Nail biting is a bad habit that can not only make your hands look
unsightly, but if you bite your nails badly enough, you may permanently
damage your nails, your teeth, or even your gums. Many people deal with
this problem, so you're not alone. If you are tired of stubby and
bleeding nails try these simple remedies to promote normal and beautiful
nail growth.
1. Maintaining Healthy Nails
Treat yourself to a manicure as often as you can. You have earned a manicure for reaching your goal to stop biting your nails. Not to mention, having nail polish on may push back the urge to bite your nails, since you don't want to bite into nail polish or ruin your manicure. Once your nails are in great shape, you should focus on keeping them that way, and the best way to show off your shiny new nails is to get a manicure.
- Chat with the manicurist about having great nails. You're allowed to brag!
2. Keeping Your Hands and Mouth Busy
Find a habit to take the place of nail biting.
Whenever you have the urge to bite, do that instead. Some people like to
drum their fingers, twiddle their thumbs, clasp their hands, put their
hands in their pockets, or just stare at their hands. Just make sure
it's not a bad habit; choose a helpful one or one that doesn't really
matter either way.
- Carry a rubber band, penny, or something else to hold in your hands. Play with that constantly in place of biting your nails.
- Distract your hands at times when you usually bite your nails, such as car rides, or when you're sitting in class. Find a new way to replace the habit depending on where you are. If you're in class, focus on writing extremely thorough notes. If you're in the passenger seat of a car, fiddle with your keys.
- Try keeping an "egg" of Silly Putty with you. It is fun to play with and it occupies your hands during biting-prone times.
- Try keeping a quarter or other coin in your pocket, and play with it when you feel the urge to bite your nails.
- Plus, these don't involve eating or chewing on anything, so they will help break the habit of oral fixation.
3. Using a Nibble Inhibitor
Paint a nibble inhibitor on your nails to discourage yourself from chewing them.
Bitrex and Mavala Stop are two examples of popular inhibitors, but
there are many options available. Check your local pharmacy, big box
store, or grocery store. Some options may also be found online.
- Each of these inhibitors use a safe, non-toxic chemical that tastes foul.
- Read the instructions prior to application. Generally, you'll need to paint the inhibitor on your nails as you would paint polish. When you absentmindedly go to bite the painted nail, you'll get a taste of the nasty inhibitor, making it easier to remember to avoid repeating the same behavior.
4. Covering Your Nails
Wear fake nails. This is another great way to keep
your nails covered. Get your nails professionally manicured, which
involves getting acrylics glued to your nails. They last for ages and
when you get them taken off, you will have your real natural nails
underneath.
- If you're really determined, you can get a particularly expensive manicure with artificial nails. This will make you feel even worse about biting your nails and ruining your pricey look.
5. Breaking the Habit One Nail at a Time
Pick one nail to "protect" at a time. If you have one nail that appears more damaged than the rest, it might be in your best interest to start with that nail. If all nails appear the same, however, you can pick any nail you wish.
- If you find it difficult to break the habit all at once, working on one nail at a time can make things easier by allowing you to slowly build better habits instead of demanding too much of yourself all at once.
6. Covering your Nails with Adhesive Bandages
Put adhesive bandages over your nails. Cover your nail with the pad of the bandage, and wrap the adhesive part around the flesh of your fingertip.
Keep the bandages on every single day until you stop biting your nails. You can apply fresh bandages every time you shower, every time the bandage gets soggy or dirty, or every few days.
- You can remove them for a special occasion, or choose to keep them on so you look silly during the occasion and are even more motivated to stop biting your nails.
- Unless you bite your nails in your sleep, it's probably a good idea to take the bandages off at night. Doing so will give your skin a chance to "breathe." You should also remove bandages that look notably moist or dirty.
Take off the adhesive bandages after several weeks.
It takes at least 21 days to break a habit, so you should be prepared to
stick with this method for at least that long. You can remove the
bandages after that point.
- To really break a habit, though, you should also work on replacing it with a positive habit. For instance, switch the chewing sugar-free gum or playing with a stress ball while consciously following the bandage procedure.[2] Replacing a bad habit with a neutral one usually makes it easier to break.
Notice how much better your nails look. If you start
biting your nails again, put the adhesive bandages back on for a longer
period of time or attempt another method to quit.
- Some research suggests it may take up to three months to successfully break a habit, so don't expect yourself to be in the clear just yet.[3] Remain conscious about your habit and your desire to break it, even after you take the bandages off.
- Consider backing your efforts by painting your nails, getting a professional manicure, or using a bite inhibitor after removing the bandages.
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