Bitten nails not only look terrible, but chewed cuticles can make you more prone to infection. Unfortunately, it’s a habit that is really hard to break. But don’t worry, nail-nibblers: there’s hope for you yet!
Purchase a bottle of bitter liquid that can be brushed on like nail polish. It is generally used for the purpose of discouraging children from sucking their thumbs, but will work just as well for nail biters. Thum or Mavala Stop are just a couple of the brands on the market. Apply it not only to the nail itself, but to the cuticle and surrounding areas as well. When you taste it, it’ll make you not want to have your fingers in your mouth. There’s a catch, though: these bitter liquids can dry the cuticle, which might entice you to pick or chew at them. So when you aren’t wearing the liquid, at night for example, moisturize your cuticles well.
Keep gum or hard candies on hand (no pun intended) for when you get the urge to chew on your nails. For a lower-calorie option, use tooth picks.
If it’s not an “oral fix” that you need, but rather something for your idle hands to do, snap your fingers, play with a ball, or wear an elastic hair band around your wrist and snap it when you feel the need to put your fingers in your mouth.
Always have a nail file or a pair of clippers available; that way a snag or tear can be fixed and won’t be an open invitation to biting.
Wear gloves. Get a pair of lightweight cotton gloves and wear them when you’re most prone to nail biting, such as when you’re watching television or reading.
Once your nails start to grow out, get a manicure. Your nails will look so nice that you won’t want to bite them. You can also use dark-colored polish; if you chew on your nails while wearing it, you’ll get dark flecks in your teeth, and nobody wants that! If manicuring your natural nails doesn’t work, try wearing acrylic nails, at least while your own nails grow out underneath.