To stop biting your nails, consider the following expert-backed strategies:
- Keep nails trimmed short to reduce temptation since less nail is available to bite
- Apply bitter-tasting nail polish , which discourages biting by leaving an unpleasant taste
- Cover or beautify your nails by painting them, getting manicures, or using artificial nails. Attractive nails can motivate you to keep them intact
- Identify and manage triggers such as stress, boredom, or anxiety. Understanding when and why you bite your nails helps you avoid these situations or develop coping plans
- Replace nail biting with a substitute habit , like using a stress ball, fidget toy, chewing gum, or engaging your hands with activities like knitting
- Wear lightweight gloves temporarily to create a physical barrier and reduce biting, combined with regular nail care like applying cuticle oil to maintain healthy nails
- Try a gradual approach by stopping biting on one nail or one hand at a time, making the process more manageable
- Seek professional help if nail biting persists despite efforts, especially if it causes infections or is linked to deeper psychological issues
These methods, used together, can effectively help break the nail-biting habit.
