When nails become overly dry and brittle, this condition is often referred to as?

When nails become overly dry and brittle, the condition is specifically referred to as Onychorrhexis. This term describes the splitting or fraying of the nail plate, which results from a lack of moisture and can lead to nails that are weak and prone to breakage.

Onychorrhexis can arise from various factors, including environmental influences and inadequate nail care. The condition is characterized by brittle nails with longitudinal ridges, making them more susceptible to damage. Understanding this terminology is essential for proper nail care and treatment practices in cosmetology.

The other terms listed, while related to nail health, describe different conditions or issues. Nail fragility is a general term for weak nails but does not specifically denote the split condition that onychorrhexis encapsulates. Hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating, which isn't directly related to nail health. Dystrophy is a broader term that can refer to any abnormal nutrition or development of the nails, not solely focused on dryness and fragility. Thus, Onychorrhexis is the correct term to describe overly dry and brittle nails.