Nixing the Nail Biting

I bite my nails and I really, really want to stop! I’ve tried a ton of stuff to try and stop, but nothing’s working! I just go for it whenever I’m nervous or have nothing else to do with my hands!


I think I might try some “no more nail biting” polish, but I’m not sure. Are there any other things you can suggest?


Hey hon, you’re not alone. About half of pre-teens and teens bite their nails at some point in their lives. Nail biting is one of the most popular nervous habits out there. It’s also one of the toughest to give up. But there’s good news—you’re tough, too. With some support and a lot of determination, you can drop your habit and finally show off your pretty digits.


Think about the triggers

Pay attention to when you tend to bite your nails. If it’s before a big test or first date, you may use chew on your digits as a way to cope with stress or nervousness. Or maybe you bite 'em because you’re bored. Try turning those feelings into something constructive with your hands, such as gardening, journaling or cleaning. Or maybe you can take up a new hobby, such as knitting or scrapbooking. If your hands (and mind) are busy, you don’t have as much time to nibble away a pretty mani.


Fight the bites!  

Another approach is to keep your mouth occupied. Eat healthy snacks, such as pretzels or carrot sticks. When you’re in class or at the movies, pop in a stick of gum to distract you from gnawing on your nails. It doesn’t hurt to try CONTROL-IT or Thum Liquid, which are nail biting treatments. The awful taste will encourage you to not bite your nails.


Fancify Your Fingers

Also, treat yourself to do-it-yourself manicures once a week. Keeping your nails healthy will make them more attractive and encourage you to bite them less. And your nails are probably a little weak from nail biting, so you may want to ask your doctor if you should take vitamins for calcium, which helps nails grow. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. But you can totally do it!


Best of luck,
L’Oreal

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1/10/2010 7:00:00 AM
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