Everyone has had to deal with the pain of a pesky hangnail at one time or another. The occasional hangnail is inevitable, especially in the winter when skin is prone to dryness. However, you can nix this little annoyance with a little prevention know-how.


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What Causes Hangnails In the First Place?
These wayward bits of hanging skin are primarily caused by dryness. Look at it this way: When you spot one on your finger, it's your body's way of telling you it needs more moisture.

They may also be caused by picking at your skin -- always a beauty no-no, whether it's on your face or your nails. If you're a habitual nail biter or dedicated cuticle picker, you may be causing the skin around the nails to peel. Usually hangnails are just skin, but sometimes a hangnail is a little piece of the nail itself. This often happens when you've put your nails through the wringer (we're looking at you, gel manicures), and it can cause a lot of pain. If you have a tendency to pick, peel or bite your nails, try to fight the habit. Your fingers will thank you.

Here's How to Get Rid of a Hangnail
If you are currently dealing with a hangnail that won't go away, start by softening it with a hydrating oil, like a moisturizing almond or jojoba oil. Apply the oil a few times a day to soothe and heal the damaged area. Once the skin softens, carefully snip the hangnail with a pair of cuticle scissors. Don't try to use clippers that aren't designed for cuticles, as they shape doesn't allow for close cutting.

How Do I Prevent Hangnails?
If you want to prevent a painful hangnail situation, you need to maintain a healthy nail care regimen. First, avoid the urge to bite your nails. Gnashing at your nail and the surrounding area is damaging to the skin, and it's a one-way fast track to a hand rife with hangnails.

If you give yourself regular manicures, watch out for any polish that gets onto the skin. Nail polish is drying, and waiting until it's dry to peel it off will leave your nail area parched and prone to hangnails.

Lastly, moisturize your nails regularly with a special cuticle oil like NCLA So Rich Cuticle Oil, $18. Combined with a moisturizing hand lotion, this nail regimen is a one-two punch that will nix hangnails altogether.

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