Best products from r/calmhands

Hey guys! Firstly, thanks to everyone in this sub for finally helping me stop nail biting after 20 years. My mom is absolutely thrilled lol. A lot of this stuff has been repeated on here before but this is what worked for me:

• Get a really nice emery board/nail file. Something that will last you. Make it your friend. I found that I'd start the domino effect of biting all my nails off when I'd use my teeth to clean/pick under my nails. If you use a file instead, it feels just as satisfying and you won't set back progress.
  
• After I had chewed off my nails, the edges would be jagged and uneven, which drove me to bite them even more in an effort to smooth/even them out. Doesn't work well. Always ended up biting off even more and half the time it was still just as jagged as before. Nail file to the rescue, keep those edges smoothed and rounded! I found that feeling the jaggedness of my nails was one of the worst triggers for me to start biting. It's much more pleasant to feel a rounded nail, and even if I had my nails in my mouth I was less inclined to bite them.
  
• Once I finally started making progress on length, I discovered probably the root of the issue which was that my nails were incredibly soft and prone to peeling. When they'd peel and weaken, I'd bite them back down to the base because they simply weren't strong enough to hold up to daily wear-and-tear. My saving grace was Nail Tek Citra 2 for Soft Peeling Nails. It's a clear polish that as far as I can tell is concentrated magic. My nails are incredibly resilient and haven't peeled or broken off since I bought this >$10 bottle back in April. In the picture linked, it's the only thing on my nails. Nail Tek also has a formula for dry, brittle nails and several other products that may better suit your needs. Keeping your nails strong and healthy is key! Feeling how thick and strong my nails are has made me lose any urge to bite them.
  
  My routine was nothing special but I managed to find something simple that worked very well for me. I also started to get into nail art, which I had no idea I liked until my nails were long enough to give it a try!
  
  I don't expect this will work for everyone but I managed to break a 20 year habit almost completely cold turkey by making a few simple changes and I'm thrilled with the results. You've got this! Good luck!

Hey Wyld.

Good luck on this, as you will need it. It is super difficult to quit. I'm about two months clean, though. I've posted a few times the method that worked for me and hopefully it can work for you, too, as I had the exact same issue.

I bought this stuff: http://www.amazon.com/Mavala-Stop-Biting-Sucking-0-3-Fluid/dp/B0000YUXI0 and put it on my fingernails and cuticles. I reapplied every other day. This stuff tastes super bad, but it worked for me. I wore it for about two weeks total and I haven't had an irresistible urge to bite since then. It still goes through my mind pretty commonly, but it is now easy to win that battle with myself.

I strongly recommend giving this a shot and letting me know how it does for you. I wish you all the best on this, as it is a awful affliction to deal with. Good luck.

Let me start by saying this: I would have included a before pic but I was so ashamed that I never took any pictures when I was constantly biting my nails/cuticles. I am in my early 20s and I've been doing this to them since before I can remember (early childhood). I first tried to stop around 14, and have struggled since then. It is such an ingrained stress response/habit that it's taken me years to retrain myself. It was easier to stop biting my nails and I haven't done so at all in 6 months, but my cuticles/surrounding skin are another story. This is something I still struggle with as it's triggered by stress and I don't realize I've started until they're trashed. However, since January it's happened less and less, now maybe once a month or less.

What caused the change in me? Honestly, it was never one single thing. I have been building my ability to resist for years. I realize this is cliche but one important thing is to never give up. I've had too many backslides to count, from 1 day to even half a year at the most. What's helped me is NEVER accepting defeat, and always eventually trying again. One motivating factor was that I've always wanted to have nice nails for getting engaged/married. It was in January that that became an event occurring sooner rather than later, so I will definitely say that has helped me stay focused!

