How to Stop Biting Your Nails: My Personal Experience

I've been a guilty nail biter ever since I can remember; probably from the moment I had teeth to bite my fingernails. I have tried everything under the sun to stop, but it's something I do subconsciously and by the time I realize it I'm left with short, jagged, and very unattractive nails. It's also a habit I've always detested and felt horrible about after a biting session.

My family, friends, and partner have all tried to get me to stop. I've even resorted to the foul tasting varnish you put on your nails to sway you when you start to bite. Unfortunately, I became accustomed to the taste, which speaks volumes about my habit. I've had professional acrylic nails put on, and paid an arm and a leg to have them refilled every few weeks. Despite this, I would continue to pick at them resulting in a waste of having them done in the first place. I then decided I would try buying the acrylic nails at the local drugstore and put them on myself. This worked for a short time although again I started pulling at them, which caused them to come off and my having to replace them sooner than I should.

I am now in my late twenties and until about two months ago an avid nail biter. So, the question remains on how did I actually stop? Well, I wish I could tell you fellow biters that there was some secret trick that will help you stop immediately, but life is never that simple, and yet maybe it is when it comes to biting your nails.

What I found did work was my lack of self confidence in my looks. It may not seem like a big deal, but I was constantly hiding my hands because I hated the way my nails looked. They were short, and jagged, and picked over, and it made me incredibly self conscious. I could never have manicures because there were no nails to have done. I didn't want to wear rings or bracelets because they drew attention to my hands, and so my jewellery would sit untouched in my jewellery box.