According to the Mayo Clinic, in addition to being unsightly, nail biting allows illness causing bacteria to pass from fingers to mouth and can actually make people sick. While the saliva in the mouth will kill most bacteria, nail biters leave themselves more susceptible to germs than non-nail biters.
Thankfully, Robbie Schaeffer, celebrity manicurist and founder of ROB|B salon (the first OPI Concept Salon) offers expert tips on how to stop biting nails once and for all!
Schaeffer explains, “it takes six weeks to break most habits and breaking the nail biting habit is no exception. It is important to be diligent and committed to this process.” He goes on to explain, “biting your nails is terrible for the cuticle, damages the nail bed and can cause painful hang nails that is why my salon offers a comprehensive Nail Biter Program – a six week course of weekly manicures, cuticle care and at-home treatments designed to kick the habit.”
· Go to your local salon once a week, every week for six weeks to get even a basic manicure service. If you can’t go to the salon, make sure to block out time every week to give yourself an at home manicure. This is so important as you must re-train yourself by replacing the bad habit of biting with a good habit of nurturing your nails.
· Carry a bottle of the Nail Lacquer you use with you at all times so that you can immediately touch up any chips or scratches. If you don’t patch this up right away, you are more likely to start picking and biting at your nails.
· Use a nail strengthener, such as OPI Nail Envy, at home to help your nails grow stronger and healthier. The better shape your nails are in, the less tempted you will be to destroy them.
· Hydrate your hands and cuticles as this will keep them in top shape and help build the overall health of them.
· Tell your friends and chart your progress! This will empower you to keep on going as you will see improvements and will have the support of your friends.
ROB|B is located in Studio City, LA and boasts a Gold LEED Certification, ROB|B shows how easily green and beauty can go hand-in-hand, from walls covered in sustainable plaster, to floors made from recycled concrete, to furniture made with re-purposed wood and glass.