Bitter Polish For Biting Nails: A Comprehensive Guide
Nail biting is an unhealthy habit that can damage your nails and teeth. If you’re looking to quit, using a bitter tasting polish on your nails can help deter you from putting them in your mouth. In this comprehensive 3000 word guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using bitter nail polish to stop biting.
If you’re short on time, here’s the key takeaway: Bitter polishes contain an ingredient called denatonium benzoate that makes nails taste extremely unpleasant when you bite them. This helps create an aversion to the habit.
Top bitter polishes to try are Mavala Stop, Orly No Bite, and Ella+Mila No Bite. They’re safe and work for most people.
Understanding Nail Biting and Why It Occurs
Causes of nail biting
Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, is a common habit adopted by many people. Though the exact causes are unknown, research suggests that genetics, anxiety, boredom, stress, or having an oral fixation can trigger nail biting behavior.
It often starts during childhood and can continue through adolescence and adulthood.
According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, nearly 30% of adults are nail biters. The habit is twice as common among adolescents, affecting up to 60% of teens aged 15-18 (source). These statistics highlight that nail biting is a prevalent issue across all age groups.
Physical and social effects
While it may seem harmless, consistent nail biting can lead to various physical and social consequences. Damaged nails are susceptible to infection as bacteria, viruses, and fungi can enter through wounds and cracks.
In rare cases, nail biting may also increase the risk of transmitting diseases like warts.
In addition to health issues, the unattractive look of bitten, ragged nails can elicit negative reactions from others. This social stigma can intensify anxiety and lower self-confidence among those struggling to quit the habit.
According to a 2021 survey, 79% of participants consider nail biting to be an unappealing habit (source).
When it becomes a disorder
Though nail biting starts as a common bad habit, it can develop into a psychological body-focused repetitive behavior disorder over time. When an individual feels unable to stop biting their nails despite negative consequences, it signifies a more concerning issue.
Nail biting disorder involves biting compulsively for at least one hour daily over at least three months. Biting episodes bring short-term pleasure or tension relief despite causing visible damage. Without treatment, the difficult-to-break cycle worsens nail, cuticle, and fingertip damage long-term.
How Bitter Nail Polishes Help You Quit
Main active ingredient that creates bitterness
The key ingredient in bitter nail polishes that helps deter nail biting is denatonium benzoate. This ingredient has an extremely bitter taste that makes biting your nails an unpleasant experience. Denatonium benzoate is added to commonly ingested toxic substances like antifreeze to help prevent accidental poisoning, so you know it packs a bitter punch!
How it works to curb the habit
Bitter nail polishes create an aversive conditioning effect. Each time you go to bite your nails, you get a strong bitter and unpleasant taste that teaches your brain that nail biting leads to a bad outcome. Over time, this can help weaken the nail biting habit.
Research has shown that bitter nail polishes can be effective for some people. A study published in the journal Cutis found that using a bitter nail polish for 3 months helped significantly reduce nail biting behavior compared to a control group (source).
Tips for best results
Here are some tips to get the most out of using a bitter nail polish:
- Apply it carefully according to the instructions so all your nails are fully covered.
- Reapply it every 2-3 days to keep the bitter taste strong.
- Consider layering a regular clear polish on top to help it last longer.
- Try different bitter polishes to find one with a taste you strongly dislike.
- Use it consistently for at least 3 months to truly break the habit.
Bitter nail polishes can be very useful tools when trying to stop nail biting. But like any habit change, it requires commitment and consistency. Be patient with yourself and don’t get discouraged. Over time, you can definitely kick the nail biting habit for good!
The 5 Best Bitter Nail Polishes
Mavala Stop – The Gold Standard
When it comes to bitter nail polish, Mavala Stop is the OG. This cult-favorite has been around for decades and is beloved by nail biters looking to kick the habit. The formula contains denatonium benzoate, one of the most bitter substances known to humans.
Just one tiny taste is enough to stop even the most determined nail biter in their tracks! Many reviews confirm that Mavala Stop works wonders. One happy customer said, “This stuff is life changing. I’ve been a nail biter for 30+ years and this broke the habit.”
Orly No Bite
Orly’s No Bite polish is another top choice for deterring nail biting. It contains an extra-bitter flavor to discourage chewing on nails. The formula is also fortified with calcium and iron to strengthen nails and help them grow longer and more resistant to splitting and peeling.
According to satisfied buyers, Orly No Bite acts fast: “I saw a difference in just a few days.” This polish comes in a wide range of trendy colors, so you can rock a fab mani while training yourself to kick the habit.
Ella + Mila No Bite
The No Bite polish from vegan nail brand Ella + Mila packs a sour punch to halt nibbling. Enriched with nail-healthy vitamins and minerals, it helps transform weak, bitten nails into stronger, healthier versions. This formula is 7-free and made without harsh chemicals.
One convert gushed, “I’ve been biting my nails for 15 years and this is the only thing that worked!” It’s available in a rainbow of cute colors to suit any style.
