I have the worst habit of picking at my nails. How do I stop?

Question

I have to pick at the cuticles and surrounding edges whenever I see them ragged. They are ragged all the time b/c I pick at them, so its a never ending cycle. I work in a professional environment and I know it looks really bad. I'm always staring at my fingers and picking. It drives other people crazy too.

I pick at my nails, I don't bite them.

Answer 1

I tend to pick at my cuticles too. I find that keeping my hands in good shape & trimming hang nails regularly doesn't give me anything to pick at.

Towards the end of my shower, I use a face cloth to push back my cuticles. I trim any loose hang nails w/ a cuticle trimmer afterwards. Do not cut into the live part of the cuticle.

I try to use cuticle remover at least every other week. OPI Avoplex cuticle remover is my favorite. It comes in a little bottle but a dab goes a long way. I apply it my cuticles & the dry skin around my fingernails. Leave it on for 5-7 minutes & rinse it off w/ a wash cloth.

Other tips:

Apply plain Chapstick around your fingernails - it will help seal in moisture & repel water.

Before going to bed - try applying vitamin E oil or Vaseline to your fingertips.

Try a moisturizing mask for your hands. Here's one recipe:

Soft, Smooth Hand Trick
This gently exfoliating scrub will make your hands noticeably softer and smoother.

In a small bowl, mash:
1/4 of a peeled avocado
1 egg white
2 tablespoons oatmeal
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Combine well and apply to your hands. Leave the mixture on for 20 minutes, then rinse in warm water and pat dry.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/avocado-kitchen-cupboard-beauty-tips.html

Video demos for manicure & buffing nails: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-give-yourself-a-manicure
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-file-and-buff-your-nails

Answer 2

umm learn to file your nails a little more often =/ go get a manicure because then you wouldn't want to waste that money by picking at your nails again then eventually the habit will stop or you'll find another habit

Answer 3

There are many options, find something else to do to keep yyou occupied instead of picking at your nails. Tell yourself:What's making you pick your nails so much? Are you bored at your job or are you nervous? Find something to keep you preoccupied.

Answer 4

Try getting weekly manicures...that way, the cuticles are always cut back.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Maybe you should start getting manicures every two weeks to keep them looking tidy. That way you won't have anything to pick at..

Answer 6

From biting your nails you get more germs than licking the toilet seat. Tell yourself this everytime you think about doing it

Answer 7

ok chew gum! and masge ur cuticcles and naisl! i used to ahve a problem wiht peeling my nails (kinda stupid i knwo) but now i put clean nail polish on them and i scrub it of when im stresed! u should do dat, and it doenst hurt ur nails and ur not messingwiht ur cuticles (which i htink need time to heel)

Answer 8

Try getting a manicure. When you see them looking all nice, you're less likely to want to mess with them.

Answer 9

um well you can use sally hansen no bite .. or something nailpolish. it tastes gross so you wont bite your nails... or pick them whatever.. maybe get a nail clipper & have it with you at all times

Answer 10

I have a bad habit with picking @ my toes.