There was one part of stopping the habit that scared me after years of constantly damaging my nails and cuticles: would they ever properly heal and grow back 'normal'? As of yet I still do not have one straight answer. I will say that the strength in my nails has improved, although it is slow going. I am still on the lookout for products to help with this, although I think only time will help. I also tend to have some nails which are very ridged, but they've also continued to smooth out. Finally, there is one cuticle I have which was permanently damaged in a way that's difficult to explain. Basically, it grows in three separate sections, almost as if it's cut. I was absolutely AMAZED when it started to grow 'connected' again! I will say this it sometimes splits still, but it is definitely progress and I hope one day it's completely healed. So, if you're in the same boat and worried permanent damage has been done, I can't make any promises but I will say it's amazing how well they can bounce back - even if it takes months or years to reverse it.

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What helped me:

• Homemade nail oil pens - all you need are empty containers and Jojoba oil
  
• Burt's Bees lemon cuticle cream - I use this as extra moisturization/to 'seal' in the jojoba oil
  
• Splitting/cracking nails? Use brush on nail glue - WAY more effective/simple than the tea bag technique for me personally!
  
• 24/7 painted nails - letting them 'breathe' may be generally good advice, but I promise you biting them is more damaging
  
• No nail clippers/glass files only - I cannot tell you how much this helped my nails to stay strong and not constantly crack/split
  
  There is honestly so much more I could say but this post would be a book! I'm just taking the time now to sit back and enjoy all of my progress.

Yes, it will heal by itself, but you MUST stop picking at it. Try to find another outlet of that physical frustration. For Christmas, my girlfriend got me a ring that's spins. There are a bunch of similar rings, and at least this one is really fun to spin. I plan to get more.

She also bought me Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty. This actually helps probably more than the ring while I'm at work, where I'm a programmer, so I sit at a computer all day. I've found that I'm most likely to pick at my nails while mulling over a difficult problem, but that having a ball of this in one hand really helps ease my nerves.

Anyway... I hope I help you overcome your picking. I'm getting better, and these tools have really helped so far, but I just bit a few nails today, so I still need work. Good luck!

I know what it's like to be unable to afford therapy, but if you can afford a book, I highly recommend the Self Esteem Workbook by Glenn R. Schiraldi. It's not a replacement for therapy, but it's a a scientifically-based self-help book aimed at dissecting thought distortions and undoing core beliefs. I did this with a friend last year and it was hard work, but I'm in a much better and more stable place now emotionally.

Since you're seeing a GP anyway, you may also want to mention that you're having a hard time quitting skin picking. This can be related to anxiety, OCD, and/or other mental disorders, and your doctor may be able to prescribe something to help. Your doctor may also be aware of resources in the area for people like you who need therapy but can't afford it.

On a personal level, even if you aren't in a place to believe it now, I want you to know that I don't think you deserve to be hurt, and I think you're valuable just by virtue of being a human being. I'm proud of you for being so honest and vulnerable with us, and I hope you're able to overcome some of the negative thought patterns that are leading you to self-harm. I hope you'll keep us updated with your progress ❤️

A couple of cons might be that 1. the gel is really delightful to pick off as well once it starts slightly peeling off around the edges after a few days (and sometimes they apply the gel slightly on the cuticles so that's another satisfying place to pick it off) 2. once it is time to remove it, and repaint, your nails get pretty brittle and it takes a while for a new, healthy nail to grow out.

Something I've found helpful, as an alternative, is to invest in nice nail polish as well as a base and top coat (I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/Orly-Top-Bottom-Basecoat-0-6/dp/B0019TX4MW) and every Sunday I make sure I re-paint my nails.

Gel nails can be great, don't get me wrong. They do stay for a really long time (2 weeks) - but the satisfaction of picking can linger even with the tough gel. That's why I would at least consider a self-care routine first (it's cheaper too!).

Good luck!!!

This is my second attempt. I know it isn't a perfect polish job, but you guys give me the courage to post!!!

I have tried so many products to kick this habit, from going to physical nail salons, ColorStreet, at home gel kits, polishes galore, gloves, sitting on my hands... you name it.

