Nails that break at the slightest knock, split at the edges or look dull: dry and brittle nails are among the most common concerns, especially when cold weather arrives.
The good news is that a dry nail primarily lacks hydration and nourishment: with a suitable nail care routine, it regains suppleness and strength within a few weeks. Here are the causes, the right steps and the treatments that make all the difference.
Contents
Why do nails become dry and brittle?
The science
The nail is made up of layers of keratin held together by a cement of lipids and water. A healthy nail naturally contains a small amount of water, which gives it suppleness.
When it becomes dehydrated, the nail loses this suppleness: it becomes rigid and brittle (it breaks cleanly). Conversely, when it is too often saturated with water and then dried out, it becomes soft and splits into layers.
| Cause | What happens |
|---|---|
| Cold weather and heating | Dry air in autumn and winter dries out the nails and cuticles |
| Water and detergents | Dishwashing, cleaning and repeated washing dissolve the nail's protective film |
| Hand sanitiser | It dries out the hands and the area around the nails |
| Harsh nail polish removers | Acetone removes the nail's natural lipids |
| Repeated applications | Semi-permanent polish and false nails weaken the surface |
| Diet and age | Over time, nails naturally become drier; a varied diet contributes to their health |
The 3-step routine for stronger nails
1. Nourish the nail and cuticles
This is the essential step for a dry nail. Massage one drop of Nail and Cuticle Oil onto each nail and its surrounding area: rich in coconut, sweet almond and jojoba oils, it hydrates, protects and softens.
Intense nourishment
A vegan treatment with coconut, sweet almond and jojoba oils that nourishes dry cuticles and strengthens weakened nails.
View productProven results
91 %
say their nails are hydrated and nourished*
86 %
find that their cuticles are supple and nourished*
82 %
say their nails are smoother*
*Usage test conducted under dermatological supervision on 23 volunteers over 4 weeks with one application per week, using 1 drop per nail.
2. Strengthen and protect the nail
To limit breakage, apply a repairing treatment that forms a protective film and hardens the nail. Apply the Pro'Expert Repairing Treatment as a course of treatment, one coat every 2 days, alone or as a base coat under nail polish.
Strengthen · harden · repair
Pro'Expert Repairing Treatment
A 5-in-1 treatment that repairs, strengthens and protects brittle nails. Use it alone for a natural finish or as a base coat before applying nail polish.
View productProven results
95 %
stated that their nails were strengthened*
91 %
noticed that their nails had become harder*
86 %
certified that their nails were repaired*
*Usage test conducted under dermatological supervision on 20 subjects over 4 weeks with an application every 2 days.
Are your nails also very thin? Choose the Pro'Expert Sensitive Repairing Treatment, formulated for the most fragile nails.
Thin and sensitive nails
Pro'Expert Sensitive Repairing Treatment
A multi-action strengthening treatment that repairs, protects and hardens soft, thin and brittle nails.
View productProven results
88 %
stated that their nails were strengthened*
91 %
noticed that their nails had become harder*
*Usage test conducted under dermatological supervision on 20 subjects over 4 weeks with an application every 2 days, satisfaction rate.
3. Protect your hands every day
Wear gloves when washing dishes and cleaning, moisturize your hands after every wash, and remove your nail polish with an extra-gentle nail polish remover, without acetone.
The right routine
Apply oil every evening and use a repairing treatment every 2 days for at least 4 weeks: consistency is what restores flexibility and strength to the nail. A nail takes approximately 4 to 6 months to renew completely.
Gentle tools for fragile nails
A dry nail breaks easily under a blunt tool. Choose precise accessories and always file in one direction.
Mistakes to avoid
- Filing back and forth: this weakens the free edge.
- Using your nails as tools to open or scratch.
- Cutting dry nails: cut them after showering instead, when they are more flexible.
- Applying treatments consecutively without letting the nail breathe.
- Forgetting the cuticles: a dry contour weakens the growing nail.
Advice from a healthcare professional
If your nails remain brittle despite a regular routine, change color or shape, or if other signs appear (fatigue, hair loss), speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
For more information: how to repair damaged nails and splitting nails: how to repair them?.
FAQ: dry and brittle nails
Why are my nails dry and brittle?
Most often due to dehydration: cold, heating, water, detergents, hand sanitizer and harsh nail polish removers deprive the nail of its water and natural lipids.
What is the difference between a brittle nail and a soft nail?
A brittle nail is too dry and rigid: it breaks cleanly. A soft nail is too often saturated with water: it bends and splits.
What treatment is best for dry nails?
An nail and cuticle oil every evening to nourish, and a repairing treatment every 2 days to strengthen.
How long does it take to restore strong nails?
The first results appear after 4 weeks of regular care; the nail is completely renewed in 4 to 6 months.
Can you apply nail polish to dry nails?
Yes, provided you apply a repairing treatment as a base and remove polish with an acetone-free remover.
Are nails more brittle in winter?
Yes, outdoor cold and dry heated air increase dehydration: this is the season when a nourishing routine is most important.
Strong, flexible nails
Discover our selection of care products for dry nails.
Discover care for dry nails →