Liam Carter
Nail biting is a common habit that can be difficult to break. It can cause short nail beds and abnormal-looking nails, as well as damage the tissue that helps nails grow. To grow really short bitten nails, you must first address the nail-biting habit. This can be done gradually by keeping your nails trimmed short, applying bitter-tasting nail polish, or getting them done at a salon. Once the nail-biting habit is under control, you can encourage nail growth by moisturising your nails and cuticles, using nail hardener, and taking vitamins. It is also important to avoid using sharp objects to clean underneath your nails, as this can damage the nail plate and separate it from the nail bed. With patience and consistent care, it is possible to grow out really short bitten nails and achieve healthier, longer nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of nail biting | Anxiety or stress |
| How to stop biting | Recognize when and why you bite your nails |
| Keep your nails trimmed short | |
| Apply bitter-tasting nail polish | |
| Paint or cover your nails | |
| Use gel nail extensions | |
| Keep the white part shorter to prevent breakage | |
| File your nails instead of cutting them | |
| Keep nails moisturized | |
| Apply nail hardener | |
| Push back your cuticles | |
| Buff your nails | |
| Treat fungal infections |
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What You'll Learn
Recognise your triggers and address the habit
Recognising your triggers is the first step to addressing the habit of biting your nails. Nail biting is often a coping mechanism in response to nervousness, boredom, loneliness, or hunger. It can also be associated with emotional or psychological problems, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Some people also bite their nails when they are mentally engrossed in another activity.
To identify your triggers, pay attention to when and why you bite your nails. Are you feeling anxious, stressed, or bored? Are you waiting around, frustrated, or understimulated? Once you recognise your triggers, you can work on managing them. This may involve finding replacement behaviours, such as squeezing a stress ball or fidgeting with a device, to keep your hands and mind busy. You can also try to avoid or minimise your exposure to the identified triggers.
Another strategy is to make your nails less accessible or less appealing to bite. Keep your nails trimmed and take care of hangnails and ragged edges so you're not tempted to bite them. You can also apply bitter-tasting nail polish or products, which can serve as a reminder not to bite. Getting regular professional manicures may also deter you from biting your nails, as you know someone will be checking on their progress soon.
In more severe or persistent cases of nail biting, known as onychophagia, professional treatment can be beneficial. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), habit-reversal training, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) have been shown to be effective in managing the habit and addressing the underlying triggers. These approaches often focus on identifying triggers, establishing replacement behaviours, and managing the associated emotional factors.
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Keep nails trimmed short to reduce temptation
Keeping nails trimmed short is an effective way to reduce the temptation of biting them. Nails that are too long can be a source of distraction and can easily find their way into your mouth, especially when you are feeling anxious or stressed. By maintaining short nails, you remove the temptation to bite them, giving yourself a chance to break the habit.
To keep your nails short and healthy, it is recommended to trim them regularly. This simple act of self-care not only improves the appearance of your nails but also provides important health benefits. Short nails are less likely to harbour dirt and bacteria, reducing the risk of infection. Regular trimming also prevents issues like hangnails and ingrown toenails, which can be painful and unsightly.
When trimming your nails, it is essential to follow the correct technique. Start by softening your nails, as this makes them easier to cut and reduces the chances of splitting. The best time to trim is right after a shower or bath when your nails are at their softest. You can also try soaking your nails in warm water for a few minutes to achieve the desired softness.
Once your nails are softened, use clean nail clippers or nail scissors to cut each nail. Cut straight across, avoiding any rounded or "V" shapes. Leaving the corners intact helps prevent ingrown toenails, which can be uncomfortable and prone to infection. After cutting, use a nail file or emery board to smooth out any rough edges. File in one direction, from the side to the centre of the nail, to avoid weakening your nails.
It is important to note that cuticles should be left alone during the trimming process. Cuticles protect the nail root and provide a seal that safeguards the nail bed from external factors. Trimming or pushing back cuticles can make it easier for bacteria and germs to enter, potentially leading to infections. Instead, apply a moisturiser to your cuticles and nails to maintain their health and flexibility.
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Use bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage biting
Bitter-tasting nail polish is a safe and effective way to stop nail biting. The nail polish contains bitter ingredients that deter people, especially children, from biting their nails. The unpleasant taste is repulsive to most, and the more they avoid biting their nails, the less they will want to.
