Aftercare: Cuticle Oil for Gel and Polish Nail Strips

Use cuticle oil once or twice a day, brushing a drop onto each cuticle and the skin along the sides of the nail and massaging it in. It keeps your nails and cuticles supple while you wear gel or polish strips, and it is also what you use to take gel strips off without acetone.

How to use a cuticle oil pen

1. Twist the pen until the oil reaches the brush tip.
2. Brush a small drop around each cuticle and along the sidewalls.
3. Massage it into your nails and skin for 30 to 60 seconds.
4. Repeat morning and night.

Tip: keep a pen in your bag or on your desk. Little and often makes the difference. There is more detail in how to use a cuticle oil pen.

Why it matters with gel nail strips

• It keeps nails and cuticles moisturised, so they stay flexible rather than dry and brittle.
• It keeps the skin around your manicure looking neat as the days go by.
• It is the key to removal: a few drops round the edges loosen the strip so you can lift it off with a wooden stick. See the gel strip removal guide.

Why it matters with polish nail strips

• It keeps your natural nails nourished between sets.
• It puts moisture back after you have used nail polish remover. See the polish strip removal guide.

Using oil to take gel strips off

When it is time for a change, apply oil generously along the cuticle and sidewalls of each gel strip and wait a minute or two. The oil works its way under the edge so you can lift and peel slowly. Never peel strips off dry.

Everyday benefits of cuticle oil

• Softens cuticles and helps prevent hangnails.
• Gives nails a healthy-looking shine.
• Helps dry nails feel more flexible.

Our cuticle oil pen scents

• Lemonade
• Coconut
• Cherry
• Blue Raspberry
• Mango
• Strawberry
• Vanilla
• Peach
• Watermelon
• Banana

Or browse all cuticle oil. Every starter kit includes a cuticle oil pen alongside two sets and the mini UV/LED lamp.

Common questions

How often should I use cuticle oil?

Once or twice a day is ideal, morning and night. A quick swipe whenever you remember is better than nothing.

Can I use cuticle oil while wearing gel strips?

Yes. Brush it onto your cuticles and the skin around the nail rather than soaking the edges of the strip.

Do I need cuticle oil to remove gel strips?

It is the easiest way. A few drops round the edges, wait, then lift with a wooden stick and peel. No acetone needed.