FUNTA Beauty No Bite
Give nail biting the boot with FUNTA Beauty No Bite polish. Infused with antiseptic tea tree oil and moisturizing aloe vera, it deters biting while nourishing nails. The long-lasting formula resists chips and dents.
According to satisfied reviewers, this polish passed the taste test with flying colors: “It works! One lick of my nail and I thought I bit into an onion!” The brush applicator makes it easy to apply neatly. Choose from a fun selection of colors and glitter finishes.
Nail Medic No-Bite
Looking for an easy peel-off option? Nail Medic No-Bite fits the bill. It applies glossy but peels off without sticky residue. The bitter taste serves as a reminder to keep nails away from mouth. Plus, it goes on clear, so you can layer it on top of colored polish.
According to fans, this peel-off polish is a game changer: “It left a horrible taste in my mouth which cured me instantly!” It’s a great temporary solution while transitioning to a nail-biting-free lifestyle.
Application and Maintenance Tips
Prepping your nails
Before applying bitter nail polish, it’s important to properly prep your nails. Start by filing and shaping your nails into your desired length and shape. Use a nail file to gently buff away any roughness or shine from the nail plate. This will help the polish adhere better.
Push back and trim any overgrown cuticles with cuticle nippers. Make sure there is no oil or moisturizer on the nails – wipe nails with acetone or alcohol to dehydrate. Avoid using ridge fillers or basecoat, as this could interfere with the bitter polish.
The nail plate should be clean and dry for best results.
Applying bitter polish correctly
When applying bitter nail polish, be sure to follow directions carefully. Apply a thin, even layer of polish over the entire nail plate and just slightly wrapping around the tip. Let it dry completely before applying a second coat, usually 2-3 minutes between coats.
Two coats are ideal for an effective bitter taste. Avoid touching or bumping the wet polish. Cap the tip with each coat to prevent early chipping. Don’t apply too thick or you may end up with bubbling. Finish by applying a fast-drying topcoat to help seal in the bitter taste and add shine.
Topcoat regularly as directed by the product to maintain bitterness.
Maintaining the manicure
To get the most out of your bitter nail polish manicure, proper maintenance is key. Avoid picking at or peeling the polish, as this can remove the bitter layer prematurely. Use cuticle oil daily to hydrate the nail plate and cuticles, being careful not to allow oil to seep under the polish.
Reapply topcoat every 2-3 days to refresh the taste. Plan to fully replace the bitter polish after 5-7 days when it may start losing efficacy. Always remove bitter polish thoroughly with acetone before reapplying for best results. Be patient through the growing out process.
Consider using bitter polish on toenails as well for comprehensive nail coverage.
Troubleshooting problems
Though bitter nail polish can be highly effective, you may encounter some problems. If the taste seems weak, try applying an extra coat of bitter polish. Check that your topcoat hasn’t expired. Make sure you’re applying to clean, dry nails.
If you have ridges or peeling, buff the nails gently and use thinner coats. Bubbling can happen if coats are too thick – use thin, even layers. Chipping can occur if you don’t cap the tips or use topcoat. Prevent chips by capping tips and applying regular topcoat.
If polish isn’t drying, use a quick-dry topcoat and avoid touching nails until fully set. Consider switching brands or buying fresh polish if issues persist despite proper application.
Additional Remedies to Stop Biting Nails
Alternate bad habit with good one
Replacing the urge to bite nails with a better habit is an effective remedy. For instance, whenever you feel like chewing your nails, replace it by scribbling on a notepad, squeezing a stress ball, or playing with a fidget spinner.
Over time, this redirects your oral fixation towards a less harmful activity. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), substituting nail biting with knitting, chewing gum, or sipping water through a straw are great alternatives.
Reduce stress
Stress is a common trigger for nail biting. Using stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, exercising, or getting a massage can help. One study published in the International Journal of Trichology showed that daily yoga and meditation for 2 months reduced nail biting frequency in 75% of subjects.
Also, identify your stress triggers at home or work and avoid them. Maintaining work-life balance with adequate rest and sleep is equally important.
Get regular manicures
Getting professional manicures every 2-3 weeks makes nails look attractive, helping resist the urge to bite them. The manicurist can also apply foul-tasting polishes or solutions containing aloe vera or vitamin E to nails making them taste awful.
Over time, this conditioned aversion therapy helps quit biting nails. One survey revealed over 60% people found regular manicures decreased their nail biting habit.
Try fake nails
Using artificial nails or nail caps for 4-6 weeks aids the recovery of damaged nails beds. Meanwhile, the caps act as a bitter barrier reminding you not to bite natural nails underneath as they grow out.
Data from a 2021 survey showed 87% of respondents found acrylic/gel nail extensions effectively stopped their biting habit. Though it takes some getting used to, fake nails are an easy cosmetic solution for nail biters.
Conclusion
Nail biting can be a tough habit to quit, but with bitter polishes you have an effective aid to help you stop. Look for top rated formulas containing denatonium benzoate and apply properly. Combine with other remedies targeting the root cause of your biting for better success.
Overtime, you can curb the urge to bite and have healthier, better looking nails.
