How do i stop biting my fingernails?

Question

Is there a way to keep myself from biting my nails so much?

Answer 1

I bit my nails for years to the point where they would be bloody and painful. I tried will-power, I tried chewing gum, I tried distracting myself, I tried that god awful stuff that makes your nails taste bad and I always had people smacking my hands when I did it - I just got irritated at them.

The nail polishes and creams that make your nails taste bad really do not work, this is because for one by the time you have the taste in your mouth you have already bitten your nails, and secondly because you get used to the taste so it no longer deters you.

Nothing worked until I started using nail growth formula – it is clear and not quite as thick as nail polish so it looks like nice nails rather than looking like you wear nail polish and helps condition your nails to help them grow faster.

The reason this worked for me is because my nails looked so nice when they were taken care of, painted and conditioned, that I did not want to ruin them by biting. I cannot say it would work for a man, as generally there is more pressure on women to keep looking attractive, but it might be worth a try.

Just pick up a bottle of something like Sally Hansen's Maximum Nail Growth Formula (or a more healthier alternative from a more ethical company) to paint on your nails, or get a professional manicure or just some sort of nail treatment - trust me, it does not have to be a 'girly' thing, you can keep your man-pride in tact.

It takes I believe 3 weeks to get yourself out of a habit, according to research, and to me that sounds about right so if you can find anything to keep you from biting your nails enough to keep you going for 3 weeks then that will hopefully break the habit in the long-term.

Once your nails are allowed to grow they will grow in a lot stronger so more difficult to bite – all my friends have commented on how strong my nails are, and they very rarely break.

Even when I try to bite my nails I find it difficult now, not just because I did so well at stopping or because I don't want to ruin my nails, but because they are so tough it makes biting them actually difficult.

Good luck

Answer 2

For biting the nails: Try substitution. Buy a big bag of pretzels, & nibble on them the same way you nibble on your nails. In a few days you will have lost the nail biting habit. Or, set up a jar & make yourself the rule that you have to put a dollar in the jar every time you catch yourself biting the nails.
Soon you'll stop

Answer 3

I stopped biting my nails over 25 years by using a toothpick to run under the nail. It simulates the feeling of biting without tearing up your nails. Also, you can try using clear nail polish to cover your nails.

Answer 4

I had that problem too.
1)Theres special nail polish that you can buy that tastes horrible when you chew your nails. If your a guy you might not feel comfortable doing this, but I've known guys that used it, and it comes on clear. I personnaly never used it, but others say it works.
2)When I was trying to stop I just always reminded myself when I tried, and there was alot of people that reminded me if I ever did chew them.
3)You could also cut them short, its hard to chew your nails when their short.

If you just get into the habit of stopping yourself then you could probably get rid of the habit, I did. Just don't start again once you've stopped!!! I started again, and i'm still trying to break the habit! Good luck!

Answer 5

You can get something called "Thum" at the pharmacy. It leaves a horrible taste whenever you do bite your nails after you've applied it. Tabasco is another home remedy (but DON'T get it in your eyes)

FInd things to keep your mouth occupied when you get nervous (if it's a habit) Lollipops, carrots, whatever... You should be able to break the habit -just takes concentration and patience.

Answer 6

there is a solution that they sell in the form of finger nail polish( don't worry, its clear. its the same type of "packaging") and you put it on your fingernails. it tastes really bad, so you will learn to think before you bite them. eventually, you'll just stop doing it all together.

you should be able to find it in a pharmacy.
bittter

Answer 7

believe it or not there is this clear nail polish that men and women use to help them stop biting their nails... the nail polish is bitter and puts a really bad taste in your mouth, thus no more biting of nails....

Answer 8

there are a lot of anti-nail biting products out there in the market. the more popular ones are in the "polish" form. they're usually clear when applied so it doesn't matter whether you're male or female.

try ordering this...
http://www.ulta.com/control/product/~product_id=1892162

or if you're really hesistant to use nail "polish" types, try anti-nail biting creams instead...
http://www.stopbitingnails.com/

if you dont want to order stuff online, just go to walmart. they have these kinds of products, too.

goodluck!

Answer 9

When I was bitting I put hot sauce on my fingers, oven mitts, and some weild nail polish, but if you are a man I would get a lady to buy if or you look gay.

Answer 10

i was the biggest nail biter ever, up until i got braces and a splint (a hard, clear casing over your teeth).
i cant put my fingernails in my mouth to bite them now so i dont.. a simple $5,700 answer...

Also i needed braces anyway..