i really want to stop biting my nails: have tried stopping, but nerves get me, have tried all the bitter stuff

Answer 1

Have super hard false nails fitted

Answer 2

If you want to stop permenantly, you need to tackle the reason that you are biting your nails.

People generally form a bad habit when they are nervous and anxious over a long period of time. For example when I was doing my GCSEs I started to chew my hair, when I was doing my A-levels I started to pick at the pad of my thumb.

Try to notice when you start to chew your nails. Is there a pattern between the situation you are in and whether you are biting your nails? Once you are aware of the circumstances that cause you to bite your nails you can be aware that you might start to bite when similar circumstances arise again and be able to stop yourself.

You might also try taking vigorous exercise at least three times a week, getting eight hours of sleep each night and taking some time out for yourself to relax each day, for example by reading a book you enjoy, meditating or just sitting still and staring into space for a little while. All these thingswill help you to relax and help you to stop using the nail biting as a crutch to help you through stressful times.

Answer 3

Hi i'm a nail tech and hve friends who are biters. I recommend regular manicures, at lest once a month. The nail massage promotes blood flow to the nail bed and encourages healthy nail growth. The anti-biting polishes are pretty rotten. Try having a gel overlay done on your nails, with no artificial tips. Its clear and you will be able to see the growth underneath. Once the gel comes off it will leave your nails healthy underneath unlike acrylic. I also suggest that if your nreves cause you to bite then continue to have the gel overlay. Maybe once you see how great your nails can look you might stop biting. Good luck x

Answer 4

I have/had this problem too. Now what I do is when I get the urge to bit or catch myself biting. I chew a straw, gum or ice. I have even kept those coffee stirrer straws around or would always pick an extra straw to keep in my car or purse when eating out. Also, when my nails did start to grow and I would crack or break one, I would want to bite them. I would put a band aid or clear tape on the nail until I could get home to to clip or file it down. I still bite them but mostly when I am nervous. Good luck kicking the habit.

Answer 5

I know this sounds silly but put some cotton gloves or what ever kind of gloves you have at home and put them on when you go to bed - I know that won't work during the day - but, at least when your just laying in bed watch the TV you might not be tempted to bite the nails. I know it can be a bad habbit - my brother used to bite them down to the cuticles -seriously. If your really that nervous - maybe get some valium's or something from your doctor might help???

Answer 6

hi when I was small my mother used to say to any one she saw biting their nails. Why don't you go and lick the road. instead of biting your nails. coz you won't get as many germs in ya mouth licking the road. If that doesn't work nothing else will. I don't bite my nails and don't like seeing any one else doing it either. so try licking the road every time you bite your nails. I don't mean that in an nasty way. Good Luck. hope it helps. coz it really is a nasty habit.

Answer 7

Just answered a similar question earlier! I have the same problem and got wierdly partial to the bitter tasting stuff! I use Sally Henson's Diamond nail polish. You use about 3 coats and it makes them really hard. After a few days you'll be so proud of their progress you wont want to bitem! ( I go through phases with it but it works for me when I'm motivated!)

Answer 8

I agree with most of these people. Go get acrylic nails put on. You can't bite through that stuff and you will not be tempted to take them off yourself, because that would really hurt!!

Answer 9

i actually have several tips for this:
1. get your nails done at a fancy expensive place and keep your receipt nearby. if you know you spent a lot of money on it, then you're most likely not to bite.
2. have something to play with. most ppl that i know, bite their nails because they're bored. have a pen or a card or something.
3. whenever you're out hanging out with a friend, ask him/her to watch you and to warn you whenever your nails get near your mouth.
4. dips your nails in something spicy or disgusting (tabasco or vinegar or something like that)
5. wear gloves

hope this helps

Answer 10

you should try false nails for a few weeks you wont be able to bite them becasue they are so thick. you can get ones for as cheap as £1.99 and they look nice. Also everytime you feel yourself going to bite your nails try doing somthing elce instead. like playing with your rings, earrings necklace or tapping your finger or somthing. it will be another bad habbit but atleast you will have lovley long unbitten nails to show off while you tap that finger! hahahahaha sorry good luck xx