DEAR READERS: We received a large response about the habit of nail-biting. For my readers who have this habit, I hope the following responses help.

-- Heloise

Nail-biting

DEAR HELOISE: I was reading the letter from the lady who is very upset with the state of her nails due to her lifelong nail-biting.

I was a nail-biter for a little over 50 years, until my wife suggested that I should come with her to the nail salon when she was going for one of her biweekly visits.

I was embarrassed, but Heloise, it changed my appearance and my direction! I was pleased with the way the nail technician was able to make my nails just about presentable the first time.

From then on, I have never bitten my nails again, and I eagerly look forward to my biweekly visit.

I praise the nail lady and her ability to make an ugly, unpleasant physical feature into one that I can show off with pride.

I would hope and suggest that your reader would try this, maybe with some fancy touch like glitter or a special nail design. This way, she will enjoy looking at her nails and have no desire to destroy them.

Good luck!

-- Barry G., Staten Island, New York

Nail clipping

DEAR HELOISE: Here's a hint for those who have a fingernail-biting habit.

Use a sharp fingernail clipper and trim all your fingernails as close as you can so that there is no nail for your teeth to get on.

Use your clipper every day or every couple of days so there is nothing to bite. Continue clipping nails until you're out of the habit of biting.

When you can, allow yourself a little nail growth! But remember to use the clipper to shape and trim snagged nails.

If you start biting again, start using the clipper to trim all your nails again. Don't use nail polish.

Also, use hand lotion before you go to sleep so you don't wash it off right away.

-- Rita B., via email