How to Prevent Hangnails

When your nail cuticles become dry or rough, painful and unsightly hangnails often form. Pamper your nails to keep them healthy and free of hangnails.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Olive ( not virgin) Oil
Cuticle Creams
Exfoliating Gloves
Hand Lotions
Manicure Kit
Manicure Scissors
Nail Clippers
Nail Files
Nail Strengthening Polish
Manicure Scissors

Step 1
Give yourself regular manicures: Clean and trim your nails, brush your nails with a manicure brush, and push back cuticles with a cuticle stick. This removes excess skin that may later form hangnails.

Step 2
Use a cuticle moisturizer as needed throughout the day to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized and strong. Try an exfoliating lotion if your skin is particularly dry or roughened.

Step 3
Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or doing housework. Hot water and various cleaning agents can dry out your hands and encourage hangnails. If possible, avoid soaking nails and cuticles in water, as this can weaken them.

Step 4
Put on canvas gloves when gardening or doing other tasks that can roughen and dry out your hands, causing cuticles and nails to crack.

Step 5
Fight the urge to bite fingernails or hangnails. Such habits can aggravate the nail area and cause hangnails to bleed.

Tips & Warnings

If you have extremely dry or rough hands or feet, try applying moisturizer at night, then put on cotton gloves or socks when you sleep.

Cut hangnails as soon as you see them.