Once Bitten

Have a nail biter in your midst? Use these valuable tips to help curb the habit and grow out those nails once and for all.

BY GELISH

06.11.25

It happens to the best of us: A pesky hangnail that you can't stop playing with or those extra nerves start getting to you—and before you know it, your fingernail is between your teeth. Of course, there's a world of difference between the occasional nibble and a full-on nail-biting habit. As one of the most common habits, nail biting is often rooted in stress, boredom, or sometimes just muscle memory, and breaking the cycle can be tough—but it's not impossible. With a plan of action and a little self-discipline, those bitten nails can be transformed into strong, healthy tips. Here are some practical tips to help curb the habit and grow those nails out once and for all.

1. Understand the Triggers

The first step to halting the habit is recognizing what's causing the urge. Nail biting is often a response to stress or anxiety, but sometimes it kicks in when you're concentrating or, alternatively, when you're bored (think: while watching TV or sitting in traffic). Start paying attention to when it happens most and try to gently redirect the behavior. Awareness is key!

2. Remember Your Health

Most people try to stop biting their nails for aesthetic reasons, but there are other real health concerns should motivate you as well. Constant biting and picking can cause damage to the skin around the nails, opening the door to painful infections like paronychia, where the skin around the nail becomes inflamed. The repeated trauma of biting can also cause permanent shortening of the hyponychium (the area of skin beneath the free edge of your fingernail). The consistent and repetitive biting can shorten the nail bed permanently. And let's not forget: Your hands touch everything, so when you bite your nails, you're giving your mouth access to all kinds of germs and bacteria. Ew.

3. Try a Strengthening Base Coat

Using something like Morgan Taylor Daily Elixir Keratin Nail Treatment helps repair and protect the natural nail, while also giving the nail a slick finish that's less tempting to bite. And as your nails begin to grow, try Gelish Vitagel Recovery Nail Strengthener to help fortify the nail and encourage healthy growth.

4. Keep Nails Short and Tidy

Ragged edges can tempt even the most committed quitters with a nibble, so keep nails filed smooth so biting becomes less appealing—and less satisfying. A regular manicure, even at home, can work wonders.

5. Keep Hands Busy

Fidget toys, stress balls, doodling—anything that keeps the hands occupied can help break the unconscious habit of biting, especially during high-stress moments or idle downtime.

6. Create a Nail Care Ritual

Introducing a nail-biter to the joys of nail care can make all the difference in a successful breakup with their habit. A simple manicure with a fresh coat of polish or gel can turn the focus from biting to pampering—hopefully making you more motivated to preserve the beautiful work rather than chewing it away.

7. Celebrate Progress

Growing your nails after years of biting can feel like a major victory—and it is! Take progress photos weekly, treat yourself to a new nail polish or a luxe salon manicure when you hit milestones, and stay positive. After all, every little bit of growth counts!