There are many bitter-tasting nail polishes on the market, such as Ella+Mila "No More Biting", which is free from traditional nail polish chemicals and can be used on children as young as one year old. Mavala Stop is another popular option that has been selling for over 30 years. It is safe for children aged three and above and works as a nail conditioner, promoting healthier and stronger nails and cuticles. However, it is not recommended due to safety concerns regarding its ingredients and its high price. Onyx Professional Stop The Bite also contains Denatonium Benzoate, an extremely bitter ingredient that deters most children from biting their nails.
Some polishes may be unsafe and lead to frustration, while others may be expensive. Some products may also cause slight yellowing of the nails. It is important to note that these products require frequent application, and results may vary.
In addition to curbing nail-biting tendencies, some bitter-tasting nail polishes also contain nourishing ingredients that help repair damaged nails, hydrate cuticles, and support healthy nail growth. For example, the Nail Quail Strong Will Anti-Nail Biting Click Pen is a brush-on solution that is formulated with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as organic aloe vera, eucalyptus, and ginger root to soothe and calm the nails and cuticles. Barielle No Bite Pro Growth is another option that is formulated with active pro-growth ingredients to help achieve stronger and longer nails.
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Apply nail extensions to protect bitten nails
Nail biting can damage your fingers and nails and even lead to infection. It can also make the skin around your nails feel sore and damage the tissue that makes nails grow, resulting in abnormal-looking nails. To stop biting your nails, you can follow these tips: Identify your triggers, which could be boredom, stress, or anxiety. You can also apply bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails to discourage nail biting.
If you want to apply nail extensions to protect your bitten nails, here are some tips:
- Start with acrylic nails until your natural nails grow slightly.
- At the four-week mark, assess your nails and get extensions.
- Gel nail extensions can also be used to grow your natural nails. They act as a protective layer for your natural nails.
- Ensure that the nail extensions are applied correctly by a skilled technician to avoid any damage to your natural nails.
- Properly applied extensions can also prevent current nail damage from worsening.
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Keep nails and cuticles moisturised and healthy
Keeping your nails and cuticles moisturised is essential for maintaining nail health and encouraging growth. Cuticles are there to protect the nail matrix or nail root, so it is important not to cut them. Instead, gently push them back with a wooden orange stick.
To keep your nails and cuticles healthy, dermatologists recommend using thick moisturising products such as ointments or creams. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as a cheap and effective way to moisturise your cuticles. However, some doctors say that using a thick product like petroleum jelly throughout the day can be impractical, so you may want to opt for a lighter lotion. Lotions can be used throughout the day without making your hands too greasy, but they are not as moisturising as ointments or creams.
If you want to treat yourself, book a hot wax manicure at your local nail salon, which is another good way to moisturise your cuticles. After a gel manicure, it is important to give your nails a break from nail polish for at least a week, regularly moisturising with thick emollients or creams with petroleum jelly in the meantime.
If you are wearing press-on nails, it is a good idea to keep your fingers as dry as possible. Oil and extra moisture can loosen the glue. However, during a pandemic, it is also important to keep your hands clean, so manage your expectations as you may find that a nail or two might pop off.
To keep your nails and cuticles healthy, it is also important to be vigilant when visiting a nail salon. Many people see their dermatologist when they develop red, sore spots around their nails or cuticles caused by a skin infection called paronychia. This is often due to an aggressive nail technician. Before getting your nails done, instruct your manicurist that you only want your cuticles pushed back very gently with an orange stick.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail extensions can allow your fingers to heal and your nails to grow longer and stronger. Extensions give length to the nail plate, making it harder to bite the hyponychium, which is an important structure that protects the nail bed from the outside world.
Some ways to stop biting your nails include keeping your nails trimmed short, applying bitter-tasting nail polish, and painting or covering your nails. It is also important to identify when and why you bite your nails, which can be caused by anxiety or stress.
To make your nail beds appear longer, you can let your nails grow out, resulting in a longer white tip. You can also clean underneath your nails with a nail brush instead of metal nail tools, as using sharp objects can cause damage and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed.
