For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a nail biter. Specifically, a stress nail biter. Throughout high school and university, I could be found gnawing on my nails during any late-night study sesh or exam, nerve-racking lead-up to a first date, or high-pressure moment like walking the school fashion show (very The O.C., I know). It was a habit I was determined to break. Eventually, after some trial and error, my rule became to always have a Shellac manicure. With pretty painted nails, I reasoned, I’d feel less tempted to have a nibble. For a while, it worked.

Then I was introduced to press-on nails.