How do I quit biting my fingernails??

Question

I have tried using that nasty tasting stuff (ate right through it), I tried gloves (just took them off) and acrylics (I evetually peel them off). It is a disgusting habit, but it's so strong that I can't seem to overcome it.

Answer 1

I had it really bad too. And I know this sounds like a silly solution, but it worked for me. And here it is...spend a rediculously large amount of time self-manicuring your nails. No, really. I'm talking about...scrubbing your hands, then using a deep moisturizer, then buy cuiticle oil, and rub it in...then use a cuticle pusher, and take care of that. Then trim your nails to the perfect shape, and file them to even more perfection. Then, use a coat of a base nail polish. Then pick a beautiful color that you love, use two coats, then finish it off with a clear top coat...a really good one. An expensive one.

After you've spent all this time and money on your finger nails, trust me...you won't want to ruin it. Honestly, it hasn't completely cured my habit, but it has controlled it. I never feel the NEED to bite my nails any more. Just try it.

And oh yeah, don't think about it so much...it'll just drive you crazy!!

Answer 2

I have a similar problem, but for me it's the cuticle and the fingers themselves. I can't stop biting and picking at the skin, and then I have to eat it. Lip skin too. And it has ruined my teeth from all the stress of biting and grinding together. Chipped my front tooth THREE times - you would think this would make me stop! I am on a medicine called Naltrexone - they give it to animals that gnaw and bite themselves like chickens that pluck out their feathers obsessively, and have found some success using it in cutters and self-mutilators. It has helped a little but not much. Maybe you could ask your doctor about it.

Answer 3

Just ask yourself if anything at all is stressing you. If yes, talk it all out with someone. It worked for me! But then, I still continued the stupid habit anyway! So, I applied two coats of nail polish, got my hands and mind busy with other things and voila! Now, I only bite, like, once every two months! lol. And, I've grown really long nails and it's sooo nice... ;) Good luck!

Answer 4

try not to get very bored because that can bring it on. You mightnot be able to stop taking your fingers to your mouth but jsut don't bite, run a finger along your teeth or push the skin back from your nails (people that bite their nails often have skin growing closer to the end of the nail) if you keep your fingers busy but not biting it can get easier.

Answer 5

I have this Realli disgusting nail polish and everytime i try to bite my fingernails ...it stops me and it makes my nails hard so when im not wearing the nail polish my nails r realli hard to bite off! So just try and find some clear nail polish i dont remember the name of it but i know its at wal mart....Good Luck!

Answer 6

I used to have that problem. Now because of that old habbit my nails flake. My advice it to put on alot of nail ploish on it tastes gross and if you bite then the polish will chips and look ugly.

Answer 7

I think you can do it. Bad habits are hard to break so maybe a substitute of some kind. Chew gum all the time or something.

Answer 8

there's a nail polish at gaint, rite aid, cvs,ect... you can put that on ur nails and everytime u go to bite your nails u get a nasty taste in your mouth

Answer 9

well what worked for me is i work in a factory where i have my hands in all kinds of chemicals antifreeze, motor oil, anti seize, lock tight, etc. only took once or twice to learn to keep my fingers outta my mouth...yes I'm serious, now i use clippers

Answer 10

You may have a vitamin deficiency (seriously)--ask your doctor. Or you might have some unresolved psychological/emotional issues that would demand gnawing on yourself---try a psychologist.