I find that the dip lasts the longest and works the best for me. (It stays put, therefore I am not likely to pick). I am using a basic kit from Amazon. It takes some practice, but the results are well worth it. I started by watching YouTube tutorials and videos. I use it on my natural nails and soak off when I am ready for a change in color. PLEASE DO NOT PICK OFF!!! It will damage your nail bed. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MPFBWBK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edit: grammar

Aww, shucks! I never imagined anyone say that about my nails! Thanks!

Just replied above. Reposted below. best of luck! Hopefully this method works out for you!

I actually made my own cuticle oil pens. A mix of jojoba and vitamin e oil. I bought the pens from Amazon

Since these are so handy I kept them everywhere - my nightstand, end table by the couch, my desk, in the kitchen, purse, any other place you can think of. The key for me was to not be caught without the cuticle oil pen within arms reach at any time.

Can’t take credit for this - I saw Simply Nailogical’s video on how to care for your nails. She is pretty knowledgeable.
Simply Nailogical - how to grow your nails

I know the pain, skin picking was one of my biggest issues back when my nails were longer. A couple things I recommend:

Lotion or some other moisturizer - it can really help keep your skin smooth so it's harder to pick at in the first place. Lots of other people on this sub tend to suggest this and have some ideas for what to use. I see Burt's Bees cuticle cream (amazon link) pretty often on other posts, so maybe give that a shot.

Fidget object - often I find that I start picking at my fingers when I'm nervous or need to keep my hands busy and having something to toy with seriously helps. Often I'll use a ribbon, drum my fingernails on a surface, mess with my hair, or clasp and un-clasp my watch. Anything to keep my hands busy. I recently pre-ordered the highly anticipated fidget cube that many people have been watching on this sub and am hoping for the best.

Keep your nails short - This one is hard for me because I like to keep my nails longer as (a) it lets me use them, (b) acts as positive reinforcement, (c) is necessary if they're ever going to reach a nice shape again, and (d) is nice for drumming on my phone or desk, but by keeping them shorter, it makes it very difficult to pick at the skin or other nails when they start to flake/chip.

That's all I've got. I hope this is in anyway helpful to you or others who have the same problem. Best of luck!

You have already done one step forward, you're determined to have healthy fingers.

I've read posts where some people recommend the finger gloves. I think it would help if you use neosporin like some already recommended you or Lucas' papaw ointment.

Happy belated birthday! 🤗

I have this too! I have vitamin e for my other scar but I hadn't thought of using it on my hands. Probably will at night since I wash my hands a lot during the day.

Edit: I sometimes use Glysolid during the day. It was a recommendation from this sub to help healing cuticle skin and I found that if I'm consistent in putting it on in the morning, I'm less likely to pick. It does seem to help the healing some, but I haven't been consistent enough with it to really say. According to their website:

> It forms a light "Shield" on your skin that protects from dehydration, and calms and soothes irritated skin. More than that, it effectively stimulates cell regeneration. Its ingredients promote the healing of small injuries, nicks and cuts.

Oiling your cuticles will:

1. make them soft and less tempting to pick at
   
   
2. make the new nail growth stronger and healthier
   
   
3. give you something to do other than biting/picking
   
   
   I like these Bliss Kiss nail oil pens
   
   Many people love Burts Bees cuticle cream
   
   Just put some around your nail on the cuticles and rub it in daily. I also recommend doing your own research to see what works for other people

I'm going to ramble in this comment a little bit because this post is more for me to come back to as the year progresses

I initially attempted to stop nail baiting on January 1, 2016 but ran into a few issues. I had about 80 packs of gum I had gotten from some deals, and was trying to chew that all the time to prevent biting nails, but my jaw started to hurt. I reduced gum intake and started biting again. I still have like 40 packs of gum so I will restart this and try to just move the gum around my mouth rather than chew it.

I purchased these gloves on Amazon because they were lightweight ones I could wear at home. They work and are pretty comfortable, but since they are silk the fingertips tear kind of easily (my index fingers both did but it's okay). I was unable to find other lightweight gloves that might hold up better. They are thin, breathable, and you can usually type and use a touchscreen decently with them. I really recommend getting these and put them on the moment you get home or are out or do anything.

