How to stop biting your nails

As an avid nail-biter in my younger years, I know the secrets of ending the horrible habit. Here are tips to keeping your nails safe from wayward nibbling.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nail polish
• Nail Strengthener Polish
• Nail polish remover
• Nail files
• Determination

1. First, take a nail file and even out all the jagged edges of your nails. Make them nice and smooth! If your nails are bitten so far down that you cannot file them, just put the file in your purse or pocket for now and skip to step 2.

2. Time to pretty up those nails! You are less likely to bite them if they look really nice. First apply a coat of nail polish remover. Yes, do this even if there is no polish on your nails. The remover leaves a very unpleasant taste on your fingers which will remind you to keep them out of your mouth.

3. Paint a layer of clear nail strengthening polish. Let it dry completely.

4. When the strengthener has fully dried, apply a coat of color. Make it something bright and cheerful if you'd like, or dark and dangerous--if that's your style. Pick a color that you LOVE. Paint them carefully. You want your nails to look as pretty as possible. If you can't paint your main hand, have a friend help you. Let your nails dry fully.

5. Paint one more layer of nail strengthener. This will seal in the polish, giving it a longer shelf life. Use nail polish remover to clean up any splotches.

6. Now that your nails are beautiful--don't bite them! I know it's difficult...just look at them and think about how nice they will look and feel. If you have an oral fixation and need to be nibbling on something, try chewing gum, have some sugar-free hard candies, or even gnaw on some carrots.

7. Repeat steps 2-5 EVERY DAY. Keep your nails trim and smooth with a nail file and you will curb the urge to "even them out" with your teeth. This is a a trap! Don't talk yourself into biting your nails for any reason.
   
   Soon the routine will become comforting, and your urge to bite those nails will fade.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep some hand-sanitizer in areas around the house and use often. It also has a bad taste and will remind you to keep your nails out of your mouth.
• Keep nail files everywhere. Put one in your purse, on your desk, in your car and in the kitchen. When you break or chip a nail, file it immediately.
• Try going to the salon to get your nails professionally painted. You're less likely to gnaw on a $30 nail job.
• Don't give up! Even if you "fall off the wagon" and nibble, just file it down and take a deep breath.
• Reduce your stress! Nibblers tend to bite when things get hairy. Just remember--it'll all come out in the wash.