Biting your nails is a habit that can start at any age, usually as a child, and can stay with you for life. Not only is this bad for your nails (and makes for a less-than-perfect manicure), it’s also unhealthy, as it can cause damage to your teeth. The germs that live on your hands and under your nails can also make you sick. Here’s how to kick this bad habit for good.
Deter
Habits can be hard to break and sometimes willpower alone is not enough. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and one of the most effective ways to stop yourself from biting is to make your nails taste bad. There are a few products available to help with this, such as Mavala Stop, which you paint onto your nails. If you then bite your nails, it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Aloe can also be used in a pinch. While this might make it tricky to eat finger food, the payoff will hopefully be worth it once the habit is broken.
Mavala Stop, R159 for 10ml
Strengthen
After years of biting them, your nails can become much weaker, so you need to give them some love and use products to help them become strong and healthy again. Strong, thick nails are also more difficult to bite. Nail treatments such as Essie Millionails Primer can be applied alone or under a colour lacquer. This primer contains ingredients that will help your nails to become stronger and to recover.
Essie Millionails Primer, R139,95
Distract
Nail biting is a form of oral fixation, and to successfully break a habit like this, it helps to replace the habit with something similar and equally satisfying until the desire to bite is completely gone. Former nail-biters suggest chewing on a toothpick or chewing gum, as this still involves the mouth but is infinitely better than gnawing away at your fingertips.
Treat
Another trick when trying to break the biting habit is to visit a salon and get a set of acrylic nails. These are not nearly as satisfying to chew on and allow the nail underneath to do a bit of growing. After removing them and seeing how nice your nails look, it might help motivate you to kick the habit once and for all. Good luck!
ALSO READ:
5 Things your Nails Say about your Health
5 ways to toughen up your nails
5 tips for healthy hands & nails