I started to relapse in the last half of 2016 because I was trimming/filing my nails and they would be uneven and snag a lot so I was trying to "remedy" this with my teeth. I would basically bite them but there would still be white nail left on the top. If you can see in the pictures, the nail beds themselves are uneven and the nails grow unevenly and I try to remedy that with my teeth.

These pictures are after about two weeks to finish the year of not biting. My thumbs I've actually done really well with since ~ March of 2016. I don't think I ever bite my thumbs at all. A big problem I have is that the nails get dirty because of the gaps underneath them and I try to use my teeth to clean it. That is something I need to avoid as well.

There's my ramble. I plan to take photos on the first day of every month this year to track progress, and I will probably purchase a small metal nail file, maybe that I can even keep in my wallet to take out when i want it. The one on the Swiss Army Knife on my keys is shit.

Wanted to post something that I recently started that seems to have helped (so far!) I found this while shopping amazon for some unrelated products. I work in a bar, and to clean the glasses we use some really heavy-duty anti-bacterial stuff, so my cuticles and hands get really dry and then I pick / bite at them. I like a lot of Burt's Bees products, and they're all natural/no animal testing so I figured why not try it out.

The product is more like a balm-- I swirl my finger in it and then rub it into my nails and cuticles. It smells absolutely divine, like lemon cakes, but it doesn't really taste great. I started rubbing this stuff into my nails whenever I get the urge to bite/pick and have slowly started to replace the habit with that. I'm not sure if this'll work in the long run, but I already feel the urge to bite and pick lessening. I've been a nail biter and mild dermotillomaniac for as long as I can remember... so that's a huge step for me.

Hope this helps someone! :)

I've been using Bliss Kiss pens. I actually peel the label off them so I can see the jojoba oil better. I find it really satisfying to watch the tube get smaller and smaller every day.

The best thing that's worked for me is a thick cuticle balm. Burt's Bees, or Badger Balm both make a product like this. I keep it with me especially for occasions when I'm prone to picking: during a movie, while reading, studying, long car trips.
The act of rubbing balm into each fingertip fulfills the compulsion to do something with my hands. And when you're done the skin is soft & impossible to tear at! Also it does not taste good. Try it!
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Cuticle-Creme-Butter/dp/B00013YYS0

Something to occupy his hands will help, especially because if you see him biting you can say, hey why don't you play w/ ____ , which is a positive reinforcement rather than just don't do that. I gave one of these https://smile.amazon.com/Set-Tangle-Jr-Original-Fidget/dp/B0034EKP8Q to my friend's daughter who was picking her cuticles when she was about 6, she's 10 now and to this day when I see her she will bring it up and tell me how much it helps.

I've been biting my fecking nails for 25 years and only recently have been able to get some progress. It's been about three months and I still slip occasionally but what's been really helpful is this .

It goes on invisibly, doesn't smell and tastes like sour ass strong enough to make you notice what you're doing. No matter what you do though you're going to start having to make conscience decisions to stop when catch yourself. Hope this helps, rooting for ya.

Do not clip my cuticles, but these are the shit for nails anyway...

I’m so glad to hear this! When I first found this forum that’s also how I felt seeing others progress, so I’m so glad these posts are encouraging others now. For cuticles and skin, this brand of jojoba oil has helped a lot: https://www.amazon.com/Leven-Rose-Pressed-Unrefined-Moisturizer/dp/B00GJX58PE

Thought everyone might enjoy a good glass nail file, we make them in Czech Rep., get them here

https://www.amazon.com/Seki-Edge-Stainless-Fingernail-Clipper/dp/B000F35R00/

These are good. Very sharp, and they catch the clippings inside of it so they don't go flying off to god knows where. Comes with a curved nail file too!

I have, but they definitely aren't a cure. I kind of have to alternate between them or I get bored and stop using one. The ones I use are:
-- a fidget cube (in my case, a fidget dodecagon
-- a tangle toy
-- thinking putty


I really want to get a spinner ring, but I keep forgetting to measure my ring size for my thumb and I want it to fit right.

