What is a common cause of hangnails?

Dehydration of the skin around the nail is indeed a well-recognized cause of hangnails. When the skin surrounding the nail becomes dry, it can lead to cracks and splits, making the skin more susceptible to tearing and forming hangnails. This condition can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as cold weather, frequent exposure to water, or not moisturizing the hands regularly.

While other choices touch on aspects related to nail care and conditioning, they do not directly contribute to the primary cause of hangnails in the same way that dehydration does. Proper hydration of the skin around the nails is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and preventing the development of hangnails. By focusing on moisturizing the area and ensuring it stays hydrated, the risk of developing hangnails can be significantly reduced.