Why do hangnails appear and how to treat them at home?

Hangnails are small pieces of skin that form around the nails. They can be annoying and painful, and sometimes even interfere with daily activities. Hangnails can appear for various reasons, and in this article, we will explore what causes their formation and how to prevent them.
The causes of hangnails in adults are linked to factors that we typically don't perceive as harmful to the skin around the nails. The main cause is dry skin on the hands.
When the skin is dry, it becomes more vulnerable to damage. As a result, the cuticle dries out and becomes inflamed, and the skin around it begins to crack without fully detaching, which leads to the formation of a hangnail.

The skin can become dry and prone to hangnails due to a lack of care and infrequent use of cuticle oil and hand creams. This is the obvious reason. But what are some less noticeable factors that can contribute to this?
- Using soap with a high pH level and antibacterial properties. Such products lack components that soften the skin and help retain moisture, so regular hand washing with unsuitable products leads to skin dryness and contributes to hangnails.
- Doing housework without hand protection. All household chores, including cleaning and washing dishes, are better done with gloves. Cleaning agents contain harsh chemicals that can negatively affect the skin and nails, causing dryness, irritation, and damage.
At first, it may seem inconvenient to perform daily tasks while wearing gloves, but over time it becomes a habit. Additionally, gloves not only protect against hangnails but also help maintain a perfect manicure. After all, keeping the initial appearance of a glitter or matte finish can sometimes be more challenging than it seems.
- Unfavorable climate. Even if you know how to prevent hangnails, external factors can make the skin more vulnerable to damage. For example, during the heating season, when indoor air becomes dry, hangnails appear much more often. Skin peeling can also occur after traveling to a region with an unfamiliar climate or altered water pH levels, which also affects the skin's condition.
How to get rid of hangnails at home?
Daily care for the skin around the nails is perhaps the most effective way to get rid of hangnails. If you're not used to using cuticle oil, try to regularly apply a moisturizing cream—at least in the morning and evening, and preferably after every hand wash or contact with water and cleaning agents.
When choosing a quality cream, it's important to pay attention to its ingredients, such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. These active components not only effectively moisturize the skin but also help retain its natural moisture, providing long-lasting hydration and reliable protection.
For intensive hand care, you can do soaking treatments 1-2 times a week. Here’s one recipe: dissolve a small amount of cuticle remover in warm water. Place your hands in the solution for 10 minutes to soften the skin. After that, gently pat your hands dry with a towel, and using cuticle nippers or manicure scissors, carefully remove the loosened skin around the nails. It's important not to cut too close to the base of the cuticle to avoid injury and prevent the formation of hangnails.
Beautiful hands and well-groomed nails are not only aesthetic but also a sign of good health. With Global Fashion products, you’ll provide your nails with gentle and professional care, keeping their beauty and strength for a long time.
---> See cuticle and nail care products here
Read also: 4 manicure mistakes that will make the look of a sorceress - avoid these mistakes!
For intensive hand care, you can do soaking treatments 1-2 times a week. Here’s one recipe: dissolve a small amount of cuticle remover in warm water. Place your hands in the solution for 10 minutes to soften the skin. After that, gently pat your hands dry with a towel, and using cuticle nippers or manicure scissors, carefully remove the loosened skin around the nails. It's important not to cut too close to the base of the cuticle to avoid injury and prevent the formation of hangnails.
Beautiful hands and well-groomed nails are not only aesthetic but also a sign of good health. With Global Fashion products, you’ll provide your nails with gentle and professional care, keeping their beauty and strength for a long time.
---> See cuticle and nail care products here
Read also: 4 manicure mistakes that will make the look of a sorceress - avoid these mistakes!
Published: 07.04.2025 12:45
Times Read: 274
2080 bought
ID: 3650
80 MDL
3401 bought
ID: 3688
200 MDL
696 bought
ID: 1832
56 MDL
-30%
1023 bought
ID: 2003
56 MDL
-30%
1135 bought
ID: 3658
130 MDL
36 bought
ID: 11067
108 MDL