Nail-biting! A bad habit that begins at childhood and affects approximately 30% of individuals across all age groups. It is also a cringe-worthy habit that can have you hiding your fingers every time you are in public. But the shame is not half as bad as the damage it does to your nails.
That begs the question — is it possible to stop biting nails? If yes, how? Read on to get the answers to these questions and explore the various ways you can fix the damages that years of biting have done to your nails.
What Causes Nail Biting?
People bit their nails for a million different reasons. However, the most common cause is anxiety. Studies suggest that the habit helps relieve the tension and stress associated with anxiety. But other than anxiety, nail-biting has also been associated with boredom, hunger, and tiredness.
How to Stop Biting Your Nails
1. Identify Triggers and Cultivate Mindfulness
Even the most chronic nail biters don’t do it all the time. They do it when they are faced with a particular situation. If you bite your nails due to anxiety, learn to identify when you are stressed or tensed up. To do this, you need to start being more mindful of your environment and feelings. For instance, learn what tends to trigger your anxiety the most.
2. Apply Bitter-Tasting Polish
Being mindful will help you snap out of it, but it's not enough to help you resist the temptation of biting your nails again because bad habits die hard. To discourage yourself, apply bitter-tasting nail polish. This way, every time you want to bite your nails without realizing it, the bad taste will help you snap out of it.
3. Make Regular Manicures Your Thing
If the idea of having bitter-tasting nail polish doesn’t tickle your fancy, then you should consider making manicures part of your routine. The idea of biting nails after spending your hard-earned money on them will help discourage you.
How to Repair Damaged Nails
Biting your nails will not only make them grow weird but also damages the cuticle. It also exposes your cuticles to the bacteria found in your saliva and increases your risk of a fungal infection. The good news is that it's possible to repair this damage by following the tips below
1. Keep Your Nails Short and Shaped
Nail-biting causes your nails to grow in a weird shape. The first step to getting them back on track is to cut them short and then file them in a rounded shape. This will not only ensure they grow the right way but will also prevent split nails.
2. Apply Cuticle Oil
Years of nail-biting will dry out and damage your cuticle as well. The first step to getting them back on track is to nourish and moisturize them. Use a cuticle oil formulated with essential oils such as the Elon essential cuticle oil with almond. It penetrates deep into the nail plate to restore the natural oils that help keep your nails and cuticles moisturized.
3. Take More Veggies and Fruits and Don’t Forget Nutritional Supplements
Just like any other body part, you need to provide your nails with the raw materials they require to repair themselves. In that light, take plenty of veggies and fruits as they are rich in antioxidants and will fight the fungal infections. Also, take nutritional supplements such as the Elon Matrix for healthier and stronger nails as it contains the nutrients needed to help increase keratin levels.
Nail-biting is a common yet tough habit to stop. However, it's possible to break free and get your nails back to their best shape by utilizing the tips above. Check us out for more tips on how to keep your nails in tip-top shape.