How to Stop Biting Nails?

In this article, you will come to know some best ways to stop biting nails. Nail biting also known as onychophagia is a common problem that is especially seen in children and youngsters. Most people are not even aware of this habit. This habit can for sure create a negative impression about you. Nail biting can severely damage your nails and cuticles. The skin around the nails become red and sometimes can bleed. It can cause serious nail infection and other problems like tooth decay and warts.

Reasons Behind  Biting Nails:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Loneliness
  • Boredom

Best Ways to Stop Biting Nails

1. Bitter Gourd to Stop Biting Nails:

Bitter gourd is considered as the vine of the Cucurbitaceae family because of its bitter taste among all the vegetables and fruits. That is why it is not liked by most of the people. But for people who have a habit of biting nails, it is a boon. The bitter taste will not stop you from biting nails. Grind bitter gourd in a blender. Extract the juice from the paste. Apply this juice on your nails and fingers. Let it dry. Now, next time when you will chew your nails the bitter taste will stop you.

2. Garlic to Get Rid of Biting Nails:

This natural ingredient found in every kitchen will help you win the battle against biting nails. It has a strong taste and aroma that stop you from biting nails. Garlic has antiseptic properties that will prevent the nails from any kind of infection and will make your nails strong. Rub a garlic clove on your nails. Do this for about 5 to 10 minutes. You can also garlic oil to stop biting nails.

3. Lilac Oil for Nail Biting:

The bitter taste of lilac will compel you to stop biting nails. Lilac is an antiseptic and will prevent your nails from any kind of infections. This simple remedy will help you to stop biting nails easily. Crush some lilac leaves and apply this paste on your nails. Leave it to remind you that if you will chew the nails, then your mouth will become bitter. You can also use lilac oil and apply it on your nails anytime you want.

4. Trim Your Nails to Stop Biting Nails:

This is a simple and easy to do remedy for which you only require a good nail cutter. If you keep your nails big and rough in texture, then you will be tempted more to chew them. So it is better to trim this on a regular basis. Cut them short so that you will get rid of this habit. File them to make it smooth so that you are not tempted to bite the sharp corners. Develop this new habit to get rid of the old one.

5. Coat Your Nails to Get Rid of Biting Nails:

Nail polish will not only decorate and protect your nail plates but will also help you to get rid of this bad habit. So keep your nails coated so that the taste of nail polish will stop you from chewing nails. There are a variety of colors and designs that are available in the market. But it is suggested to use nail polish of good brands only otherwise it can make your nails yellow and brittle. You can use Mavala stop which looks like a nail polish. It stays on the nails for a long time and discourages the habit of chewing nails and sucking the thumb.

6. Use a Bandage to Stop Biting Nails:

This can act as a strong motivator for you to leave this bad habit. The only thing required to try this remedy is adhesive tape and patience. Adhesive tapes are basically used for electrical purposes, but you will be surprised to know that these can also discourage you from nail biting. Wrap the adhesive tape on your nails. Let it stay to remind you that you have to quit this bad habit. Failure of not being able to chew nails for some days will eventually help you to leave this bad habit. Keep on changing the tapes on a regular basis to prevent any kind of infection.

7. Artificial Nails to Demotivate the Habit:

Acrylic nails are artificial nails that make your hands look more beautiful. These fake nails are placed on your natural nails and work as a fashion accessory. You can apply these on your own or can go for a regular manicure. The more beautiful your nails will look, the easier it will be for you to quit this habit. All the gels, pattern, and texture of those nails will discourage you to chew nails. If you are going for this to a parlor then it will add stars to your hard work as the cost paid by you ,will remind you about all the money you have spent for quitting this bad habit.

8. Wear gloves to Stop Biting Nails:

The gloves will act as a protective shield between your mouth and the nails. This will for sure help you stop biting nails. You can wear cotton gloves all the time for some days. This new habit will slowly discourage your mind to leave this bad habit and eventually your brain will be trained to stop chewing nails.

9. Relaxation to Stop Biting Nails:

One of the main causes of nail biting is stress and anxiety. Many people bite their nails when they feel stressed or when they are in a critical situation. There are many therapies to make you stress-free so that you do not bite nails. You can follow these therapies to stop biting nails.

Ways to Relax Yourself:

  • Drink an herbal tea to overcome the urge to chew nails.
  • Create a soothing environment for yourself.
  • Try to use lotions that have soothing scents.
  • According to a clinical social worker deep and quick breathing techniques can help you to reduce stress and anxiety which in turn will help you to quit this bad habit.

10. Groomed Nails to Stop this Habit:

Groomed nails can fix your problem. For this, you require a manicure kit with tools such as nail cutters, orange stick, filer and small scissors. Do the grooming of your nails every week. This can be easily done at home by following these easy steps.

Steps to Follow:

  • Take a bowl of warm water and add olive oil.
  • Soak your nails in the bowl for about 10 minutes.
  • Use a cuticle stick to push your cuticles back. Do this while your nails are soaked.
  • Apply a cuticle cream and lotion.
  • Use a buffer to make your nails shine.
  • This special treatment will motivate you to quit this bad habit of biting nails.

11. Distract Your Hands to Stop Biting Nails:

You must have read above that one of the reasons for nail biting is loneliness and boredom. So this simple technique will help you to quit this habit. You can develop a new hobby to keep your hands busy with knitting or stitching. Another thing you can do is keep yourself busy in grooming your nails or decorating them. You can keep keys or ball in your bag so that whenever you sit idle instead of biting nails you can play with your car keys or the ball that is kept in your bag.

12. Train Your Mind to Stop Biting Nails:

So here we are sharing a simple technique to train your mind that this is a bad habit and you don’t have to do it.  For this technique, you only need a rubber band. Tie a rubber band around your wrist. The next time when you bring your fingers close to the mouth snap the rubber band on your wrist. This will hurt you a little and will remind you to quit this habit.

Horrifying Reasons that will Help You to Stop Nail Biting:

  • Biting nails can cause tooth damage.
  • While chewing nails you will suck a lot of bacteria and the crawling germs.
  • Chewing nails can cause warts.
  • Biting nails results in hangnails that are very painful.
  • It can cause certain infections resulting in cold and other health issues.