How BIAB Nails Helped Me Break a 20-Year Nail-Biting Habit
Biting my nails has always been my thing… not exactly a glamorous one, but mine. I did it unconsciously, mostly when I was thinking or anxious, and always felt a bit ashamed after. I'd tried to stop before with bitter nail polish, willpower, and sheer embarrassment. But nothing stuck.
I never thought a nail appointment could actually change things. But with the right nail tech, it did.
In August 2024, I booked a spontaneous session with Francesca and, without realising it, started a full-on nail transformation. Less than a year later, my nail beds have grown, my nails are genuinely gorgeous, and for the first time in forever, I feel proud of my hands. They tell a different story now: one of care, confidence, and softness.
Getting my nails done has become my non-negotiable ritual. Even on the days I'm in joggers and haven't brushed my hair, I feel a little more me. It's one of those small things that just grounds you.
The secret is BIAB: Builder in a Bottle.
If you've ever struggled with short nails, breakage, or weak nail beds, it's worth knowing about. Unlike traditional gel, it builds a protective layer that flexes with the nail rather than sitting rigidly on top, which is why it lasts longer and causes less breakage. For nail biters specifically, it works on two levels: practically, it's harder to bite through than a bare nail, which breaks the physical habit. Psychologically, once you've invested in a beautiful set, you genuinely don't want to ruin it. That combination is more powerful than willpower alone (as someone who spent twenty years failing at willpower, I can confirm).
My favourite look so far is the pale blue French tips Francesca did for my pre-birthday set. My manager at the time actually copied them, which made me feel like the ultimate trendsetter.
The other thing nobody tells you about getting your nails done regularly is how much the relationship matters. The right nail tech doesn't just fit into your schedule… they fit into your life. You'll spend hours with this person, catching up, swapping stories, quite literally letting them hold your hands while you grow. Check their Instagram before you book.
Do their shapes and styles match what you're going for?
Make sure they have BIAB experience if nail growth is your goal.
And when you’re there, pay attention to the energy. You should genuinely enjoy getting your nails done!
You know you've found the right person when you look up, nine months later, and realise you didn't just find a brilliant nail artist… You found a friend.
Getting your nails done isn't just about polish. It's about feeling grounded, uplifted, and quietly composed. My monthly nail appointment has become my little, reliable reminder that I matter too - beyond all the responsibilities that come with adulthood.