Stop Nail Biting (Onychophagia) with Real-Time, On-Device AI Nudges
NoFingo is a privacy-first desktop app that spots hand-to-mouth movement and nudges you before you bite.
On‑device • No cloud video • Works with Zoom
What Is Onychophagia (Nail Biting)?
Onychophagia is the clinical name for chronic nail biting. It’s a common Body‑Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB) that often shows up during stress, boredom, or deep concentration. The habit forms a fast cue‑routine loop: your hands move toward your mouth before you’re even aware of it. The good news: awareness and quick competing responses — like holding a pen or squeezing a stress ball — can retrain that loop over time. NoFingo helps at the exact moment the urge appears.
Why Do People Bite Their Nails? Common Triggers
- Stress and anxiety (self‑soothing)
- Boredom or deep focus (automaticity)
- Perfectionism and picking at cuticles
- Habit loop: cue → routine → relief
How it works: Detect • Disrupt • Retrain
Detect
Runs locally with adjustable sensitivity; works with built‑in webcams.
Disrupt
Subtle overlay, gentle sound, or supported haptic — designed not to break focus.
Retrain
Quick competing responses (hold a pen, stress ball, box‑breathing) and streaks.
Most users report fewer urges within a few weeks of consistent prompts.
Why Stop Nail Biting? Health, Hygiene, and Confidence
- Nail/skin irritation and cuticle damage (paronychia risk).
- Dental or jaw discomfort for some people.
- Higher exposure to germs from surfaces to mouth.
- Confidence and appearance — hands you’re proud to show.
Ways to Stop Nail Biting (and Where They Fall Short)
NoFingo vs Other Nail Biting Solutions
Clean, accessible comparison using consistent brand styling (no emojis). Focus on real-time awareness and behavior-based methods.
| Solution | Real‑time awareness | Behavior‑based (HRT‑inspired) | Motivation / Gamification | Hardware‑free | Ongoing cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NoFingo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Low |
| Bitter Nail Polish | No | No | No | Yes | Low |
| Wearable Devices | Yes | Partial | No | No | High |
| Traditional reminder apps | No | No | Minimal | Yes | Low |
Features That Help You Break the Habit
Designed for nail-biting at the computer
Remote Work
Stop nail biting on Zoom/Meet. Stay professional on camera.
Coding & Deep Focus
Avoid unconscious biting during long sprints.
Gaming & Streaming
Subtle prompts between rounds.
Private by design — on-device processing
- No video is ever recorded or uploaded.
- Anonymous data only — usage, not identity.
- Read our privacy policy.
What Our Users Say
Catches me right before I bite.“I’ve tried bitter nail polish for years with no luck. NoFingo is the first nail-biting app that actually interrupts the habit while I’m coding. After three weeks, my nails finally look normal.”Alex — Developer · 21‑day streak
Quiet enough for calls. My nails look normal again.“As someone working remotely, I needed something subtle. NoFingo’s gentle reminders keep me from chewing my nails during Zoom meetings. It feels private and professional, not intrusive.”Priya — Product Designer · 3 weeks
Prompts between rounds helped me stop.“Gaming was always my worst trigger. The app’s habit tracker and quick prompts helped me replace nail biting with squeezing a fidget instead. Two weeks later, I’m bite‑free.”Evan — Streamer · 2 weeks
Finally broke a 10-year habit.“I started biting my nails as a kid. The daily streak counter and progress notifications gave me the motivation polish never could. I’ve now gone 30 days without biting.”Maria — Student · 1 month
Works without recording video.“I was worried about privacy, but everything runs on my computer. No cloud, no uploads. Just smart reminders that stop nail biting before it starts.”James — Remote Manager · 18 days
Behavior-Informed, Evidence-Aware
NoFingo’s prompts are informed by Habit Reversal Training (HRT): build awareness of the urge, then perform a quick competing response that satisfies the impulse without biting. Over time, your automatic loop may weaken. While results vary, many people find that consistent, well‑timed prompts plus small wins (streaks, rewards) make the change stick.
FAQ
Does any video leave my computer?
No. All detection runs locally on your Mac or Windows device. No video or images are ever uploaded to the cloud, so your nail-biting app experience remains private and secure.
How long does it take to stop nail biting?
It varies. Many users notice fewer urges within 2–3 weeks of consistent prompts, while others need a month or more. Building awareness plus replacing the habit with a healthier action makes results more sustainable.
Can teens or kids use NoFingo?
Yes. Teens can use NoFingo with parent or guardian support. For young children, traditional methods like bitter nail polish or parental guidance may be better. No accounts or personal data are required.
Will it work during Zoom calls, screen-sharing, or streaming?
Yes. You can choose a subtle overlay or sound that won’t distract your audience. An auto-pause option is available for calls and presentations so you stay professional without losing protection.
Does bitter nail polish work long term?
It can help short term, but many people get used to the taste. Lasting progress usually comes from behavior change strategies—like habit reversal training (HRT)—combined with awareness tools such as NoFingo.
Is nail biting really bad for my health?
Yes. Chronic nail biting can damage nails and cuticles, increase the risk of infection, and sometimes affect teeth or the jaw. It can also lower confidence. That’s why breaking the habit has both health and emotional benefits.
What makes NoFingo different from other nail-biting solutions?
Unlike bitter polish or simple reminder apps, NoFingo gives real-time awareness cues, streak tracking, and gentle behavioral nudges right when the urge happens. It’s private, hardware-free, and designed for people at a keyboard.
Ready to Stop Nail Biting?
Free Trial — 3 Days
Try NoFingo risk-free for 3 full days
- On-device AI detection (privacy-first)
- Real-time prompts to stop nail biting
- Works on Mac & Windows
- Explore habit-tracking basics
Pro — $30 Lifetime (one-time payment)
One purchase, no monthly fees
- Advanced detection & AI tuning
- Custom schedules (work mode, gaming mode, sleep mode)
- Full habit-tracking dashboard & streak insights
- Future updates included
- Priority support
👉 “Pay once, use forever — less than the cost of a single manicure.”
“NoFingo makes breaking the nail-biting habit affordable. Start with a 3-day free trial to experience real-time AI prompts and privacy-first detection. Upgrade once for $30 lifetime access and unlock advanced features, insights, and free updates forever. No subscriptions, no hidden fees.”