Nail biting is a bad habit that can not only make your hands look unsightly, but if you bite your nails badly enough, you may permanently damage your nails, your teeth, or even your gums. Many people deal with this problem, so you’re not alone. If you are tired of stubby and bleeding nails try these simple remedies to promote normal and beautiful nail growth.
1. Treat yourself to a manicure as often as you can
You have earned a manicure for reaching your goal to stop biting your nails. Not to mention, having nail polish on may push back the urge to bite your nails, since you don’t want to bite into nail polish or ruin your manicure. Once your nails are in great shape, you should focus on keeping them that way, and the best way to show off your shiny new nails is to get a manicure.
2. Keep your nails relatively short
A simple manicure can help maintain your healthy nails, and so will keeping them relatively short and preventing yourself from biting them more. If you have any surplus growth, cut your nails back. Keep clippers with you at all times. You can’t bite if there’s nothing there.
3. Distract your hands by taking up a hobby
Not only will the new hobby keep you from biting your nails, but you could also discover a new passion at the same time. A hobby to distract your hands might be making models or maintaining your house, knitting or crocheting, finger knitting, running, or other outdoor pursuits, or even nail care and decoration.
4. Keep your mouth busy
Though you should avoid developing a serious new oral fixation, a few small tricks can keep your mouth busy and will cut down on the amount of time you spent biting your nails. Here are some things you can do:
- Chew gum or suck on mints or candies throughout the day. Biting your nails will be tough if you’re busy chewing gum or taking in the flavor of a delicious sucking candy. Also, the sensation of your bitten nails mixing with the flavor of minty gum or an orange-flavored candy will just be gross.
- Snack small throughout the day. Though you should avoid snacking so much that you end up gaining weight, you should carry around healthy snacks like carrot sticks or celery so you can munch on them throughout the day.
- Carry around a water bottle. Bring water with you wherever you go so you can always take a sip of water when you’re having a weak moment.
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