There are a few products that could help:

Mavala Switzerland Mavala Stop nail biting, 0.3 Fl Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000YUXI0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_C7.rDbX6XSVJ3

Nail Quail - Strong Will Anti-Nail Biting Click Pen, 7ml, Made in USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXXFB59/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x8.rDbM19GQQS

I ordered everything off of Amazon!

Oil pens

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075R5GFDM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Jojoba oil

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GJX58PE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Vitamin E oil

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E6AWMOW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mavala-Switzerland-Stop-biting-ounces/dp/B0000YUXI0/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1542292009&sr=1-4&keywords=mavala%2Bstop&dpID=41TVkUE41OL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch&th=1

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It's from switzerland so not sure it shows up in stores like walgreens.

I have a similar unconscious habit, and I need a strong and consistent reminder not to do it. Paint this stuff on the parts that you don't want to bite, and you will quickly learn not to bite there =;-)

So sorry for the late response but what really helped me stop nail biting once and for all is to use the Mavala nail polish that is specifically designed to stop nail biting (you can get it on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mavala-Switzerland-Stop-Nail-Biting/dp/B0000YUXI0 or https://www.amazon.com/Mavala-Helps-Biting-Thumb-Sucking/dp/B00336WT3O). The taste is sooo bitter and disgusting that you don't want to put your finger back in your mouth. The only downside is that it can rub off onto finger foods or cooking, so if you eat chips or grab food with your nails you will taste the polish. But it's a small price to pay for long term reward. I cannot tell you how badly my nail biting was until I used this nail polish and now I have the longest nails out of all my friends. I hope you try it out some time! Good luck!

I just started using this bitter nail polish. I didn't paint my entire nail since it's a bit shiny and I'm a guy.

So I dipped a toothpick into the polish and applied it just to the very edge of the nail and under the nail. The polish stays on for a long time and a small amount is all you need. This stuff is gross but is long lasting.

I also found that I bite my nails when I drive. So I bought driving gloves. I'm sure I look silly to others but I can't bite my nails with them on.

http://www.amazon.com/Mavala-Stop-Biting-Sucking-0-3-Fluid/dp/B0000YUXI0

Give Mavala Stop a shot. I've tried some of the other similar concepts and quickly grew used to the taste. This one is pretty awful and serves as a very fast reminder when I'm doing it unconsciously.

http://www.amazon.com/Mavala-Stop-Biting-Sucking-0-3-Fluid/dp/B0000YUXI0

Unfortunately, this also makes anything you touch with your fingers taste like shit. It's an unfortunate side effect, but I'll take it (my biggest problem is remembering to put the stuff on in the first place, once on it does a pretty good job).

I use clear nail polish on my nails to put a physical barrier there. I don't like the plastic texture of it. I use this this when I know I'm going to be stressing out: https://www.amazon.com/Mavala-Switzerland-Stop-Nail-Biting/dp/B0000YUXI0/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1522717374&sr=1-4&keywords=mavala

It works really well during finals. It usually takes only one application to remind me not to bite. In addition, I file regularly (once or twice a week) to keep the edges from splintering. I also use a lot of cuticle oil to keep my cuticles from getting dry. At night, I use a really thick hydrating cream to make my hands smoother. It all keeps me from picking at everything.

Amazon Although I did see that says but to be used for children under 3, so its only an option if nothing else works until then...

That happened to me with Mavala Stop. It transfers with even the lightest touch, so you can't cook or touch your face at all without somehow getting it in your mouth.

yeah “finger gloves”

I have found no bite nail polish to help a ton. Mavala Switzerland Mavala Stop Nail Biting, 0.3 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000YUXI0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_foXWzbAX6YSN4

https://www.amazon.com/Mavala-Switzerland-Stop-biting-ounces/dp/B0000YUXI0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=malva+stop&qid=1558558229&s=gateway&sprefix=malva&sr=8-3

I bought this one off of Amazon. It's a bit expensive, but it has helped me stop biting.