How to Get Rid of Hangnails?: If you are reading this, you probably have hang nails and have tried to nip them with a cuticle cutter already. Yes, hang nails suck and there is no two ways about it. But, worry no more as there are a number of quick remedies that can help you get rid of hangnails effectively!
Before we go ahead with the list of carefully curated remedies, let us go over what hangnails are in the first place.
Hangnails refer to small pieces of torn cuticle. These are generally annoying and quite painful, specifically when it rubs against the clothing. Many a times, it can turn red and swell up too. Hangnails generally crop up during the months of winter with dryness being the main cause. However, there are numerous other reasons that can be a cause of hangnails, for example, exposure to excessive moisture or harsh chemicals. Additionally, nail biting and bad manicures (involving aggressive or hard cuticle push back) can also lead to hangnails.
Top 11 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Hangnails
If the small piece of torn skin hurts more than it should or causes immense pain while doing your hair or other chores and you want to get rid of it, then don’t worry! We have just the hacks you need to get rid of hangnails. Well, the easiest and most common one is to apply lip balm or petroleum jelly over the affected nail and leave it to work overnight.
However, if this does not work, check out these simple yet effective remedies to get rid of hangnails.
1. Honey
Keeping the nail beds moisturised is the best way to treat as well as prevent hangnails. Moisturising keeps the skin around nails supple. Honey works as an excellent moisturising agent as it is a natural humectant that attracts and retain moisture. Honey also contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help fight infection while simultaneously reducing inflammation.
For use, dab Manuka or raw honey over affected areas. Let it stay for a few hours to soften the cuticles. Apply daily for best results. You can also apply honey daily to prevent hangnails before the onset of winter.
Also read: 15 Amazing Hacks To Protect And Care For Your Nails
2. Almonds
Almonds are a great way to cure hangnails. They are rich in vitamin E and are also loaded with essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and swelling.
To apply, soak some almonds overnight in water. Peel the skin of almonds the next morning and grind only the almonds. Mix in a little honey and a beaten egg yolk. Apply this mixture to your nails before bed. Cover with cotton gloves. Let it stay and work overnight. Rinse off in the morning. Repeat this application few times a week for desired results.
Must read: 12 DIY Easy Homemade Foot Scrub And Soaks
3. Avocado
Avocado is replete with vitamin E and healthy fats. It also contains other important nutrients that nourish and heal the skin besides being a great natural moisturizer.
To apply, scoop out the pulp of half an avocado. Mash it with a fork. Then, add in two tablespoons of coconut oil. Use this homemade moisturizer over the affected area and allow it to stay overnight. Regular application can cure hang nails overnight!
Also read: Top 17 Health Benefits Of Olive Oil
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera contains healing, soothing, and moisturising properties that make it an effective home remedy for hangnails. Use Aloe Vera in combination with turmeric to prevent and treat infected hangnails. This is because both these ingredients contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
To use, simply apply fresh and succulent Aloe Vera gel taken from an aloe leaf over the affected areas. Use this remedy daily to treat the problem of hangnails. For better results, you can also mix a little turmeric powder in a teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel and apply over the affected area. Allow it to sit on for about half an hour before you rinse off.
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5. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil works by moistening and softening the nail beds. Furthermore, vitamin E heals and nourishes torn skin overall.
Simply, apply pure vitamin E oil over the affected area. Let it stay on your skin until it is completely absorbed. Repeat application numerous times a day for quick results. In addition, you can also use vitamin E oil in combination with other oils like castor, jojoba, or olive oil for daily application.
Also read: Vitamin E Benefits and Uses for Your Body
6. Oat Meal Scrub
An oatmeal scrub may be just the thing you need if you suffer from hang nails. Oats will help reduce and gently exfoliate the dead and rough skin around the cuticle without causing any pain or irritation.
To use, simply grind a fistful of rolled oats in a blender and throw it into a large bowl. Now put your hands into the bowl and use your finger to gently massage the oats between your palms and around the cuticle region. Do this for a few minutes, before washing your hands. Be sure to follow up with some moisturising cream.
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7. Beeswax Balm
Beeswax balm provides moisture and softens the nails. Combine it with carrier oils to form a protective and soothing layer over the skin to prevent tearing.
To apply, mix two teaspoons each of almond oil, coconut oil, and olive oil with three tablespoons of beeswax and three teaspoons of honey. Melt this mixture in a double boiler or a microwave. Thereafter, remove it from heat and add in a few drops of essential oils. It can be anything like lavender, tea tree oils, peppermint oil, or plantain. Apply this mixture over nails and cuticles and allow it to work overnight. Repeat the application daily for quick results.
Also read: 12 Home Remedies For Skin Tag Removal
8. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is yet another excellent remedy for the treatment of infected hangnails. It extracts the harmful toxins, thus reducing inflammation and swelling.
To apply, mix a teaspoon of Epsom salt to a cup of warm water. Soak your affected nail in it for at least 15 minutes. Pat dry with a clean towel and apply an antibacterial ointment. Cover the treated area with a bandage. Repeat application 3-4 times a day till the infection is completely treated.
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9. Turmeric
If you are suffering from infected hangnails, a paste of turmeric will do you wonders. It will curb the infection and ensure that it does not spread any further. It will also cure hang nails more effectively than any other remedy.
To use, heat some freshly ground turmeric in a few teaspoons of mustard oil. Apply this mixture to the edges of your nails. And leave it on for at least an hour. You can also leave it on overnight for faster results.
Also read: 10 Best Health Benefits of Turmeric
10. Yogurt
Yogurt is used to treat myriad health conditions. It is also an excellent remedy to treat inflamed and painful hangnails as it is loaded with pro-biotics that have anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it is also a great moisturizer. For desired results, opt for yogurt with active cultures.
As a remedy, apply plain yogurt over the affected area and allow it to work for a few hours. Follow with a tepid rinse. Repeat application daily until the problem is completely treated.
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11. White Clay
Hangnails can be a real bother, and when they get hard to rid of, try white clay! White clay is suitable for all skin types including sensitive and dry skin. It gently exfoliates the dead skin and nourishes your cuticles by providing essential minerals to prevent the condition of hangnails from re-occurring.
To apply, mix a teaspoon of white clay to an equal quantity of olive oil and a few drops of lavender oil. Use this paste to massage the affected area. Let it stay for about 20 minutes, followed by a tepid rinse. Follow the application twice a week for effective results.
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Besides the above mentioned remedies, it is also important to take some preventive measures to avoid the condition. These include regular moisturisation of nail beds, regular manicures, and avoiding excessive exposure to water. Most importantly, try to make some healthy changes to your diet and include more sources of calcium, vitamin B, and iron for improved nail strength.
