By Someone Who's Been There (And Bitten That)

I used to think I was just a nervous nail-biter. But then, after giving it some thought, I realised… I was a committed nail-biter. Stress? Bite. Boredom? Bite. Waiting on a customer service call? Yep, bite. It was a bad habit, something I hoped to break by covering it up.

I had tried everything: acrylics, gel tips, press-on nails, and going for regular manicures, all in the hopes that having "pretty" nails would stop me from destroying them. Spoiler alert: it didn't last.

What did last, though, was the nagging concern that I had no idea what I was putting on my nails.

Have you ever flipped over a bottle of acrylic powder or nail glue? The ingredients are a harmful chemical cocktail… including the likes of ethyl methacrylate or formaldehyde, to name a few. Not exactly the kind of stuff you want on your hands regularly or for prolonged periods, especially when your fingers live so close to your mouth.

So I switched tactics. I started asking: What if I could support my nails to heal and grow using clean, natural products instead of masking the damage with synthetic "solutions"?

Why We Bite Nails and Why It's Hard to Stop

Nail-biting, or onychophagia, can be more than a bad habit. According to experts, it can often be linked to boredom, stress, anxiety, or even perfectionism - and for me, turned into a BAD HABIT. And like many unconscious habits, it's hard to break without the right tools, dedication and some patience.

But here's the encouraging part: science shows that habit loops can be broken. The key? Disrupt the routine and replace it with a healthier one, using our 3-step routine as inspiration to find what works for you. Where natural, nourishing nail care comes in.

1. Step One: Make Nail Biting Less Tempting

One of the oldest and most effective tricks? Make your nails taste and smell unpleasant. Bitter-tasting deterrents are a tried and tested way to create a strong mental association between biting and "ick." The idea is simple: bitter-tasting/strange-smelling deterrents work by making a strong mental association between the act of biting and an unpleasant taste/smell, discouraging the habit over time.

But what is a natural way to go about achieving this?

Neem Oil - a natural, plant-based alternative with a bitter taste and a distinctive, pungent smell that most find unappealing. This alone can make biting your nails far less tempting.

But Neem oil does more than just taste/smell intense. It's rich in antioxidants, which help protect the skin and nails from environmental stress and fungus, making it a great choice for overall nail health. It is safe for topical use and nourishes the cuticles, while serving as a natural barrier against biting.

In short, Neem oil helps you break the habit while supporting healthy nail growth, all without harsh chemicals. It's a win-win for your hands and your health.

Now, you may ask, "Cayla, why? I don't want to walk around smelling strange." My humble answer, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Whether others can smell it from a distance when applied to your nails depends on factors like how much you've used, the surrounding environment, and another person's sensitivity to smells. On the bright side, it is highly beneficial for you. Simply apply a few drops to your cuticles and feel free to dilute it with another carrier oil.

DIY Bitter Aloe Nail-Bite Deterrent Gel Recipe (Surface-Focused Formula)

Aloe Ferox is known for its intensely bitter taste and soothing properties. If you were to apply it over your nails, the taste alone is a strong reminder not to bite.

When applied to your nails, Aloe Ferox acts as a gentle deterrent. It's unpleasant bitterness provides an instant reminder whenever your fingers make their way toward your mouth. But unlike store-bought solutions, it also offers natural healing benefits, soothing irritated cuticles, moisturising the skin, and helping your nails recover from past damage.

Ingredients:

1 tsp Aloe Ferox Powder (Bitter Cape Aloe)

1 cup Distilled Water

¾ tsp Xanthan Gum (natural thickener)

Method:

1. In a small pot, bring the distilled water to a gentle simmer.
2. Whisk in the Aloe Ferox powder until fully dissolved.
3. Remove from heat, then slowly sprinkle in xanthan gum while whisking continuously to avoid clumps. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
4. Once the gel has cooled, transfer to small nail polish bottles or containers of choice.

To use, apply a thin layer of the gel to clean nails and cuticles once or twice a day. Your nails will be coated in a bitter-tasting shield as you allow it to dry. Reapply after washing hands or as needed.

This gel serves as both a deterrent and a treatment, which can make it easier to stop nail biting while helping your nails grow back stronger and healthier. Do not use for prolonged periods or on raw, open-wounded skin. It is intended for short-term use to help break the habit of nail biting and should not be relied upon indefinitely. If irritation, redness, or discomfort occurs, discontinue use immediately. Always do a patch test before applying to ensure there is no adverse reaction. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.