Dry and brittle nails often make themselves noticeable in the smallest moments: a nail edge catches on your jumper, a layer starts peeling, or a nail breaks while you’re opening a packet. It’s frustrating, especially when your nails have finally grown a little longer. You want to keep them looking well-maintained without losing that length again.
Frequent contact with water can make your nails more fragile. Opening a packet can also put pressure on your nail edges without you noticing. Protection and regular hydration therefore form the foundation of nail care. These five tips show you how to care for fragile edges and build a simple routine for dry and brittle nails this autumn.
1. Choose a practical length for dry and brittle nails
Do your nails often catch on clothing or break easily? Keep them slightly shorter for a while, so the edges are less likely to snag.
Also limit the pressure you put on your nail tips. Use scissors to open a package. The American Academy of Dermatology advises against using your nails to open items such as drink cans, as this can cause them to chip or split (Bullock, 2025).
2. Avoid pulling off peeling nail layers
A peeling nail layer can bother you all day. It’s tempting to tear it off, as it will make your nails appear smoother. However, you may tear away more of the nail than you intended.
Is the peeling layer at the tip of your nail catching on things? Gently smooth the protruding edge with the Herome Glass Nail File. Keep to the nail edge; don’t file across the nail surface to remove the peeling layer.
A smooth edge makes your nail feel more comfortable in everyday use. Next, give dry nails and cuticles attention with the following care steps.
3. Hydrate dry and brittle nails regularly
Do your nails feel dry or look dull? Use a hydrating nail product. Hydration helps keep nails flexible, especially when the air is dry.
You can use the Herome Hydrating Nail for this. Apply the gel to unpolished nails using the brush and leave it to absorb for three minutes. You could do this while your skincare absorbs in the evening.
4. Care for the cuticles on dry and brittle nails
Dry skin around your nails can catch on things and tempt you to pick at it. Avoid tearing it off, as this can damage the skin further. Remember to include the skin around your nails in your nail care routine too.
Herome Cuticle Cream helps keep your cuticles soft. Apply it before bed and gently massage it around your nails. Do you prefer oil over cream? Apply Herome Nourishing Nail Oil to your nails and cuticles and gently massage it in.
5. Include dry and brittle nails in your daily hand care routine
Do your hands feel dry throughout the day? Apply hand cream, make sure to include your nails, fingertips, and cuticles.
Looking for a fragrance-free hand cream? You can use Herome Hand Cream Sensitive Massage the cream over your hands and fingertips. Reapply whenever your hands feel dry.
Dry and brittle nails: how do you care for them and limit damage?
Keep your nails slightly shorter if they often snag or break.
Avoid pulling off peeling layers and gently file protruding edges smooth.
Hydrate dry, unpolished nails regularly.
Care for dry cuticles without pulling at loose skin.
Include your nails when applying hand cream.
A simple routine combines regular care with attention to fragile nail edges. Explore our other nail and hand care tips for more advice on caring for your hands and nails this autumn. Beauty is in your hands!