What is a common cause of hangnails?

Hangnails are often a result of dryness or excessive cutting of the cuticles. The cuticle is the protective layer of skin at the base of the nail, and when it is trimmed too aggressively or becomes overly dry, it can lead to the skin around the nail splitting. This splitting creates hangnails. This condition is particularly prevalent in environments with low humidity or with practices that can dry out the skin, such as frequent washing of hands without proper moisturization.

On the other hand, improper filing can lead to nail damage but is not a direct cause of hangnails. Frequent applications of nail polish don't contribute to hangnail formation either, though they may temporarily dry out the nails. Maintaining long nail lengths primarily affects the structure and integrity of the nail itself, and while it can pose challenges for nail maintenance, it is usually not linked to the occurrence of hangnails.