Why Cuticle Oil Matters And Why It Works With Any Soak-Off Gel System

At Lark & Sparrow, we prioritize nail health, flexibility, and long-term wear over brand claims or trends. Cuticle oil is one of the most important tools we use to protect natural nails, regardless of whether we are working with CND Shellac, Vettsy, or any other soak-off gel system. Here’s why it matters.

All soak-off gels are permeable by design

Soak-off gel polish works because acetone can penetrate the cured coating and break it down during removal.

That means:

• Shellac is permeable

• Vettsy is permeable

• All soak-off gel systems share this characteristic

When Shellac is described as “breathable,” it is referring to its flexible polymer structure, not a unique ability to feed or nourish the nail through the coating.

Permeability is not exclusive to one brand. It is a fundamental feature of any product designed to soak off safely.

Easier soak-off usually means more flexible chemistry

Gel systems that soak off more easily tend to be less rigid. They have a looser polymer network, which makes them more permeable to both acetone and oils.

That flexibility matters. More flexible coatings are better able to move with the natural nail instead of resisting it. When paired with proper prep and regular oil use, this flexibility helps reduce cracking, peeling, and stress at the free edge.

This applies equally to Shellac, Vettsy, and other soak-off gels we use in the salon.

What cuticle oil actually does

There is a lot of misinformation about cuticle oil. It is often described as “feeding” the nail, which is not quite accurate.

Here’s what cuticle oil actually does.

• Keeps the proximal nail fold and surrounding skin supple

• Absorbs under the free edge to help maintain nail flexibility

• Helps the gel coating flex instead of crack under stress

Oil does not nourish the nail plate in the way food nourishes the body. Instead, it supports elasticity and reduces brittleness. Think of cuticle oil as stress insurance, not nail food.

Why flexibility matters more than hardness

Healthy nails are not meant to be rigid. They are meant to bend slightly and recover. When nails become dry and brittle, they may feel hard, but that hardness often leads to sudden breaks instead of gradual wear. Oil helps restore balance by supporting flexibility in both the natural nail and the gel coating sitting on top of it. This is especially important during colder months, when nails lose moisture more quickly.

The key takeaway

Cuticle oil is essential for nail health because it protects flexibility and reduces stress on the nail, not because it feeds the nail through the polish. This benefit applies to all soak-off gel systems we use.

Consistent oil use supports better wear, fewer breaks, and healthier nails over time, no matter the brand on top.