Dont go in half, go all the way, no biting means no biting. Its really hard!! Get an app to help you keep track on how many days/hours you've been 'clean'. If the nails are getting to long its bothering you or you're tempted to bite or something, file them down! I know there is also creames or similar to make your nails stronger if needed. Nail polish can also help!
Good luck!!
You can do it! I'm 44 years old, and have been doing it since age 7 or so, maybe longer. I'm two weeks in, which isn't that long, but I'm confident I'm going to make it. Like you, just weary of the shame and problems associated with it. You'll find plenty of good, practical counsel here if you look.
I can also recommend this app- it's been helpful for me:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skorot.nailbiting
r/calmhands is a great community for this! Lots of people post progress pics. Nixxit is a good product that I’ve seen people recommend. https://www.amazon.com/NIXXIT-Biting-Thumb-Sucking-Preventative/dp/B07QYC481V/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=nixxit&qid=1624171322&sr=8-3 Putting a bitter solution on your fingers helps keep them out of your mouth. Press on nails work for some people. https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Products-Inc-Everlasting-Infinite/dp/B002L3YLJU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=press+on+nails+french+tip&qid=1624171563&rdc=1&sprefix=press+on+nails+fr&sr=8-3 these are good ones. Kiss is a good brand. I’ve had them stay on for a good week with vigorous hand washing. Not sure how they’ll last if you’re washing dishes by hand often. Finding the reason why you bite your nails and working on that will help long term of course (much easier said than done.)
Hey OP I'm not a guy, but I enjoy keeping natural looking nails so I get where you're coming from.
Firstly, the nail whites turning translucent just means there's more moisture in it. When you shower, do you notice that the entire nail tip turns translucent? And then it turns back white after drying out? It's just the moisture in the nail changing. Sure it's a lil gross looking but it's nothing to worry about!
For grooming, the goal is to keep your fingers looking neat and clean. The two things that help the most cleaning off any hang nails and loose/dead skin, and shaping the nail edge so that they look nice and even. For hang nails, you can use cuticle nippers and gently clip them off. To remove dead skin, you can apply cuticle remover (but any oil would be ok too if you're on a budget) and use an orange wood stick to gently scrape it all off. You could also GENTLY push the cuticles back while you're at it, which makes your nail bed appear bigger. Top it off by keeping em moisturized with hand cream, it'll prevent your fingers from looking dry and flaky. For shaping the nail tips, a nail file is best but clippers would do just fine.
There's tons of Youtube tutorials out there for men's manicures, so do check them out! It's often a lot easier watching someone do it rather than just reading someone explain it. Good luck and keep going! You're doing awesome 😊
Ive been using this from amazon. It’s working really well so far and has a ton of good reviews. I rub it into my nails and cuticles about twice a day and the splitting and peeling aren’t as bad as usual. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HGWGVS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6pCJCbTG6X5RS
Yes, the nail can recover! From what I can see you've also been scratching the surface/peeling off the 'layers' of the nail. I recommend some cotton gloves you can use to cover your nails during the day, or some finger cots finger cots (these are the ones the subreddit links- i haven't tried them out myself). Wear them as often as you can, or as soon as you sense yourself having the urge to bite/catch yourself with your finger in your mouth.
I would also recommend moisturizing the nail and protecting it with some nail polish. Use hand moisturizer often, specially around your fingers, and maybe also some cuticle oil. Then, paint the nail with some clear nail polish (or maybe even a nail strengthener). Check the subreddit's menu for some recommendation, people have also linked some products in other posts.
Overall, commit yourself. You will probably relapse (everyone does!) but the important thing is to get up and try again. You can do this!
Get you some of this stuff
You brush it on and it's SUPER nasty and bitter tasting. Conditions you to keep your nails out of your mouth. Some people use it to keep their kids from sucking their thumb.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXXFB59?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details
I use CND's Solar Oil which is a mix of almond and jojoba, I use it once a day and my nails mostly stay hydrated. Might have to apply it more than once a day though if your nails get dry really easily.
I found it from a post on here regarding nail care. I was using the mavala stop junk for a few weeks but the taste was getting everywhere. I use this stuff once a day and my nails have never felt stronger or healthier.
If you're also struggling with psoriasis, or in general it becoming a wound with or without you touching it, you can try this product. It's really safe, you can use it on any part of the body, and it also kinda helps with the pain! I go though a tube in a few months with my partner and I using it daily.
Along with the suggestions above, this product is very helpful and I truly believe in it.
