What is the primary cause of hangnails?

The primary cause of hangnails is dry cuticles or skin. When the skin around the nails becomes dehydrated, it can lead to the separation of the skin from the nail. This separation often results in small, torn pieces of skin, known as hangnails. Maintaining proper hydration of the cuticles and surrounding skin is essential in preventing hangnails, as moisture helps keep the skin supple and less likely to crack or tear.

While excessive filing can cause trauma to the nail or surrounding skin, it is not the main reason for hangnails. Wearing synthetic nails typically affects the structure and health of the natural nail rather than directly causing hangnails. Although using nail polish daily can lead to some level of dryness due to chemicals in the polish and removers, it is not the primary factor in the formation of hangnails compared to dehydrated cuticles or skin.