Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology Practice Exam 2026 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Dry skin around the nail is a common cause of hangnails. Hangnails occur when the skin at the edge of the nail becomes dry, brittle, or damaged, often leading to small pieces of skin tearing away. This is particularly prevalent in individuals who do not regularly moisturize their hands or who have exposure to harsh conditions, such as cold weather or frequent handwashing, which can dry out the skin. Maintaining hydration and applying cuticle oil or hand lotion can help reduce the occurrence of hangnails by keeping the skin supple and healthy.

Other factors, while they may contribute to nail health or aesthetics, do not directly cause hangnails. For instance, excessively long nails can lead to other complications but are not specifically linked to the formation of hangnails. Improper cutting of the nail might lead to discomfort or infection but doesn’t directly relate to dry skin issues. Similarly, using low-quality nail polish can impact the appearance or durability of the nails but does not cause hangnails.