Nail biting help!

[urmaserendipity]

Hello all,
First time poster here just after a bit of advice. I've bitten my nails my entire life and am now in my late 20s. I'm really ashamed of my hands and would love to grow my nails so I don't feel the need to hide them away. I'm forever doing designs on my toenails and can't wait to do them on my hands!
I have tried literally everything to stop biting, and the only thing that has come close to working is gradually stopping one at a time. I have four nails now that are longer than the others but today I have bitten them quite short and am really disappointed with myself. It's so hard to stop.
I'm wondering a couple of things: firstly does anyone know of a forum or website for people trying to stop biting their nails? I think it would really help to have some support!
Secondly and most importantly, I was after some ideas. Previously it has helped if I put a false nail over the one I am trying to grow. Once I can see a white tip the false nail can come off as usually I don't chew at them after that although today has been an exception
My latest idea is whether something like clear shellac would work? I would hope this would make my nails too hard to bite and the clear wouldn't stand out while I try to do them one at a time.
I'd quite like to do this at home as I'm concerned about trying to explain to a salon what I want, and whether they'd be able to do it. I don't want to spend too much money, so I wondered if there were any recommendations? Either what I would need to be able to apply clear shellac or similar at home, if there are any other more beginner friendly products that would achieve the same thing or any other ideas for how I can stop? I'm really getting frustrated with how hard it is, but I want to grow them so badly!
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Urma

 

[AnewMe]

Why not try gel overlays?

Sent from my C6903 using SalonGeek mobile app

 

[urmaserendipity]

Do your nails not need to be a certain length for that? They are right down to the quik and its so difficult to grow them any longer!

 

[AnewMe]

No you can have overlays at any length and the hard gel should stop you from biting! X

Sent from my C6903 using SalonGeek mobile app

 

[urmaserendipity]

Thanks, do most salons do them, are they expensive and approximately how long do they last? Also would they do clear? Given how short the nails are I don't want to draw attention to them with colours!
Sorry for all the questions, I am clueless!

 

[squidgernetball]

I'm not a biter but I'm a picker. I pick the skin around my fingers and nibble them. On a bad day I can really do some damage.

I work in the beauty industry and my nails are a constant source of shame.

The only thing that works for me is shellac or similar. When my nails are coated, they look and feel different. Seeing nice nails makes me want to keep them nice so I don't pick.

I would never have acrylics as they take upkeep and I don't have the time or the inclination for that. Shellac or similar are great for me.

Good luck

Vic x

Sent from my GT-I9195 using SalonGeek mobile app

 

[mlea79]

I would suggest having acrylics or an acrylic or gel overlay as its hard to bite them then and the natural nail would then have chance to grow. If you where able to extent the nails straight away maybe by sculpting then they could look beautiful while growing. X

 

[Bel's Gels]

I too am a nail biter/picker.

Hence I have had acrylic nails for years.

I don't think shellac is strong enough to stop you from biting your nails. I would be concerned that it may cause further issues by making you want to pick and chew at it and if you then start to peel it off you will cause further damage to your nails and weaken them.

Acrylic or Gel overlays stop me from biting them as they are stronger. I then paint over the top with Gel Polish.

HTH and good luck.

 

[NancySyd]

Another vote here for Shellac or other gel polish.

You are not alone, even in this forum. I have bit/chewed/picked my nails and cuticles for as long as I can remember. Although I have nice enough nails now, I still struggle with it. But now, the red on my nails is polish, not blood! It's not the strength of the overlay that matters (since personally, I have chewed through acrylics fairly easily). Its the quick dry, long-lasting, smooth finish that means fewer imperfections to grab onto.

There is a lot you can do on your own to remedy this, but like most bad habits, it is useful to get some help. There are nail techs who have a lot of experience with biters- they won't be shocked by your nails or judge. Find one with a commitment to natural nail care! Some have programs for biters. I think it is very helpful to have your nails done regularly - weekly or bi-weekly. You are much less likely to bite if your nails look good and it is helpful to have someone to be answerable to. Also, getting them done regularly helps eliminate those little bits and flags and chips that make you want to grab on and pull or chew. Give yourself time, commit to a program of regular manicures, Solar oil, moisturizer and a crystal file (to file jagged bits rather than bite) - and maybe a supplement of biotin or IBX treatments. Tea Tree oil has a natural antiseptic action and will both moisturize and help heal (and it tastes sooo bad).

HTH

 

[AnewMe]

Thanks, do most salons do them, are they expensive and approximately how long do they last? Also would they do clear? Given how short the nails are I don't want to draw attention to them with colours!
Sorry for all the questions, I am clueless!

They're not expensive and yes, they are clear x

Sent from my C6903 using SalonGeek mobile app