How to Kick the Habit of Biting Your Nails: How Important Are Your Fingernails to You?

Biting one's nails can be an embarrassing habit for any child, teenager or adult. At times, it may seem like a compulsion, or it may just be a difficult habit to break, but there is hope for anyone who is a nail biter, even as a baby boomer or senior.  

Consider the following with respect to how to kick the habit of biting your nails:

Why do you bite your nails? 

The article entitled "How to stop nail biting" suggests that stress, boredom, loneliness and frustration can be the cause of nail biting.  

Begin by asking yourself why you bite your nails, because if you can discover the reason for it, you may be able to break the habit more easily. For example, are you are a unique individual who has fingernails that tend to be very soft, chip easily and break continually? If you are, you probably envy those who are born with strong, thick fingernails. Everyone’s fingernails are different.

Are you trying to give yourself a manicure?

You may be instinctively trying to give yourself a manicure by biting your fingernails. This can be true with respect to children, teenagers and adults of any age. A problem arises if you get into the habit of biting them continually. You may also develop painful hangnails. Even the tips of your fingers can become raw.   

Is your nail biting habit the result of stress?

Perhaps you are nervous and responding knowingly or unknowingly, to something that is happening, or to someone who is being overbearing. An infant responds to stress, as well as hunger, by putting something in his or her mouth. Are you reacting the same way, but taking it further and biting you nails, too?

How important are your fingernails to you?

Your fingernails are important with respect to style, beauty and your general appearance. Just how important they are to you depends a lot on your parents, your siblings and peers, who want you to look your best at all times.

Take pride in your fingernails

Begin to take pride in the appearance of your fingernails. If you feel even slightly embarrassed by how they look, you will realize that becoming proactive with respect to breaking the habit of biting your fingernails is important to you. 

Assume control of your nail biting habit

You can assume control of your nail biting habit, if you make it a conscious effort to do so. Recognize that nail biting is a habit that can be broken, and make a proactive decision to stop biting your nails. Mark down the date of your decision for future reference. It may seem an almost impossible challenge at first, but don't give up.   

Learn how to use a manicure set

Purchase a good manicure set and learn how to use it properly, so that you can give yourself a manicure on a regular basis, even as often as weekly. When your nails are chipping or breaking, that is an indication that using the nail clippers to trim your fingernails may be a good idea. Keeping your fingernails relatively short at first, may help to eliminate your need to bite them. After you have clipped your fingernails, use a good fingernail file to remove any roughness.

Keep your hands and fingernails clean

Keep your fingernails clean, as your nail biting habit may be an unconscious effort to keep them clean. Wash your hands regularly, and use a good hand cream to keep your skin soft.  

Did you just start to bite your fingernails again?

If you fail and start biting your nails again, ask yourself why. What triggered your need to bite your fingernails, in the first place? Remind yourself that you do not need to bite your fingernails when you feel shy, frightened, tired, or whatever. Instead of biting your fingernails try having a light snack, but be careful on your choice of snack food, as you do not want to substitute overeating for nail biting.

Find a professional manicurist

You may want to consider having a professional manicure. Find out how professionals keep their nails looking so great. What kinds of tips can they offer you? What kinds of products do they use?

Find a nail polish that is right for you

Not everyone likes the feeling or smell of fingernail polish. In fact, using fingernail polish may increase the urge to bite your nails because it feels uncomfortable. In other words, it may not seem natural to you, even though you like the way it looks. If you can tolerate fingernail polish, learn how to apply it correctly. Use nail polish remover rather than chipping at your fingernail polish to remove it. Fingernail remover works so much better, but it is a chemical and you may have problems with it.

Have regular manicures

Set a date and a time for a regular manicure, so you know when you will be having your nails trimmed. Wait and try not to bite them even once before that date, as you can slip back into the habit of biting your nails. If you do, start all over again, taking a single step at a time.

In today’s world, both young men and women take pride in having their fingernails look picture perfect, and are willing to do whatever it takes to be happy with them. With the wide gamut of fingernail products that are available on the market, any color combination is possible. Become proactive and a motivator by setting a good example for others and making good personal choices about your fingernails.