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.

So it was my lack of self confidence and my constantly hidden hands that made the decision for me. I wanted to do what others women did and visit the Spa for a manicure. I wanted pretty manicured nails, and so I had two choices. I could go and get them done with acrylics or I could grow them myself and get a manicure. Well, by growing them myself I wasn't spending money on getting them filled every couple of weeks, and I could be proud and ecstatic to show my hands and wear jewellery. The decision was made, but the one thing to remember is that you don't have to have long nails for them to look nice. I have grown mine to a length comfortable for me. They don't bother me in my day to day life and I was able to grow them in a reasonable amount of time. The best part though is that I was able to visit the Spa for the first time ever and have a manicure done, if this isn't reason enough I don't know what is!

So, again there is no secret trick. It's a matter of self confidence and pride in my looks. I encourage anyone else struggling with this habit and wanting so badly to stop to think about what matters more to them. I never thought I would be able to stop, and I still have friends and family who are in awe that I grew my nails. In fact my mom didn't believe me and actually thought they were fake and tried to pull them off, of course real nails don't come off that easily. And the pride you have for such an accomplishment doesn't fade either.