Nail polish against nail biting: These products are supposed to help

In our busy world, it is not uncommon for people to develop unhealthy habits to cope with stress and anxiety. One of the most common of these habits is nail biting, a nervous habit that not only affects the aesthetics of the hands but can also lead to pain and infection. One remedy is supposed to help overcome annoying chewing: nail polish. The star asked Prof. Dr. Steffen Moritz, psychologist at the Eppendorf University Hospital in Hamburg, what he thinks about it and what measures also help against nail biting.

“The most effective measure is to make a so-called antagonistic movement as soon as nail biting begins. This means: making a fist, folding your hands, sitting on your hands or something similar,” says Prof. Dr. Moritz. This way the behavior can be stopped. He goes on to say: “However, there are many people affected for whom this doesn’t work because they don’t notice that the behavior is starting to happen.” Then you could actually help.

Nail polish for nail biting is not a new invention, but it has gained popularity in recent years. These special polishes contain an unpleasant, bitter substance that discourages people from putting their nails in their mouths. Once applied and dry, nail polish creates an invisible barrier that makes nail biting difficult and reminds the wearer to refrain from the habit.

And this is also confirmed by Prof. Dr. Moritz. “The bitter taste can sensitize those affected. For some people, they are in a kind of trance and don’t even notice that they are chewing their fingers until they get bloody. Bitter substances can help people to become consciously aware of chewing and to stop it ” he says.

The effect of the against nail biting is based on a simple psychological reaction. By experiencing the bitter taste of nail polish, the brain gradually becomes associated with the unpleasant taste and action of nail biting. Over time, the brain begins to internalize this association and the desire to bite nails is reduced.

Another advantage of the is its aesthetic component. Most of these polishes are available in different colors and textures, so they can double as a fashion accessory. This is particularly important because people who suffer from nail biting are often insecure and want to hide their hands. Wearing colorful nail polish will make them feel more confident and divert their attention from the unhealthy habit.

There are many different brands and variations of nail polish for nail biting on the market. Some contain additional ingredients such as biotin and vitamins that promote nail growth and strengthening. It is important to choose a nail polish that is free of harmful chemicals and will not further weaken the nails. It is therefore advisable to find out more about the ingredients before purchasing and, if necessary, to speak to a dermatologist or pharmacist.

Of course, it is important to emphasize that nail polish alone is not a complete solution to nail biting. It is a tool that can help, but the real change has to come from the person themselves. Although nail polish makes nail biting more difficult, it requires the person’s will and determination to overcome the habit. It is advisable to also use other methods such as stress management, or consider wearing gloves to increase the chances of success.

Prof. Dr. knows another method. Moritz: the so-called decoupling. “I developed the method myself because I was also a nail biter myself. I was very ashamed of it because a lot of things are wrongly interpreted as nail biting. The method is a little more complicated. Those affected imitate the movement that precedes nail biting. Then The hand is consciously directed somewhere else with a little tension and acceleration, just before touching the mouth. The effect, which sometimes occurs after days, is that the hand no longer moves “You really know what you’re doing and what the goal of the action is. According to our studies, this is effective in a third to half of patients,” says Prof. Dr. Moritz.

You can find more information about this method

Overall, there are many different ways to stop nail biting. If you want to make it easier to break the habit, a bitter nail polish is a good choice. It’s a colorful tool that helps people develop healthier nail habits and boost their self-confidence. It’s worth trying out different brands and variations to find the one that best suits your individual needs. With patience and determination, nail biting can be successfully overcome and your hands can be seen in their full glory.