So I have this REALLY bad habit of biting/picking at my nails...

[Freakshow]

Most other teenage girls pride themselves on their nails. Everyone else takes such good care of their nails -- I haven't yet met another girl my age whose nails do not look pristine. For some reason, I'm the opposite. I tend to bite or pick at my nails a lot when I'm bored, which leads to my nails looking really bad. Sometimes, they look so bad that they could even look diseased. I'm ashamed of showing them to others because then others will always ask, "What happened to your nails?" This is especially bad on the thumbs. There isn't really too much of an issue with the other fingers, but my thumbs are usually always the ones that cause concern. What can I do to stop this habit? Bad nails are not feminine at all...

[Maverick.]

Oh, that is a really common habit. Nail biting is really disgusting, but we can't help ourselves sometimes. I do the same. So I can totally relate to what you are going through. Since you are a female, have you tried putting nail polish on your nails to cover them up. If you are ashamed of others looking at your nails, you can try that. It can also help you stop biting your nails as well.

If not, dash your fingers with salt. You will not like the taste, and you will probably stop biting your nails. Other than that, it is all about self control. If you can control yourself not to bite your nails, you will do fine.

[Revolution]

I can't control it at all. Hahaha! I've tried nail polish, salt, soap, everything. Sort of given up at this point. Better than a lot of things, I suppose. I also chew pencils and pens.

[facade]

I had this problem. But I wanted long/nice nails, so I used that as motivation. Also, I painted my nails. My nails now are rarely ever not painted because of it. If your not really into nail polish, you can try just clear nail polish. It doesn't have to be a color.

I hope things go well <3

[jelli1224]

I have a bad habit of biting and chewing on my nails as well. It is kind of a gross habit, but I find I do it when I'm nervous about something. So that kinda means.... all the time. Something that I have found that has helped me, if nail polish. White or colored, when I bite down on the nail polish, it tastes bad and causes me to realize I am biting my nails and stop. So you might try that. Others have put hot sauce on their nails so when they bite their nails, they get a really hot mouth. I think you should try a few different things and see what works well for you. Good Luck!

Angelica

[you'rebeautiful]

It's generally a long process, quitting any addictive behavior... and it always requires commitment. There are a few ways that people go about hicking this habit. Among them are committed & persistent HRT (habit reversal training) and hipnosis, which of course targets the mind. Others are special nail-biting polish (it's very bitter and is, you guessed it, designed to help discourage nail-biting), or bitter-tasting hand cream, methods that target your physical senses. And then there's always practical approaches like keeping your nails short (not much to bite, then, keeping them painted or getting professional manicures (that way you'll always be conscious that you have painted nails in your mouth, and that you paid money for yourself to get something done to your nails. You can also seek support from family or friends~ ask them to gently point out to you when they notice you biting.
It does take work, forsure, but I have no doubt you'll work through this just wonderfully.
Best of luck ,
Ada

[Troubled_Heart]

I got over it with nail polish... I only put things in my body which I know all about and which I'm not terrified of poisoning me so that worked... I always have to have my nails painted though and when I don't I chew... I also always have gum in my mouth to give me something to chew and it's good for teeth... I'm not allowed either at school but I just wear a similar coloured varnish to my actual nails... Maybe take something like a pen to chew on to not chew your nails or just think of how you want your nails to look to help stop yourself. Good Luck and PM me if you want to talk... Go in Peace <3!

[Koharuchan]

My boyfriend has that same habit. He keeps his nails cut short, so there's not really much to bite. It's a lot more simple than doing nail polish, salt, etc, but it works. It might seem like a really gross habit, but you'd be amazed at how many people do it. I do it too, but it's more every once in a while for me...

[evans_x]

Don't they have some sort of product available in shops that you put on your nails that taste really disgusting, you like, apply it to your nails until you no longer bite them? :$

[Lovehatelife23]

believe me it very common to do tat. I have been biting my nail for a very long time. Ive been also been biting at my skin too on my fingers. So its ok n its addictive. So no worries. Its all naturl...

[01love]

Oh my, I used to have this habit too until I grew out of it when I was in high school. I bit my nail too short once and it affected my ability to play the piano - baaad since I was a serious performer.

I used clear nail polish - forgot I had it on and bite my finger nails anyways, SO GROSS. After, I started using bright coloured nail polishes like yellow, pastel blue, pastel pink - I could actually see it and remember to not bite my nails & bright colours are pretty cute on short nails (: At home, when I felt like I had to bite something, I chewed on a straw lol After awhile, my habit was gone!

Good luck!!!!

[chrissy2009]

There are many things to use. Keep busy so you aren't bored.
Honestly i am the same exact way! I still haven't stopped biting or picking my nails. Its only been a day since i haven't. im trying to let them grow. But its tough. Try nail polish, or something that doesn't taste good and put them on your nails so once you taste it you won't want to chew them anymore. But i can't promise you it's going to be easy cause i'm going through it too. been doing since i was 15 and im still doing it an im 23 now! but good luck i wish you the best of luck for the both of us!