Picture: Getty Images/Jacob Wackerhausen
Nail biting is a common habit that can be surprisingly difficult to break. Often linked to boredom, stress or anxiety, it can damage the skin around the nails and, over time, contribute to soreness and infection.
Fortunately, a few practical changes can make it easier to stop biting your nails.
Also see: Winter nail care tips to make your manicure last longer
Identify what triggers you
Start by noticing when you bite your nails. Is it while watching TV, working, driving or feeling stressed? Recognising these patterns is an important first step.
Once you know your triggers, you can prepare an alternative response, such as squeezing a stress ball or using a fidget toy.
Keep your nails short
As reported by Business Insider, regularly trimming your nails gives you less to bite and can reduce temptation.
Smooth any rough or uneven edges with a nail file, and moisturise your hands and nails to help prevent dry skin and hangnails becoming triggers.
Also see: Things to avoid if you want healthy nails
Make biting less appealing
According to Healthline, a bitter-tasting nail polish designed to discourage nail biting can be useful. Alternatively, covering your nails with tape or wearing gloves at times when you tend to bite can create a physical reminder to stop. A manicure may also provide extra motivation to protect your nails.
Replace the habit
Rather than simply telling yourself “don’t bite”, Manucurist recommends giving your hands something else to do. Habit-reversal training uses awareness and a competing action to replace unwanted repetitive behaviours, including nail biting.
If nail biting is persistent, causes significant damage or feels impossible to control, consider speaking to a healthcare professional. Support and behavioural therapy can help.
Also see: Tips to growing healthy nails
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