As well as being unattractive, nail biting can lead to health problems... How can we put a stop to this bad habit we've sometimes had since childhood? We tell you all about it. 

Nail biting is a compulsive behavior that can affect not only the appearance of your hands, but also your self-esteem. You're not alone in this habit, as many people struggle with this behavior... Fortunately, there are effective strategies to stop nail biting and regain beautiful, healthy nails. In this article, we'll explore the causes of this behavior, as well as practical tips for overcoming it.

Understanding the causes of nail biting

Before discussing methods to stop nail biting, it's important to understand what can cause this behavior. Nail biting can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

Emotional stress: Stress is one of the main causes of nail biting. In times of stress, many people resort to compulsive behaviors, such as nail biting, to cope with anxiety.

Temporary stress: Even temporary stress, such as an exam or a tense situation, can trigger nail biting as a short-term response.

Boredom: Boredom can also be a trigger for nail biting. People tend to bite their nails when their hands are not busy.

Childhood habit: Some people start biting their nails as children and continue this behavior into adulthood.

Dental problems: In some cases, dental trauma or dental problems can lead to nail biting.

Compulsive behavior: nail biting can be a real obsession for some people, driving them to do it unconsciously.

Risk of contamination: Fear of contamination can lead some people to bite their nails to remove dirt or bacteria.

Aesthetics: Some people are obsessed with the appearance of their nails, biting off imperfect parts to make them more uniform.

Tips to Stop Nail Biting

Now that you understand the potential causes of nail biting, here are some tips to help you stop the behavior and achieve beautiful nails:

Keep your nails short 

By keeping your nails short, you reduce the temptation to bite them. You can trim them regularly to maintain a minimum length.

Behavioral therapy

Behavioral therapy can help you identify and manage the triggers of your compulsive behavior, and develop strategies for dealing with them.

Gesture replacement

Try replacing nail biting with another soothing activity, such as holding a stress ball or fiddling with a small object.

Also read: How to regain strong nails?

Use bitter varnish 

Apply a bitter nail polish designed to discourage nail biting. The unpleasant taste will remind you not to bite your nails.

Applying nail polish 

Apply colored or transparent nail polish to your nails. Having a beautiful manicure can encourage you not to bite them.

Setting small goals

Set yourself small goals to stop biting your nails. For example, try to resist temptation for an hour, then gradually extend the period.

Drinking water

Drink water when you feel the urge to bite your nails. This can help distract you and control your behavior.

Sports activity 

Regular exercise can help you manage stress and anxiety, reducing the temptation to bite your nails.

Dark chocolate

If nail biting is stress-related, try eating dark chocolate, which has soothing properties for emotional stress.

Beautiful nails

Keep in mind that well-maintained, beautiful nails can be a source of motivation to stop biting them. Visualize the normal appearance of your nails to motivate yourself.

Oil bases 

Apply an oil base to your nails to strengthen them and make them less vulnerable to biting.

White chocolate 

If you feel the need to chew something, choose sugar-free white chocolate, which is less damaging to your teeth than biting your nails.

Also read: How to take care of your nails at home?

A moment of relaxation

Take regular relaxation breaks to reduce stress and anxiety, which can reduce the need for nail biting.

Consulting a healthcare professional 

If nail biting becomes a real obsession or causes significant damage, consult a health care professional for help.

Stopping nail biting can be a challenge, but with determination, the right strategies and patience, it's entirely possible to overcome this compulsive behavior. You can regain beautiful, healthy nails by using the tips mentioned above to resist the temptation to bite your nails. Remember that this is a gradual process, so be patient with yourself and celebrate every little victory on the way to beautiful hands and better health.