EX-NAIL BITERS! What is the best remedy to stop nail biting?

Question

I am a chronic nail biter. I keep my nails chewed off so far that they hurt and will bleed sometimes. I catch myself biting my nails at my desk and not even realize I'm doing it until they are so sore I can't type. I need some tried and true suggestions to stop what I know is a nasty, embarrassing and painful habit.

Answer 1

Great question!!

I too was a nasty nail biter. It is a horrible habit and I actually think its a form of self-inflicting abuse, kinda like cutting (k'now those people who cut themselves). I also believe, now that I have kids of my own, that I bit my nails because my parents didn't teach me proper hygiene.

I was able to stop by sitting on my hands at work when I was reading a report or other materials. I also made myself become completely conscious of the fact that I was biting and to STOP IT. Mostly, if I started to bite, and you know this from experience, and when you chewed some nail that was hanging there, you had to finsih the job and chew it off. I stopped doing that too. If I chewed and became conscious of what I was doing, I would clip off the nail or skin to prevent me from chewing more. Go to the store and buy a nail file and nail clippers. Keep a pair in your purse or pocket, at your desk and at home. File your nail after you clip it off. You could also spray your fingers with hairspay to make yourself become aware when you start. Hairspray tastes nasty and it will trigger your brain to stop.

I now have really nice nails, but for some reason, I nibble on my skin if it peels and I pay the consequences too, cause after you stop chewing your nails and they grow out, the skin under your nails naturally grows where it is supposed to. Oh, and if you break a nail... Oh, My God!!! Does it hurt!!!

You could also try painting your nails with a clear coat (so your short stubbies aren't so noticable) to start with and making a habit of painting them after they grow out.

Also, think of yourself as having nice grown out nails, it is so nice not to have to be embarrassed when pointing out a person in a picture thinking the person you're showing to sees your sicko stubbies.

I also found that having nails is like having useful tools. They open cans, they untie knots, they make for a great back scratch, sometimes I "brush" my hair with them, and if you're ever attacked, they'll make great eyeball pokers.

I used to be where you are now and if I can stop you can too. Dare to be beautiful and if you're single, your new boyfriend won't be disgusted with the nasty habit. Also try taking care of your toe nails to remind you to keep up with your finger nails.

Click the link below to view some nail biting stoppers.

Good luck. Sincerely.

Answer 2

I used to be horrible, too! I was just the same... picking them/biting them till they bled, and often I didn't even realized I did it. However, now, I have beautiful long nails that my friends and family envy. I even had one friend ask if they were acrylics! My first tip is find someone who can help you stop- a close girlfriend, family member, significant other, etc. I chose my boyfriend. Then, tell them you are trying to stop and if they catch you doing it unconsciously (or consciously) to stop you. My boyfriend slaps my leg or my arm, but you don't have to be so extreme. Whatever you want. Then, give yourself one great manicure. Push back all your cuticles. Then, file all of your nails (yes, even if they are very very short). Then, paint them with a base coat (I like to use Sally Hanson Triple Strong with Advanced Gel Nail Fortifier). Next, add a coat or two of your color, then use a top coat (if you are using the Sally Hanson I mentioned, it is both the base and the top coat). Then, every other day, add another coat of the top coat. Every week, redo this manicure, starting from scratch. Finally, make sure you have a good diet with lots of veggies and fruits. You might also take a multivitamin every day if you don't think you get enough nutrients. I've noticed that the healthier I eat, the stronger and better my nails become. Finally, my last few tips... avoid activities, situations, etc. that promote nervous nail biting. If you can't avoid them, at least be aware of them and try to cope. For example, I know that watching a suspenseful movie makes me bite/pick, so I have to stay extra-aware of what I'm doing with my hands/nails. Also, having nice nails take a lot of work.. the longer they are, the more work they are. You have to make a commitment to them and keep doing your manicures to keep them healthy and free from snags. Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

Dear nail biter, I would recommend a visit to a nail salon to have
your nails done. They can extend your nails by using acrylic mixtures on top of your own. They look natural and allow your own nails to grow out. You will find these salons all over now and it will cost between £20 and £30 to have the initial set applied. You will have to return every 2 weeks or so to have them touched up as your own nails grow. In my opinion this is the best method to help nail biters,and the transformation will give your confidence such a boost.

Answer 4

Until, they heal up, put some antibiotic ointment on them at night before you go to bed and put a band-aid around each one.(to keep the medicine ON the sore areas and OFF your sheets and pjs). Keep a nail file handy ALWAYS and file any little sharp edges, mis-shapen areas, even gently file rough skin around the nail and cuticles. You'll find when their filed rounded, you can't get at them as easily. You can find nasty tasting stuff at the drug store if you want. The last suggestion I have is to put a rubber band around your wrist. (Easy to get away with in an office setting) Each time you catch yourself nail biting snap the rubber band HARD. Hope these help. Good luck.

Answer 5

PLZ PLZ tell me the solution when you find out!! I can't stop, either! I've tried that nasty nail polish and I've tried wearing gloves and I've told ppl to tell me to stop when I'm doing it! I did have a brief moment of success when I decided to carry around a nail file w/ me everywhere, 'cuz then I could just file off the jagged edge that I was biting... but sadly I've started biting again. My Grandma does the same thing, and she hasn't been able to quit yet, but I guess if we put our mind to it, we can come up with a way to stop! I hope. :)

Answer 6

I too bit my nails and then the skin. What stopped me was the true desire to stop for ME. i said to myself self?! this is the last day that I am going to harm myself in this way...I don't need to hurt myself in this way ever again... period...I stopped on the spot once in a while I catch myself and I say NOPE! not going there...PS I tried bitter stuff tape and painting the nails asked friends for help but i did it when I was ready! U can 2...

Answer 7

Your just going to have to Make Yourself Stop! I use to bite my nails ++++++ yrs ago until I envied girls who had long pretty nails. So "I" decided "I" wanted pretty nails too. Have you thought of getting the fake nails seems to me you wouldn't be able to bite your nails with these.

Answer 8

Most of the time if you are biting your nails it means that you are bored so I would recommend that you try to occupy yourself with something to do before you start biting your nails

Answer 9

i had the same bad habit for the longest i painted tobasco sauce on mine i bought a little paint brush and painted regular clear nail polish and then tabasco on top (so itd stick) and this way when you do to bite you nails you will get hot tabasco sauce in your mouth and sooner or later you mind will be controlled to not bite your nails

Answer 10

The best cure is to start using nail polish... when they start to grow a bit and looking nicer you will want to stick with it.

Then buy a nail file and be proud of them looking so nice. When you start to get compliments you won't want to go back to that ugly habit.

It worked for me.