Come winter, and our hands take an absolute battering. From tapping away at keyboards to the dryness that takes over our lives, our poor cuticles are crying out for a bit of TLC. But before you dash off to the salon and part with your hard-earned cash, what if we told you that transforming dry, ragged cuticles into soft, healthy ones could be as simple as raiding your kitchen cupboards? Here are some simple ways to do cuticle care at home.

1. The classic warm water and olive oil soak

This is the OG of cuticle care, and for good reason. Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Pop your fingertips in for 10 to 15 minutes while you catch up on your favourite podcast. The warm water softens the cuticles while the olive oil, rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, moisturises and strengthens. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra vitamin C boost and a lovely fresh scent.

2. The luxury milk and honey treatment

Fancy feeling like Cleopatra? This indulgent soak combines equal parts warm milk and honey with a splash of warm water. The lactic acid in milk gently exfoliates dead skin, while the natural antibacterial properties of honey keep things squeaky clean. Soak for 15 minutes and emerge with cuticles so soft, you’ll want to show them off.

3. The quick soapy water soak

Running late but still want to give your cuticles some attention? A bowl of warm water with a squirt of gentle hand soap or washing-up liquid (yes, really) does the trick in a pinch. Soak for five to ten minutes before gently pushing back your cuticles with an orange stick. It’s basic, but effective.

4. The spa-worthy apple cider vinegar soak

For those dealing with stubborn dry patches or the occasional fungal worry, apple cider vinegar is your friend. Mix equal parts warm water and ACV, add a teaspoon of honey to balance the acidity, and soak for 10 minutes. The vinegar’s antifungal properties work their magic while balancing your skin’s pH. Just make sure to moisturise afterwards as vinegar can be quite drying.

5. The green tea and coconut oil revival

Brew a strong cup of green tea, let it cool to a comfortable warm temperature, and add a tablespoon of melted coconut oil. The antioxidants in green tea fight inflammation and promote healing, while coconut oil’s fatty acids penetrate deeply to moisturise from within. This combination is particularly brilliant for cuticles that are looking a bit worse for wear after too much hand washing.

6. The Epsom salt deep clean

Mix two tablespoons of Epsom salt into a bowl of warm water and add a few drops of your favourite carrier oil (sweet almond or jojoba work beautifully). The magnesium in Epsom salt helps reduce inflammation and draws out impurities, making this soak ideal if you’ve got slightly swollen or irritated cuticles. Soak for 10 minutes and feel the tension melt away.

7. The glycerine intense hydration soak

For seriously parched cuticles, glycerine is your secret weapon. Add one tablespoon of glycerine and one tablespoon of rose water to warm water for a deeply hydrating treatment. Glycerine is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin and locks it in. This one’s particularly good before bedtime, just follow with cotton gloves for overnight moisture magic.

After-soak care: Don’t skip this bit

Here’s where most people go wrong: they have a lovely soak and then forget to seal in all that moisture. After patting your hands dry, immediately apply cuticle oil or a rich hand cream. Massage it in thoroughly, paying special attention to the cuticle area. This locks in the hydration and keeps those cuticles supple for days.

After trying DIY methods of cuticle care at home, your cuticles will thank you, your nails will look healthier, and you’ll have a perfectly good excuse to sit down and do absolutely nothing for 15 minutes.

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Related: Brittle Nails? This At-Home Manicure Routine Can Actually Save Them

FAQs

Q1. Can I do a cuticle soak if I have gel or acrylic nails? 

Absolutely! Just keep your soaks to under 10 minutes to avoid loosening your enhancements, and focus on moisturising the cuticle area.

Q2. How often should I soak?

Once or twice a week is the sweet spot for most people. If you’re dealing with particularly dry or damaged cuticles, you might benefit from three sessions a week until things improve.

Q3. Should I cut my cuticles?

Never, ever cut your cuticles. They’re there for a reason, and snipping them can lead to infection and irregular nail growth.

Q4. Are cuticle soaks safe during pregnancy? 

Yes, they’re perfectly safe! Just avoid essential oils unless you’ve checked they’re pregnancy-safe (lavender and chamomile are generally fine, but skip rosemary and clary sage).

Q5. What’s the difference between cuticle oil and hand cream? 

Cuticle oil is lighter and absorbs quickly into the nail bed and cuticle, while hand cream is thicker and better for overall hand hydration. Ideally, use both. Oil first, then cream.

Q6. Can children use these soaks? 

Yes, but stick to gentler options like plain warm water with olive oil, and always supervise to ensure the water isn’t too hot for their sensitive skin.