How To Cure A Hang Nail

How to Get Rid of Hangnails Painlessly

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Chief Educator at Paintbox

@byrdiebeauty

There are few things more annoying than hangnails. They injure, they're distracting, and they tin pb to infections and subsequent swollen fingers (not to mention stinging if you even await at a lemon). Once you accept them, it'south hard not to fixate on them, and despite our best efforts, it'due south hard to resist picking at them and exacerbating the pesky situation.

What Is a Hangnail?

A small piece of torn skin near the border of a fingernail. They are near mutual on fingernails just can too occur on toenails.

"Hangnails occur when small portions of skin get a tear nigh the cuticle," says celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann and founder of the eponymous brand. "They can result from a variety of things, like biting your nails, a bad manicure, dry skin, using harsh soap and detergents, cold temperatures, and 'waterlogged' hands" (that result when y'all're in the pool for hours).

Run into the Proficient

Deborah Lippmann is a globe-famous celebrity manicurist and the founder of her eponymous blast care brand.
Chelsea Baart is a manicurist, nail fine art specialist, and OPI global educator.

The 1 upside of hangnails is that they're preventable. A lilliputian TLC for your hands and nails can go a long way. Simple steps like moisturizing, protecting your hands in common cold weather, and snipping (the correct style) tin can safely and painlessly make a hangnail exit stage left, according to nail practiced Chelsea Baart. So if you're wondering how to get rid of hangnails, you've come to the right place. We'veput together the summit tips for hangnail prevention as well as the products to assist.

Head below to study up on how to get rid of hangnails painlessly—and forbid them before they even pop upwards.

Emily Roberts/Byrdie

01 of 08

Moisturize Religiously

Deborah Lippmann Rich Daughter Manus Cream $28.00

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The iii principles of hangnail prevention, according to Lippmann, are "hydrate, moisturize, and wear gloves." Just don't merely slap on some hand cream in the forenoon and phone call information technology a day.

"Have special intendance to massage the lotions and oils directly into the cuticles," says Baart. Unlike moisturizing your face or body, it'south not enough to use lotion once so forget about information technology. "Utilize cuticle oil or lotions frequently throughout the day, specially after each time you wash your hands," says Baart.

02 of 08

Don't Cutting Your Cuticles, Merely Push Them Back

Tweezerman Cuticle Pusher $18.00

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While manicurists may snip abroad at your cuticles, you should avoid cutting them yourself. Instead, utilize a cuticle-removing foam and gently push them back with a cuticle pusher. This will go on nails looking make clean while avoiding irritation and hangnails.

"The cuticle role is to protect new nails from bacteria when they grow out from the nail root," says Lippmann. "The area effectually the cuticle is delicate. It can get dry, damaged, and infected."

03 of 08

Habiliment Gloves

One key manner to forestall hangnails and keep existing ones from getting worse is to shield your hands from harsh elements. Sure, it may seem like a no-brainer to vesture gloves when you become outside into the common cold, but that's non the only time you should be reaching for a protective barrier. Daily chores can be just every bit harmful for the skin on your easily equally chill temperatures. Baart recommends wearing gloves when your hands come in contact with hot water or cleaning products.

04 of 08

Snip Smartly

Tweezerman Stainless Steel Cuticle Nipper $13.00

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When hangnails practice spring up, yous can advisedly snip them off. Be sure to merely remove dead pieces of skin. Cutting too close to the flesh can worsen the problem and fifty-fifty lead to infections, if not but deep, painful hangnails. "Soak the finger in warm water to soften the pare, says Baart. "So clip [the hangnail] off with a clean pair of smash clippers or nail scissors." She recommends sanitizing the instrument with rubbing alcohol and keeping the expanse well-moisturized.

"Be certain when you utilize your cuticle nipper to place the tool right virtually the base of the hangnail and open and shut it without pulling. Nosotros tend to close the nipper and pull the skin, which creates larger problems," cautions Lippmann.

05 of 08

Oil Up

OPI ProSpa Blast & Cuticle Oil $16.00

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For an extra dose of healing hydration, apply argan oil or an oil rich in vitamin E directly to the cuticles before sleep to soften and hydrate smash beds. Baart recommends the Smash & Cuticle Oil from OPI, which contains lightweight grape seed, sesame, sunflower, and kukui oils. You can reapply throughout the day when easily are feeling dry or you feel a hangnail starting time to rear its ugly head. Once the hangnail has softened, you can carefully snip away, over again being certain not to cut besides close to the peel.

If you're using your easily a lot and don't want oil all over your fingers (and keyboard), another lightweight option is this nongreasy, pocket cuticle serum from Olive & June ($30).

06 of 08

Pop an OTC Painkiller

You may non think to reach for the Advil or Tylenol to ease the pain of a hangnail, but you absolutely can do so when you lot need fast relief. According to Baart, over-the-counter pain medication also as an water ice pack can help manage the pain. Be sure to utilise the medicine every bit directed—and don't skimp on the moisturizing and other protective methods.

07 of 08

Try a Smash Soak

Deborah Lippmann The Cure Cuticle Cream $24.00

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Give your hands the spa handling with an at-abode blast soak using kokosnoot oil. This will deeply moisturize your peel while softening cuticles. Wrap hands in hot towels afterwards, and then exist certain to moisturize with lotion or cream. "My cuticle foam, The Cure, includes patented raspberry stem jail cell extract, red algae, shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamins A, C, and E. This luxurious cream instantly relieves dry cuticles as it repairs and protects. Apply as oft every bit needed," says Lippmann.

08 of 08

Utilize an Antibiotic Cream

Finally, y'all tin always use a little antibiotic ointment to ward off infection and promote healing. "Depending on how bad it is, Neosporin never hurts to care for the area," says Lippmann.

"If the finger is bloated, discolored, or oozing, you can apply an antibiotic ointment, such as polysporin, and seek medical advice," notes Baart. "You lot may require oral antibiotics," she adds, if the wound becomes infected.

Neosporin Pain Relief Dual Action Topical Antibody Ointment $8.00

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