This homemade cuticle balm is made with a blend of naturally hydrating ingredients, like wheat germ oil and mango butter, along with a blend of essential oils for nail growth and strengthening. Massage these oils into your nails every night for stronger, healthier nails.
Of all the balms you use daily, cuticle balm probably isn’t at the top of your list. But for the sake of your hands, it should be! Harsh weather conditions, nutrient deficiencies, frequent handwashing, and even harsh soaps or hand sanitizers can lead to dry, cracked cuticles and weak nails.
Love bare nails? This balm will give your nails a gorgeous sheen, making your hands and nails look better in seconds.
Diehard nail polish fan? Applying cuticle oil regularly can help prevent nail breakage and polish chips that’ll cut your manicure short. So… you really have no excuse not to use it!
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Ingredients
- Wheat Germ Oil — Rich in anti-inflammatory vitamin E and essential fatty acids, wheatgerm oil provides intense nourishment to cuticles [source]. Its antioxidants support skin health, promoting hydration and preventing dryness.
- Sunflower Oil — Sunflower oil is high in vitamin E, B, and niacin [source], and acts as an excellent emollient, helping to moisturize and protect the delicate skin around the nails.
- Mango Butter — Mango butter is renowned for its luxurious texture and skin-conditioning properties. It adds a creamy consistency to the balm, deeply moisturizing cuticles and promoting healing for dry and damaged skin.
- Beeswax — Beeswax serves as a natural emulsifier and thickening agent in the balm, creating a protective barrier on the skin. It seals in moisture, preventing dehydration, and adds a smooth texture to the balm.
- Frankincense Oil — Frankincense oil is beneficial for nail strength and health. It can help in repairing brittle nails and improving their condition over time.
- Chamomile Oil — Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile oil can be beneficial for the nails and cuticles. The oil is also hydrating, which can prevent the nails from becoming brittle and breaking easily.
- Geranium Oil — This oil is celebrated for its regenerative and healing properties. Geranium oil can effectively moisturize dry cuticles, which is essential for promoting nail growth. Additionally, geranium oil can strengthen the nails, reducing the likelihood of splitting and breaking.
- Tea Tree Oil — This oil is well-known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it effective in treating nail fungus and infections that can hinder nail growth.
Instructions
Step 1 | Combine Ingredients and Melt Over Low Heat
In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl, combine the wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, mango butter, and beeswax. Warm the mixture over low heat, allowing everything to melt gradually. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure an even combination.
Be patient! If the oils get too hot it could affect the integrity of the ingredients.
Step 2 | Let Cool Before Adding Essential Oils
After all the ingredients have melted and combined, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before adding your essential oils.
It’s crucial to allow the mixture to cool before adding the essential oils to preserve the volatile compounds in the essential oils and maintain their therapeutic qualities.
Step 3 | Pour Into a Clean Container
Before the oils have had a chance to harden, carefully pour the cuticle balm into a clean container or tin of your choice.
Step 4 | Allow to Solidify Before Using
After pouring the liquid balm into the container, let it sit undisturbed at room temperature for several hours. Once solid, your DIY cuticle balm is ready for use!
Variations: Essential Oils for Nail Growth and Strengthening
Essential oils’ natural healing and moisturizing properties, combined with anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects, can soothe and repair damaged cuticles and help you grow stronger, longer nails.
If you don’t have one the essential oils for nails listed above, try one of these alternatives:
- Lavender Oil — Known for its healing properties, lavender oil can help with nail growth by preventing fungal infections and strengthening the nails. It also has moisturizing properties that can prevent brittle nails.
- Peppermint Oil — Peppermint oil can stimulate blood circulation to the nail beds, which is essential for nail growth.
- Lemon Oil — Rich in Vitamin C, lemon oil can help in keeping your nails strong and healthy. It also has bleaching properties that can help in removing yellow nail stains, giving your nails a healthier appearance.
- Rosemary Oil — This oil is known to improve circulation, which is crucial for nail growth. It also helps in strengthening the nails and treating flaky cuticles.
- Myrrh Oil — Myrrh oil is great for nail health, especially for treating brittle and weak nails. It has moisturizing properties that can help maintain the health of the nail bed and cuticles.
Storage
Store your cuticle balm in an airtight container like a glass jar, cosmetic tin, or other container of your choice, preferably small enough to carry with you for on-the-go cuticle care. Just make sure that the container has been sanitized and dried thoroughly before use.
Always apply with clean, dry hands, as moisture can introduce bacteria that lead to spoilage or cause the ingredients to separate.
On average, a DIY cuticle balm can last anywhere from 6 months to a year. But as with anything homemade, regularly inspect your cuticle balm for any changes in color, texture, or odor. If you notice an off smell, discoloration, or separation, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
How To Use Homemade Cuticle Balm
Cuticle balm is very simple: just apply it to clean, dry cuticles and you’re good to go! A little goes a long way with cuticle balm. Use a small amount – usually a pea-sized drop – and massage it gently into your cuticles and nails.
Here are a few tips to help get the most nourishment from the soothing and strengthening essential oils:
Massage in Circular Motions
Use your fingertips to massage the cuticle balm into your cuticles in circular motions. This helps improve blood circulation, promoting better absorption of the nourishing ingredients and enhancing the overall health of your nails.
Focus on Nail Edges
Pay special attention to the edges of your nails and the surrounding cuticle area. This is where dryness and hangnails often occur. Massaging the balm into these areas helps prevent and alleviate these common issues.
Apply Before Bed
For maximum effectiveness, apply cuticle balm before bedtime. This allows the nourishing ingredients to work overnight, promoting hydration and repair while you sleep. You’ll wake up to softer, healthier cuticles.
Use Regularly
Consistency is key. Incorporate cuticle balm into your daily or nightly routine to improve the health of your nails over time. If you have trouble remembering, consider keeping a portable tin with you for on-the-go application during the day.
Pair with a Nail Care Routine
Combine your DIY cuticle balm with a comprehensive nail care routine. This may include trimming, filing, and moisturizing your nails. The balm complements a regular manicure routine and provides nails with an extra layer of protection and nourishment.
DIY Cuticle Balm
Keep cracked cuticles at bay with this DIY cuticle balm, chock full of nourishing mango butter, hydrating wheatgerm oil and essential oil
Yield: 4 ounces
Cost: $6
Instructions
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In a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the mango butter, beeswax, wheatgerm oil, and sunflower oil together. Stir occasionally until fully melted and well combined.
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Allow the melted mixture to cool slightly before adding the essential oils to preserve their therapeutic properties. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
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Carefully pour the liquid balm into your chosen container or tin. Work quickly before the mixture solidifies.
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Let the cuticle balm sit undisturbed until it solidifies and reaches room temperature.
Notes
Adjust the essential oil drops to your preference, and feel free to experiment with other oils that suit your skin and scent preferences.
