Try This Under-$20 Trick If You Can't Stop Biting Your Nails

If you have a nail-biting habit, you probably know it's best if you quit it. I don't think you need me to tell you that. The American Academy of Dermatology Association says repeated nail-biting can make the skin around your nails feel sore, and it can damage the tissue that makes your nails grow, causing "abnormal-looking nails." Not to mention putting your hands near your mouth can also pass along some icky bacteria.

But if you have this habit, you also probably know that it's a hard one to quit—especially if you've been doing it since childhood. It's just so easy to revert to it. The AAD Association says some things you can do to stop biting your nails include keeping your nails trimmed short, getting regular manicures, replacing your habit with a good one (like using a stress ball or doing something else with your hands), identifying your triggers, and gradually weaning off the habit.

The association also recommends applying a bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails. These are over-the-counter formulas that are safe to use but taste so bad you won't even want to bite your nails. That sounds genius to me, and a lot of these polishes cost less than $20. So I did some research on the best ones and made a list for my nail-biting friends out there. Take a look below.

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

1. Orly No Bite

2. Onyx Professional "Stop the Bite" Polish

3. Londontown No Bite Nail Recovery

4. Ella+Mila No More Biting

5. Mavala Stop Deterrent Nail Polish Treatment

6. Barielle No Bite Pro Growth

7. Probelle Anti-Bite

8. Nail Quail Strong Will Anti-Nail Biting Click Pen

9. Ellie Chase Quit the Bite

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Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019.

In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot).

She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.