DIY project: Nail & Cuticle Oil.

The cuticle (the skin around the nail) is quite sensitive and needs to be enough nourished and moisturized. The strong negative influence on the condition of the cuticle and the nail has a vitamin deficiency, as well as contact with chemicals in household work. Cuticle care is an important part of maintaining a beautiful manicure, nobody likes dry and cracked cuticle.

A wonderful tool to prevent problems with cuticle and nail - oil for nails and cuticles.

You can create your own spa-at-home manicure treatment very easy. 
1. Choose basic oil, essential oils and vitamins.

 Carrier oils:

Jojoba oil - close to contents of the sebum you naturally produce, protects skin and nails from the harmful environmental effects.

Almond oil -  provide the skin with nutrients.

Grape seed oil -  light oil which does not make the nails and cuticle too oily and effectively hydrate  skin.

Vitamin E -  protects the delicate skin around the nails from free radical damage.

Tea tree oil - anti-inflammation properties, a few drops prevent fungal infections. 

Essential oils:

When choosing essential oils need to focus not only on their own tastes and preferences, but also take into account the therapeutic effect. These are the essential oils which are good for the nails:

- rosemary e.o. - enhance the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of the composition;

- lavender e.o. - fight with barbs and infections;

- citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit) e.o. - give the nail plate shine, whitening.

- thyme, pine oil, sandalwood,cedar e.o. - are ideally suited to improve elasticity and soften cuticles.

2.  The procedure to make a cuticle oil is simple. 

 You will need:

- Almond oil - 1 tablespoon;

- Grape seed oil - 1 tablespoon;

- Jojoba oil - 1 tablespoon;

- Vitamin E - 1 capsule; 

- Tea tree oil, Rosemary e.o., Lime e.o., Lavender e.o. - 4-5 drops of each oils.

3. Mix ingredients together and store in a dark glass bottle.

You can apply this cuticle oil several times throughout the day, if your cuticles start to get dry. Or you can even use the roller bottle because it fits right in the purse, mess free, and easy to apply any time during the day. This formula is non-greasy, light texture and quick to absorb.

But, if you would like to do SPA-like manicure treatment at home, at first you need to make soaking nail bath.

You will need salt (sea salt, dead sea salt, Himalayan salt), baking soda, and, as option, some fresh citrus.

 Amount of each ingredient will depend on size of your bowl for nail bath. 

Fill the bowl by pretty hot water, add some of chosen salt, 1-2 table spoon baking soda, few slices of fresh lemon or orange. 

Soak your nail in this bath for 5-15 minutes.

Remember, that before this you need to remove old nail polish and cut your nails.
 

Then pat dry with a hand towel and apply nail&cuticle oil on the nails, around the nail skin and near the cuticles. Gently massage the oil into the nail for about 2-3 minutes. Remove excess cuticle skin using  the cotton ball or paper towel.

Massage with nail&cuticle oil is an important part of maintaining a beautiful manicure, but remember that only regular use this procedure will help your nails to get rid of dry, making them hard and strong.