Desperate to stop nail biting, what works?

[Shezlon]

I'm in my 40s and have bitten my nails all my life. I've had short periods where I managed to stop but nothing that has stuck. It's ridiculous now, I'm sick of it and I really want to stop.
I've tried the disgusting tasting stuff, I've tried having fake nails (I chew them off), I've tried acrylics (I pick at those too). I don't know why I do it but it's so ingrained I don't know how to stop.
Has anyone tried something that has worked long-term?

Yes. I’m 45 and have bitten since I was a small child. But I don’t anymore! I’d also tried everything, but what has worked for me is to shape them, which is fruitless at the very beginning as there is hardly anything to shape, and then apply clear varnish. And I’m a couple of days, they started to look better, and I liked how they looked. And so didn’t want to ‘ruin’ them. And that made me not want to bite. And so then they looked better.

I think the diamond nails by sally hansen is a brilliant strengthener too, as my nails are extremely weak after the decades of biting. So that helps.

Get something that you can occupy your hands with. A fidget spinner etc. If having nice nails done professionally for you hasn’t worked.

Someone 'did' them for me with a nail file/polish etc and I just didn't want to ruin them after that. Habit sorted.

I've tried doing them myself, filing, painting etc. They are ok for a couple of days but then I absent-mindedly start scraping the nail varnish off with my teeth. That's why I tried acrylics so I couldn't do that - still didn't work.
Fidget spinner is an interesting thought. I don't know that I'd be able to keep one to hand all the time but it's worth a try.

Buy several and different ones - always one to hand and you may discover you prefer one type over another. Dh likes a traditional spinner, I like the bubble pop type. Neither of us like the box one with different sides.
You may find that it’s the activity of having something (your nails!) in your mouth - I chew a lot of pens and pencils. Bic pens are the best substitute for me!

Ha, I'm a pen chewer too! Actually I chew lots of things!

Look at my beautiful nails! I can't quite believe it but I've somehow kicked the habit after 40+ years.
I showed my DH, very proud of my achievement and he said Oh I didn't realise you still bit your nails anyway 😖

They look amazing! Do share how you managed to achieve this

I would have said fake acrylics, before reading your OP.
Have you thought of trying hypnosis?

well done
i am a nail biter too. the only thing that works for me is willpower. if i drink alcohol somehow that goes, so i have to avoid alcohol
mavala strengthener is a miracle and keeps them strong as they grow. its not a layer like nail varnish it sinks into the nail so you cant peel it!

My Mum stopped biting her nails spontaneously late in life, by which time she was on so many drugs she rattled, so there may well be a biochemical factor.
Certainly I have a problem with hair pulling/skin picking, which improved hugely after I started taking 3g of N-Acetyl-Cysteine a day.
So supplementing with NAC is one thing you could try if you liked.

Well done op. Enjoy your beautiful nails 💅

@coppersage

They look amazing! Do share how you managed to achieve this

I don't really know to be honest. I read something that advised replacing the physical motion with another one every time you notice it to break the habit. So every time I noticed my hands going to my mouth I'd stretch my hands out and wiggle my fingers instead. I also started taking hair, skin and nails vitamins (biotin) and my nails are certainly stronger than they've ever been which helps. Previously if they ever got this long they'd be flaky and soft and I'd end up peeling flakes off them which made them weaker etc etc. I've honestly tried so many many times before, this time it has just clicked and I feel like I'll never bite them again now. Finally, at age 47!

Iv just ordered a ‘nudge’ for my DD, they vibrate if you lift your hand to your face. You could try one of those.