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Health
Musculoskeletal System Health
Arm and Hand Health
Finger Health
Nail Health
How to Get Rid of Hangnails Download Article Co-authored by Mia Rubie
Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Approved
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Repairing Hangnails
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Preventing Hangnails
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This article was co-authored by Mia Rubie. Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 21 testimonials and 80% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,128,663 times.
Hangnails are pesky little skin tears that develop when a sliver of skin splits away from a cuticle or fingernail. Hangnails are small in size, but they can cause a great deal of pain if they get caught on your clothes or hair. Apart from that, there is also the possibility of hangnails getting infected, so it is important to take care of and remove hangnails the correct way, so as to avoid deep cuts, scarring, swelling, and infections.
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Repairing Hangnails
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1 Soak your fingers. Soak your fingers in warm water for about 10 minutes. The warm water will help soften your skin and nails, which will make it easier to cut away the hangnail.
You can add in some drops of vitamin E oil or olive oil for extra moisture during your soak.
2 Clip your hangnail. Use clean and sharp cuticle nippers to cut off the hangnail. Try cutting as close to the base of the hangnail as possible. The closer you cut to the base of the hangnail, the less likely your hangnail will get caught on things like clothing.
Do not pull and pluck at your hangnail. This will cause an uneven break from your skin, further irritating the area of the hangnail. Pulling at your hangnail could also cause bleeding.
Do not cut off more skin or nail than what is necessary. This can create a deep cut that can easily get infected.
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3 Apply an antibacterial ointment. The antibacterial ointment will help kill, and keep away bacteria from the hangnail area while supporting healing. You only need a small amount to cover the entire affected area.
If your hangnail was deep, you can put a bandage on the hangnail to help prevent it from getting infected.
4 Moisturize the hangnail area. For small hangnails that aren’t that deep, lather vitamin E oil onto the hangnail area. Vitamin E is easily absorbed into the skin and is extremely moisturizing. Besides vitamin E oil, applying any kind of moisturizer to your hands will prevent your cuticles from getting dry and brittle – conditions that promote the likelihood of hangnails.
Apply an oil or moisturizer multiple times a day, especially after handling hot water and washing your hands.
You can use other moisturizers like petroleum jelly, honey, olive oil, and coconut oil to combat hangnails, and keep your hands soft and hydrated.
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Preventing Hangnails
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1 Try to keep your nail beds moisturized. Dryness is the primary source of hangnails, so to prevent them, it’s very important to keep your hands moistened by applying deep penetrating lotions and oils to your hands.
Use cuticle oil to moisturize the skin around your nails regularly, as it's more likely to shred if it's dry.[1]X Expert Source Mia RubieNail ArtistExpert Interview
Dry your hands thoroughly any time you get them wet. Water actually acts as an irritant and can cause more pain.
Drink enough water throughout the day to stay moisturized and hydrated.
Consider wearing rubber gloves when working with detergents or water. This added precaution will protect your hands from drying out from the soap and water.
2 Remove hangnails while they’re short. Instead of picking at your cuticles and only irritating your skin more, cut hangnails off as soon as you feel them. A sharp pair or cuticle nippers or nail scissors can trim the skin efficiently. This keeps the hangnails from getting caught on clothes and ripping deeper.
Use your nipper and clip the hangnail straight, then pull it upward. Don't pull downward, as that could tear the skin.[2]X Expert Source Mia RubieNail ArtistExpert Interview
If the hangnail area becomes red and swollen, you’ve probably developed an infection. In the event of an infection, start treating it by soaking your hangnail in hot water about 3 times a day. If you don’t see or feel any improvement within a few days, contact your doctor. You might need to start a round of antibiotics.[3]XResearch source
3 Avoid biting and picking at your nails. Biting your nails damages your nails and the skin surrounding your nails, which in turn increases your chances of developing a hangnail.[4]XResearch source
Having your fingers in and around your mouth increases the chances of a hangnail getting infected because of the different bacteria in your mouth.
Don't pick at your cuticles, either. You'll likely leave your cuticle raw or bleeding, which can be grounds for a nail or skin infection.[5]X Expert Source Mia RubieNail ArtistExpert Interview
Try keeping your nails painted if you find yourself biting them often. The taste will discourage you from chewing them.
4 Trim your nails frequently. Use a pair of nail clippers to trim nails and keep them from growing too long. This can help prevent hangnail development. You can also use an orange stick to softly push cuticles back and keep them from growing onto your nail. Repeat the process once or twice a month.
An orange stick is a thin, manicuring stick with one angled edge used to push back cuticles, and one pointed edge used to clean underneath the nails.
Consider trimming your nails when they have been softened with some warm water. This will make cutting through the nail a lot easier.
A regular manicure can help maintain healthy nails, and keep nail growth under control.
5 Avoid acetone nail polish remover. Acetone nail polish is a very effective nail polish remover, but it can also significantly dry out your hands and nails. Since hangnails develop when skin and nails are dry, steer clear from drying products.[6]XResearch source
Consider using less severe polish strippers like ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, or propylene carbonate. You could also use polish removers that have added conditioners like glycerin and soy.
6 Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Eat foods high in iron, calcium, and B-vitamins to strengthen your nails and prevent hangnails in the future. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated as well.[7]XResearch source
Consider taking a vitamin supplement if you don’t get enough through your diet.
