How to Stop Biting or Chewing your Fingernails

Many people have the bad habit of biting their fingernails. If you want to grow your nails, or just stop this nasty habit, use the tips in this article to get you on the road to healthy finger nails.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Polish your nails. While this doesn’t stop all nail biters, the taste of nail polish can be a good deterrent for many people. For guys, use a clear polish, that way people aren’t likely to notice. There are even nail polishes on the market that have an extremely foul taste and smell, specifically designed for nail biters.

2. Get fake nails for a while. Getting a manicure with acrylic nails can help you stop biting, as you won’t want to be eating plastic. Acrylic nails also give your real fingernails time to grow out underneath.

3. Rub vegetable oil or olive oil into your nails. This conditions them so they can grow, and most people find the taste offensive, and are less likely to chew their nails when they have it on. Do NOT fall for the old wives’ tale of rubbing animal feces under your nails! This is disgusting, and harmful to your health, but many older folks will suggest it as an option.

4. Rub lotion onto your nails and the skin around them. This will aid in healing, as biting can cause soreness and hangnails. The taste will also help you keep your fingers out of your mouth.

5. When you get the urge to bite your nails, chew on something else instead. Gum, jerky or a toothpick can make good substitutes for chewing on your nails.

6. There are latex protectors you can buy for fingertips. They look like tiny condoms, and are found in the bandage aisle in most drug stores. You can place these on your fingers to keep you from biting your nails.

7. Some people just can’t help themselves, and need outside help. Ask a friend or family member to chastise you when they see you chewing on your fingers, or smack your hands when they catch you doing it. It’s more extreme than other methods, but for people who just can’t stop themselves from nail biting, it may be necessary.

[chrisanimelo444]

on 7/19/2009 Great article! You described everything in-depth and with detail.

Those trying to stop the nail biting habit may also want to consider the reward system or protecting one nail at a time.

For more detail on the different methods to stop biting your nails, visit http://www.saladsticks.com/2009/07/stop-biting-those-fingernails.html