Going from nibbled-down stubs to healthy nails takes some work, but the results are worth the effort. Not only are grown-out nails prettier, they are healthier, too. Nail biting can be unsanitary and can lead to infection if the cuticles or nail bed become damaged.
Step 1
Figure out the circumstances when you bite your nails most often. For some, this happens when bored, such as during a dull class at school or while watching TV. Others bite their nails more frequently when anxious, such as before an exam or work presentation. Determining your triggers for nail biting can help you notice and stop the behavior before it begins.
Step 2
Paint your nails with a clear commercial anti-biting polish. These have a bitter taste that makes nail biting unpleasant. These nail coatings can be purchased over the counter at a drugstore.
Step 3
Tie a string around your finger to remind you not to bite your nails. Whenever you see the string, it will bring your actions to your attention, helping you break the habit.
Step 4
Carry around a small rubber ball to play with and keep your hands busy. Other options you can use instead of a rubber ball include worry beads, small stones or a malleable piece of clay.
Step 5
Talk to a therapist or counselor to sort out any underlying emotional problems you might be having that exhibit themselves as nail biting. A professional might also be able to suggest ways to teach you techniques to deal with anxiety, if that is the underlying cause.
Step 6
Cover the hands to make the nails inaccessible for nail biting whenever you can. This can include wearing light cotton gloves or putting bandages on the nails to keep them protected.
Step 7
Keep your nails well-groomed once they begin to grow. This includes trimming them regularly and filing down any rough edges. Small nicks or split areas in the nail cause many people to start nibbling again, so don't leave yourself that opening.
Step 8
Get a professional manicure. Having beautiful professionally polished nails will encourage you not to start biting them again.
Tips and Warnings
- If stopping nail biting all at once is too hard, try using these techniques on only one hand at a time. Once the nails start to grow out on the first hand, it might make you less likely to chew them down again once you switch to the other hand.
Things You'll Need
- Bitter nail polish
- String
- Rubber ball
- Cotton gloves
- Nail clipper
- Nail file
- Professional manicure
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