The best solution is to forget and not worry about it.. Compulsive nail biting is no worse than any other habit deemed bad, whether it is compulsive eating, drug, alcohol, tobacco, or any other behavioral addiction. In fact, nail biting is the least harmful of any addiction or bad habit. . But it is a visible and ugly habit stigmatized as uncouth and somewhat abnormal by many elements of society. Once I convinced myself not to be ashamed, I felt better about myself and my nail biting stopped being a problem. That's not to say you should not stop if you can. But if you are like me and you cannot stop using conventional methods. it's better learning to live with the habit than thinking you are a failure. Nail biters are everywhere, in all levels of society, professions, and all walks of life.

I know this is an old thread, but I want to chime in.

I am determined to stop nail biting and picking, but I do not see going back to it as a failure. I agree that we do not need to focus too heavily on those slips. My focus is on what I can do instead of biting or picking, and what healthy ways I can stop, like just being non-judgmentally aware. I simply notice I am biting or picking; I try not to say to myself: "I should not be doing this," or how much it sucks, et cetera. This allows me to more easily forgive myself and in turn I am less nervous and anxious, so I bite and pick much less.