How To Apply Cuticle Oil: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Apply Cuticle Oil Explore this Article methods 1 Massaging the Oil into Your Cuticles 2 Deciding When to Use Cuticle Oil Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Lindsay Yoshitomi

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

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This article was co-authored by Lindsay Yoshitomi. Lindsay Yoshitomi is the nail artist behind the blog, Lacquered Lawyer. She was featured as one of Nail It! magazine’s “Bloggers You Should Know,” and has been on the cover of Nail Art Gallery Magazine. She has been practicing nail art for over 15 years. This article has been viewed 197,136 times.

Cuticle oil is a great way to keep your nails looking clean and healthy. Start by applying the oil to each nail on one of your hands. You can drop it on, brush it on, or roll it on, depending on the type of applicator you have. Then take a minute to massage the oil into your cuticles. Use cuticle oil before bedtime, after you have pushed back your cuticles, or whenever you have free time. Do not apply the oil before getting a manicure. Instead, wait until afterwards to apply the oil.

Applying Cuticle Oil: Overview

  1. Squeeze a drop of oil onto each nail, holding the dropper 2 inches (5 cm) from the nail.
  2. Massage the oil into your cuticles, nails, and the skin surrounding your nails.
  3. Re-apply the cuticle oil every 2 to 3 hours or as often as needed.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Massaging the Oil into Your Cuticles

  1. Step 1 Hold the dropper 2 inches (5 cm) from your nail. 1 Hold the dropper 2 inches (5 cm) from your nail. Do this if your cuticle oil uses a dropper to dispense the oil. Other cuticle oil products may use a brush (like nail polish) or a roller to dispense the oil.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Cuticle Oil 2 Apply the oil to each nail. Focusing on one hand at a time, squeeze a drop of oil onto each nail. A little oil goes a long way, but don't be afraid to apply liberally and often.
    • Alternatively, use the brush or the roller to dot each nail with oil.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Cuticle Oil 3 Massage the oil into your cuticles. Make sure to massage it into the sides of your nail, as well as the skin surrounding your nail. Take a minute to massage the oil into your nails to induce blood circulation.
    • Repeat steps one through three on your other hand.
  4. Step 4 Re-apply every two to three hours. 4 Re-apply every two to three hours. It takes around two to three hours for the oil to completely absorb and dry. Or, reapply as often as you need to.[1]
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Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Deciding When to Use Cuticle Oil

  1. Step 1 Use the oil after a manicure. 1 Use the oil after a manicure. Cuticle oil is a great way to rehydrate your cuticles after a manicure. The oil will not harm or remove the nail polish. Additionally, cuticle oil is a great way to revamp an old manicure. Just massage the oil over your cuticles and nails to give them a fresh shine.[2]
    • Do not use it before a manicure. The oil will prevent the nail polish from adhering to your nail. If you do decide to use it before a manicure, then make sure to wipe your nails clean with nail polish remover or alcohol.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Cuticle Oil 2 Apply the oil after you have pushed back your cuticles. First soften your cuticles by soaking them in water for 10 minutes. Once they are soft, use an orangewood stick or a metal cuticle pusher to push them back. Then massage the cuticle oil into your cuticles.[3]
    • It is recommended that you do not trim, cut, or remove your cuticles.
  3. Step 3 Put it on whenever you have free time. 3 Put it on whenever you have free time. Apply the oil whenever you are riding the bus or sitting in a taxicab, at your work desk, or on the couch while watching TV, for example. Basically, whenever you have some downtime.[4]
    • Apply cuticle oil twice a day, or more if you need to.
  4. Step 4 Apply the oil before bedtime. 4 Apply the oil before bedtime. This is a great way to ensure that your cuticles stay hydrated and nourished for the coming day. Just remember to be persistent and consistent to keep your cuticles looking healthy.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question Can I put on cuticle oil before a manicure? Lindsay Yoshitomi Lindsay Yoshitomi Nail Artist Lindsay Yoshitomi is the nail artist behind the blog, Lacquered Lawyer. She was featured as one of Nail It! magazine’s “Bloggers You Should Know,” and has been on the cover of Nail Art Gallery Magazine. She has been practicing nail art for over 15 years. Lindsay Yoshitomi Lindsay Yoshitomi Nail Artist Expert Answer Don't put on cuticle oil before getting a manicure. Doing so can prevent the polish from sticking to your nail and can also lead to chipping. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 15
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Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • If needed, you can alternatively use a toothbrush to apply cuticle oil on your finger.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_oWUt44MzQ
  2. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a5101/things-about-painting-your-nails-you-might-not-know/
  3. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/top-nail-polish-mistakes/
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_oWUt44MzQ

About This Article

Lindsay Yoshitomi Co-authored by: Lindsay Yoshitomi Nail Artist This article was co-authored by Lindsay Yoshitomi. Lindsay Yoshitomi is the nail artist behind the blog, Lacquered Lawyer. She was featured as one of Nail It! magazine’s “Bloggers You Should Know,” and has been on the cover of Nail Art Gallery Magazine. She has been practicing nail art for over 15 years. This article has been viewed 197,136 times. 21 votes - 86% Co-authors: 10 Updated: December 11, 2025 Views: 197,136 Categories: Nail Care Article SummaryX

Applying cuticle oil is a great way to keep your nails looking clean and healthy. To apply cuticle oil, hold the dropper a couple of inches above your nails and squeeze 1 drop onto each nail. Massage the oil into your cuticles, the sides of your nails, and the skin surrounding each nail. It takes 2-3 hours for your cuticles to completely absorb the oil, so don't get your hands wet after you apply the oil or it will wash off. Apply cuticle oil twice a day. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, including how to soften and push back your cuticles, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Teddy Lover

    Teddy Lover

    Dec 26, 2021

    "I am a kid and my nails are not the best so I read ways to help them and maintain them. Also I am sure this article..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Lindsay Yoshitomi Co-authored by: Lindsay Yoshitomi Nail Artist Co-authors: 10 Updated: December 11, 2025 Views: 197,136 86% of readers found this article helpful. 21 votes - 86% Click a star to add your vote Teddy Lover

Teddy Lover

Dec 26, 2021

"I am a kid and my nails are not the best so I read ways to help them and maintain them. Also I am sure this article..." more Avamarie Clemente

Avamarie Clemente

Mar 20, 2022

"It helped me by seeing it grow my nails as a kid and something to make it healthy and clean." Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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