Biotin is a supplement that helps strengthen your nails. Ask your doctor if a supplement is right for you.[8]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Expert Q&A
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Question How are hangnails treated? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer The loose ends are trimmed away and the area is cleaned. Then a moisturizer is applied. The area can also be bandaged if needed. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
Question How do you stop getting hangnails? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Keep your cuticles hydrated and treat them gently. Avoid leaving your hands in water for long periods. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10
Question What is the cause of hangnails? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Hangnails happen when the skin around the nail separated from the nail bed. This can happen from dryness, tearing, or an aggressive manicure. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7
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Co-authored by: Mia Rubie Nail Artist This article was co-authored by Mia Rubie. Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails. This article has been viewed 1,128,663 times. 12 votes - 80% Co-authors: 48Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 1,128,663 Categories: Featured Articles | Nail HealthArticle SummaryX
To get rid of hangnails, start by soaking your fingers in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften your skin and nails. Next, use clean and sharp cuticle nippers to cut off the hangnail as close to the base as possible. Then, apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment to the affected area. Finally, follow up with a good moisturizer or vitamin E oil to prevent future hangnails. To learn more about preventing hangnails, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Sandria Olivia
Mar 21, 2016
"I especially liked the way you encouraged me to keep my nails moistened and avoid the use of plain acetone. I work as a health care professional, and have to constantly wash my hands. Also, I have used plain acetone before, and it's not nice on hands."..." more
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Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Mia Rubie Nail Artist Co-authors: 48Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 1,128,66380% of readers found this article helpful. 12 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote
Sandria Olivia
Mar 21, 2016
"I especially liked the way you encouraged me to keep my nails moistened and avoid the use of plain acetone. I work as a health care professional, and have to constantly wash my hands. Also, I have used plain acetone before, and it's not nice on hands."..." more
Cecelia Peden
Mar 21, 2017
"I get hangnails often, and reading this article was a big help. My fingers get especially dry during winter, and having an article like this was very useful. I did these steps for two weeks, and my hangnails were almost completely gone. Thanks!"..." more Rated this article:
Someone
Oct 31, 2020
"I've had hangnails for years. This article really helped me get rid of them. I always bled the moment I got them. So, I tried the advice from this article. It worked, so no more hangnails for me!"..." more
Shelby Olsen
Mar 20, 2016
"The advice on cutting the hang nail was helpful. I don't bite my nails, but I do bite off hangnails if I'm away from home. Also, knowing about the oils was helpful."..." more
Jolie Green
Jul 10, 2017
"I didn't try this yet, but I'm constantly having annoying hangnails that I have no idea how to remove. I'll send feedback after I try the techniques."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Cracked Skin Around Nails: At-Home Remedies & Solutions 
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Co-authored by: Mia Rubie Nail Artist This article was co-authored by Mia Rubie. Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails. This article has been viewed 1,128,663 times. 12 votes - 80% Co-authors: 48 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 1,128,663 Categories: Featured Articles | Nail Health Article SummaryX
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1 Soak your fingers. Soak your fingers in warm water for about 10 minutes. The warm water will help soften your skin and nails, which will make it easier to cut away the hangnail. 
2 Clip your hangnail. Use clean and sharp cuticle nippers to cut off the hangnail. Try cutting as close to the base of the hangnail as possible. The closer you cut to the base of the hangnail, the less likely your hangnail will get caught on things like clothing. 
3 Apply an antibacterial ointment. The antibacterial ointment will help kill, and keep away bacteria from the hangnail area while supporting healing. You only need a small amount to cover the entire affected area. 
4 Moisturize the hangnail area. For small hangnails that aren’t that deep, lather vitamin E oil onto the hangnail area. Vitamin E is easily absorbed into the skin and is extremely moisturizing. Besides vitamin E oil, applying any kind of moisturizer to your hands will prevent your cuticles from getting dry and brittle – conditions that promote the likelihood of hangnails. 
1 Try to keep your nail beds moisturized. Dryness is the primary source of hangnails, so to prevent them, it’s very important to keep your hands moistened by applying deep penetrating lotions and oils to your hands. 
2 Remove hangnails while they’re short. Instead of picking at your cuticles and only irritating your skin more, cut hangnails off as soon as you feel them. A sharp pair or cuticle nippers or nail scissors can trim the skin efficiently. This keeps the hangnails from getting caught on clothes and ripping deeper. 
3 Avoid biting and picking at your nails. Biting your nails damages your nails and the skin surrounding your nails, which in turn increases your chances of developing a hangnail.[4] 
4 Trim your nails frequently. Use a pair of nail clippers to trim nails and keep them from growing too long. This can help prevent hangnail development. You can also use an orange stick to softly push cuticles back and keep them from growing onto your nail. Repeat the process once or twice a month. 
5 Avoid acetone nail polish remover. Acetone nail polish is a very effective nail polish remover, but it can also significantly dry out your hands and nails. Since hangnails develop when skin and nails are dry, steer clear from drying products.[6] 
6 Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Eat foods high in iron, calcium, and B-vitamins to strengthen your nails and prevent hangnails in the future. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated as well.[7] 
Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. 
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