Carrier Oils for Nails
Information
If you want to find the best essential oil for your nails, you have to dilute your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil.
There are many carrier oils for nails, and each has slightly different properties, so you can choose the best carrier oil for your nails depending on what problem you’re looking to solve.
Once you’ve got your hands on a good carrier oil for your nails, you can experiment with adding a small amount of essential oils such as lavender, cypress, myrrh and geranium oil.
What carrier oil is good for nails?
You must use a carrier oil if you want to apply essential oils to your nails topically. All these carrier oils contain vitamins that are good for your nails, and each of these carrier oils have specific benefits for your nails and cuticles. Some of the best carrier oils for nails include:
Jojoba and rosehip carrier oils are abundant in vitamin E, which will replenish dry cuticles and cracked and brittle nails. Grapeseed oil can reduce the appearance of ageing, and will keep your hands and nails looking beautiful, while avocado oil will absorb into your hands slowly and create glowing hands and nails.
What oils will make my nails grow?
Some of the best carrier oils for nail growth include castor oil, jojoba oil and coconut oil. Olive oil is also a popular choice. Simply massage the carrier oil into your nails and cuticles, and you’ll be amazed at the results!
Carrier oils contain a wealth of essential fatty acids that can encourage nail growth by hydrating the nail beds, increasing blood circulation to the nails, and acting as a nail strengthener. All of these properties put together can encourage healthy fingernails and faster growth.
What oils can nails absorb?
The only oil whose molecule is small enough to penetrate the nail bed is jojoba oil. Jojoba oil offers deep hydration and will repair the collagen in your skin. Jojoba oil contains high levels of vitamin B and E, and so with daily application, you will soon have strong and healthy nails and cuticles.
What are the best essential oils to use with my nail oil?
Using a combination of natural oils directly on your nails or in a nail cream can improve their appearance significantly over time.
Some of the most popular essential oils for use on nails include:
Lemon oil and tea tree oil in particular can help protect your nail plate from bacterial infections thanks to their exceptional antibacterial properties.
Clove oil is also a popular choice for nail health, but it's important to always use the clove leaf version of the oil when applying topically to avoid irritation.
If you want to target several essential oil benefits at once, you can try adding an essential oil blend to your nail oil instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. Carrier oils such as jojoba, almond, and coconut oil, often used for nail care, are highly versatile and can be safely applied to other areas of your body.
They're great for skin moisturization, hair nourishment, and even in massage therapy.
It is usually recommended to apply carrier oil to your nails daily for optimal results.
The best time is right before bed, as the oil has ample time to absorb without being washed off. If your nails are extremely dry or damaged, you could consider applying oil twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
However, remember that results will vary based on individual nail condition and type of oil used.
Absolutely! Mixing different carrier oils can offer a broader range of benefits, since each oil has unique properties and nutrient profiles.
Combining oils like jojoba, almond, and castor can provide your nails with various essential fatty acids and vitamins.
Before mixing, ensure you're not allergic to any of the oils. Start with equal parts of each oil, and adjust the ratios based on your preference and observed results.
However, always keep in mind that some oils can be more potent or heavier than others, so you should always do a small test first to see how your nails respond.
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Recipes for healthy and strong nails
1. Homemade Cuticle Oil
Ingredients
- 15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 10 drops Lemon Essential Oil
- 4 drops Myrrh Essential Oil
- 1 tbsp Sweet Almond Oil
- 1 tsp Jojoba Oil
Add your oils to an amber glass bottle and shake well for 2 minutes to ensure the oils are completely blended. Then, leave to sit in a cool, dark place for 24 hours before use.
Apply one drop to each nail and use nightly for the best results.
You can also swap the almond oil and jojoba oil out for castor oil or argan oil if you prefer. Each carrier oil contains a number of fatty acids that will benefit your nails in the long run.
2. DIY Nail Strengthener
Ingredients
- 6 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 6 drops Myrrh Essential Oil
- 1 oz Rosehip Oil
- 2-3 drops Vitamin E Oil
Fill a dropper bottle up with your oils (essential oils first). Place a few drops of the mixture onto a clean cotton ball and rub over nails and cuticles to strengthen. You can also try applying this serum below nail polish for added nourishment.