Things You'll Need:
- Nail clippers
- Nail polish (clear or colored)
- Treatment creams
- Professional help
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Step 1
Use your willpower to stop biting your nails. Force yourself to stop the habit by reminding yourself and others around you that you're trying to quit. Repeat a mantra: I will stop nail biting. Many people bite their nails because they're stressed, so take other steps to put yourself in a more relaxed state. If you're feeling nervous or worried about something, try deep-breathing exercises or take a hot bubble bath. Once you find another way to manifest your tic, it can be easier to stop nail biting. The best part about this method: It's free!
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Step 2
Keep nails short and polished. If you can look down and see that your nails are looking nice, you may be less tempted to bite on them. By keeping them trimmed, there will be less satisfaction in tearing the tips off, and if they're polished with a nice color, you will attempt to maintain your manicure. You might even pay a professional to give you a manicure so that you can remind yourself that you're literally chewing $20 off your finger.
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Step 3
Try an over-the-counter product aimed at stopping nail biting. There are many creams and serums you can buy at the drugstore that promise to help you stop biting your nails. These treatments are applied to the nails and cuticles and leave them with a bitter taste so that when you put your fingers in your mouth they will taste bad. Over time, you will associate biting your nails with the horrible taste, and you will cut back on your nail biting.
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Step 4
Try hypnotherapy if everything else you've tried has failed. This kind of therapy helps people overcome harmful habits such as smoking or over eating, but it can be used for minor afflictions as well. However, visiting a hypnotist can be time consuming and expensive, so be sure that you've given all other efforts a fair shake.
