A hang nail is when the skin around the nail (it is usually called the cuticle) becomes dry or you notice small tears or splits in the nail plate.

Hang nails can be caused by dryness, nail biting, cutting the cuticle, or from an injury. A hang nail is more unattractive and annoying than a serious problem, but without proper care your hang nails may become infected and this will be painful.

Ways to prevent getting a hang nail is proper nail care. First eat foods that have calcium, iron, vitamin B and potassium. Need ideas? Seafood, dairy products, celery, and soy are rich in these nutrients. Your nails
need these nutrients to help with every day nail care. Proper eating habits will help keep your nails and cuticles healthy and will help prevent you from getting hang nails.

Your nails need water and so does your cuticles, this little tip will help prevent a hang nail. You should drink 8 glasses of water each day to keep your body from dehydrating and yes, that includes your nails. If your nails are splitting or are weak it could be from not drinking enough water.

Your cuticles and nails can become dry and brittle; which can cause a hang nail, during the summer months while you are enjoying the fun in the sun and swimming. Sun and chlorine can make your nails brittle. Remember to use moisturizer after swimming and use sunscreen on your hands. Remember your nails are an extension of your body and caring for your nails is just like the rest of your body. Also using cuticle oil for moisturizing your cuticle will help prevent a hang nail.

To protect your cuticles, and prevent a hang nail, while washing dishes, gardening, or cleaning with any type of harsh chemical remember to wear gloves.

If your cuticles and nails are dry and brittle this can cause a hang nail, do not use perfumed lotions that have alcohol as this will cause the nails to become dry.

Do not bite your nails; this is the major cause of hang nails. Not only is this bad for your nails, but it is also bad for your teeth. This habit is definitely not nail care.

Never cut your cuticles, this can cause hang nails, always use a cuticle tool to gentle push back the cuticle.