorporating myrrh oil in nail care, you can also help prevent nail infections and benefit from its warm, earthy aroma.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil: The Nail Growth Promoter
Consider incorporating eucalyptus essential oil into your nail care routine for improved nail and cuticle health.
This natural oil has properties that strengthen and enhance the condition of nails and cuticles, resulting in visibly healthier and stronger nails.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil, with its antibacterial and antifungal properties, is a natural remedy for nail health.
It combats toenail fungus, strengthens nails, and nourishes them, making it an excellent choice for overall nail health.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is well-known for its ability to soothe and enhance the overall nail care process. It has properties that help to strengthen nails and heal cuticles.
The antiseptic properties of lavender oil are invaluable for maintaining nail health. This article discusses Lavender’s ability speed up wound healing which is one of the reason’s it is so great to use on dry, damaged cuticles.
Plus, Lavender oil smells amazing and brings an extra element of luxury to your nail care experience.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil offers numerous benefits for nail and cuticle health.
Its antifungal and antibacterial properties help protect nails from infections, while its moisturizing qualities can combat dryness and promote healthier nail growth.
Additionally, geranium essential oil has a gentle astringent effect that can strengthen weak nails and reduce brittleness.
Which Carrier Oils Should You Use for Nails
When applying essential oils to your nails, it’s important to use a carrier oil. A carrier oil helps to dilute the essential oil to help prevent sensitivities, and prevent it from evaporating quickly.
Carrier oils include, but are not limited to Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, fractionated coconut oil (always stays liquid), Argan oil, grapeseed oil, and/or carrot seed oil.
The first step in choosing a carrier oil for nail care is to consider its qualities.
- Jojoba oil, known for its close resemblance to the skin’s natural oils, is excellent for moisturizing and nurturing strong nails.
- Carrot seed oil, rich in antioxidants, is ideal for nourishing cuticles and promoting healthier nail growth.
- Grape seed oil, with its light texture and quick absorption, is perfect for glossy and healthy nails.
When selecting carrier oils, it is essential to consider their individual benefits and how they can benefit your specific nail care needs.
If you’re not sure, I recommend going with either Jojoba Oil, which is closest to our skin’s natural oils, or fractionated Coconut Oil. These are the oils I buy:
- 100% PURE & NATURAL FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL – A versatile carrier oil used for aromatherapy, essential oils mixing, massage, for dogs and pets, and as a hair and skin moisturizer. It is Fragrance Free, Hexane Free, Preservative Free, Chemical Free, and 100% Vegan.
- Certified Organic Jojoba Oil – Cliganic organic jojoba oil is proudly USDA organic certified to ensure ultimate quality and integrity.
The Healing Power of Vitamin E for Nail Health
When it comes to nail health, the healing power of Vitamin E cannot be overlooked.
It’s not technically meant to be used as a carrier oil, but I’m mentioning it here because it makes a great addition to nail and cuticle serums when combined with essential oils.
Vitamin E oil is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the nails from free radicals and environmental damage.
Vitamin E also nourishes the nail bed, promoting healthy nail growth and preventing dryness and brittleness. Its moisturizing qualities make it an excellent choice for those with dry or damaged nails.
Regular use of Vitamin E oil can help heal and strengthen weak and brittle nails, leaving them looking and feeling healthier.
This is the Vitamin E Oil I buy and have used in many DIY projects:
- 100% Pure & Natural (Not Synthetic) – Cliganic premium Vitamin E oil is 100% pure & natural, sourced from soybean oil – D-Alpha Tocopherol 30,000 IU
Jojoba Oil: The Nail Hydrator
Jojoba oil is a wonderful natural nail hydrator that helps in maintaining strong and healthy nails.
It promotes stronger nails by providing deep hydration to the nail beds and surrounding skin. This versatile oil also supports the overall care of your nails and cuticles, keeping them nourished and moisturized.
Jojoba oil’s hydrating properties make it an excellent choice for addressing issues such as slow nail growth, inflammation, and bacterial infections.
Carrot Seed Oil – A Miracle for Cuticles
Carrot seed oil is a powerhouse for nail and cuticle care. Carrot seed oil is rich in vitamins and minerals and is commonly used in skincare products for its moisturizing and nourishing properties.
Be sure to use Carrot Seed Oil and not Carrot Seed essential oil. Both come from the same plant but are extracted differently. We are looking for the carrier oil here.
Its antifungal and antibacterial properties make it a top oil for healthy cuticles.
This is a popular carrot seed oil you can get from Amazon:
- Decreases Sun Damage – Natural Carrot Seed Oil is full of naturally-occurring beta carotene, provitamin A, vitamin E, carotenoids, tocopheryl & more. Ideal for mature or dry skin types, as well as damaged and brittle hair. Ideal as a natural anti-aging beauty serum – best carrier oil for use with essential oils. Add a few drops to your natural sunscreen for added skin protection.
Grapeseed Oil: For Glossy and Healthy Nails
Rich in vitamin E, this Grapeseed oil is a powerhouse for nail health. Its fatty acids work wonders by strengthening nails, ensuring they stay healthy and resilient.
Grapeseed oil’s antibacterial properties act as a protective shield, guarding nails against infections.
DIY Recipes and Ways to Use Essential Oils for your nails
Nail Serum Recipe
Nail Polish Remover
Try using lemongrass essential oil for a natural way to remove nail polish.
DIY Homemade Cuticle Oil
Apply this DIY cuticle cream as needed to prevent dry cracked cuticles.
Safety Precautions to Follow
- To ensure the safe use of essential oils, it’s important to avoid contact with the eyes and sensitive areas during application.
- Always take the time to read the instructions and warnings provided on the packaging of essential oils.
- Keep these potent oils out of reach of children and pets to prevent any accidental ingestion or misuse.
- If you are pregnant or nursing, seeking medical advice before using essential oils is crucial.
- If you have underlying skin conditions, consulting a healthcare professional prior to incorporating essential oils into your nail care routine.
Holistic Lifestyle Habits for Nail Health
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients is crucial for strong nails and cuticles.
- Staying hydrated is also essential for healthy nails. Regular use of nail care tools, such as cuticle oil and jojoba oil, can benefit nail health.
- A holistic approach to nail care, including the use of high quality essential oils, can enhance nail health and promote stronger nails.
- Taking proper care of your nails and avoiding artificial nails and nail polish can help prevent bacterial infections and inflammation, leading to healthier nails overall.
Conclusion
Taking care of your nails and cuticles is essential for maintaining their health and strength. Essential oils can play a significant role in achieving this goal.
Take the time to care for your nails and cuticles using the power of essential oils and enjoy strong, healthy, and beautiful nails.
Before You Go, See What’s New On The Blog
Dawn Goehring
Dawn Goehring is the founder of Desert Naturals where she writes educational articles on essential oils, DIY’s on natural beauty products, homemade cleaners, and provides related essential oil accessories like planners, trackers, tshirts, and custom designed essential oil storage. She has been featured in articles on Porch.com, Redfin.com, MommyOnPurpose and more.
Dawn has earned an aromatherapist degree and has earned a doTERRA essential oil specialist certification which is a fancy way of saying she has learned a lot about the chemistry of essential oils and how they work in the body.