If you have any surplus growth, cut your nails back. Keep clippers with you at all times. You can’t bite if there’s nothing there.
This makes the nail appear longer, and it will gives a more attractive shape, which might also be a motivation to stop biting.
Take photos of your hands and enjoy how good they look. You can even hang them up, or hang them next to a photo of your ragged “before” nails to show that you are capable of making big changes in your life.
Chose a color you like so that you don’t peel it off. Get a design. This will make you not want to peel off the polish if you like the design. Make polishing your nails a hobby. If you keep nail polish on long enough, your nails will have a chance to grow back!
Each of these inhibitors use a safe, non-toxic chemical that tastes foul. Read the instructions prior to application. Generally, you’ll need to paint the inhibitor on your nails as you would paint polish. When you absentmindedly go to bite the painted nail, you’ll get a taste of the nasty inhibitor, making it easier to remember to avoid repeating the same behavior.
If you’re ever tempted to bite your nails in the future, then you can smell the solution to remind yourself of how unpleasant the experience was.
If you’re really determined, you can get a particularly expensive manicure with artificial nails. This will make you feel even worse about biting your nails and ruining your pricey look.
If you’re writing or doing something else that is particularly tough to do with gloves, you will be even more motivated to stop biting your nails. Remind yourself that if you didn’t have a nail-biting problem, that you wouldn’t need to wear the gloves.
If you find it difficult to break the habit all at once, working on one nail at a time can make things easier by allowing you to slowly build better habits instead of demanding too much of yourself all at once.
Do not bite your chosen nail during this time. If you must, bite one of the ‘unprotected’ ones. Sometimes it even helps knowing that you have another nail to bite, even if you don’t actually nibble at any unprotected ones.
You can remove them for a special occasion, or choose to keep them on so you look silly during the occasion and are even more motivated to stop biting your nails. Unless you bite your nails in your sleep, it’s probably a good idea to take the bandages off at night. Doing so will give your skin a chance to “breathe. " You should also remove bandages that look notably moist or dirty.
To really break a habit, though, you should also work on replacing it with a positive habit. For instance, switch the chewing sugar-free gum or playing with a stress ball while consciously following the bandage procedure. [6] X Research source Replacing a bad habit with a neutral one usually makes it easier to break.
Some research suggests it may take up to three months to successfully break a habit, so don’t expect yourself to be in the clear just yet. [7] X Research source Remain conscious about your habit and your desire to break it, even after you take the bandages off. Consider backing your efforts by painting your nails, getting a professional manicure, or using a bite inhibitor after removing the bandages.