I also struggle with, not being able to put the tools down with the OCD. Cuticle oil really does help. I've had to put my tools in another room, and just keep my cutical oil and creams and push stick nearby.
Sometimes pain is a sensory thing we seek, it's weird but it's true. You could try some of these (linked below), if that's helpful for you, they have been for me. Sometimes I just roll and push hard on it during the times I'm really struggling to stop biting. Redirection is easier than stopping something, if you want to try and think of a few things you could try and remember to switch to if you're in a bad biting/tool time. (Things like stim toys for your fingers or mouth, candy or chocolate, snacks, playing a video game, writing or drawing. Really anything, nothings a wrong answer!)
hey!! from what I’m seeing, it looks like you’re trying to trim the cuticle as opposed to the nail itself? I’d recommend using cuticle-specific tools!!
First off, I’d recommend pushing back your cuticles by using glass cuticle pusher
Having a manicure set around helps me a lot to keep from biting at my cuticles and pushing them back. Something like this with a pusher and clipper to get any loose skin. ZIZZON Professional Nail Care kit Manicure Grooming Set with Travel Case(Rose Gold) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTC9X8S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_39BTFBW9JCBYYWR0W35W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Longhairprettynails & Nail Career Education on YouTube!
You can buy a "beetles" gel set on Amazon with a UV light (like this one) and as long as you have a steady hand and take time to practice it'll be worth it!
I have the same problem. Started using these finger gloves from few weeks on and off.(U can purchase any kind of finger gloves) PSJ Anti-Static ESD Safe Chlorinated Reusable Disposable Latex Cots Protective Finger Gloves, 4 Mil Thick, White -Pack of 100 Pieces. https://www.amazon.in/dp/B074N1QKKW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_MYQ4FR3N47SS5QPNNM82?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Pros 1.Distracting me from biting 2.Being cautious about not biting as it's covered 3.Not able to see the ripped off skin 4.Comfy for laptop and mobile usage Cons 1.Kinda gets sweaty if used for longer duration (So i take them off once in a while and put it back) 2.If finger is too thin,it comes off(not super easily though)
With this I am able to not bite my skin off unconsciously. If others know any different tips, would love to know them.
Here's two links, ones Amazon which I don't use but I know is most accessible to people and the other is a sensory website so it's got all sorts of cool shit including chewable jewelry. It's helped me too.
Might have just been the brand. I got this stuff, it was bad enough to make me gag and lasted about 2-4 days depending on how often I tried to put my fingers near my mouth.
You sir, very unfortunately have a seed wart right there. :( I suggest you get these The generic brand ones dont stay stuck. Then get an hpv vaccine if you do vaccines. Warts are hpv. I got mine in 2012, and didn’t get another wart again until this year and got it again. So 10 year coverage with one shot is good for me lol. Warts suuuck. Also try really hard to not bite it! Seed warts especially spread and you can 100% get a wart on your mouth, even more so if you bite your lips.
these cots are awesome! you can still use touch screens while you’re wearing them. i would would keep your fingers/toes covered for as much time as possible, and then consider painting your nails once they’re long enough because it’s much harder to pick/bite them. good luck!!!! <3
Haha yep I literally have reminders show up every couple of hours saying “don’t bite, it’s disgusting!”
HAIAISO 4 Pcs Fidget Spinner Rings for Women Men 316L Stainless Steel Anxiety Rings for Stress Relieving Wedding Promise Rings Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0957DCX4J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZK78JPPPFRPKQD0GD9T2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I bought this pack of four, but the only one I’ve been using is the one on the bottom left.
Here are the two toys I’m obsessed with-
https://www.amazon.com/WellBrite-Acupuncture-Massage-Fidget-Sensory/dp/B0899PJJ9B
https://www.amazon.com/Toysmith-TSM6496-Wood-Fidget-Puzzle/dp/B00YRZ5QTE
You're very welcome!
I didn't know about chew toys either but they are amazing and it's a way to still get the mouth stimulation without fucking up fingers or teeth! It totally makes sense to me that we have this intrinsic self comfort mechanism with our mouths which is why anxiety triggers the nailbiting.
I've been biting my nails my entire life! I stopped for a little bit one 2 good runs and both were when stress was at a pretty big low for me. It got sooo bad the last few years as I was doing full time school and work, then work got really demoralizing, then the pandemic.
Anyways, I hope one of these helps!
This is the fidget cube I have which I got for free a while ago and has weirdly been my favorite one. It's what introduced me to stim toys in the first place! I thought it was a dumb fad before but I'm a believer now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075H2DNBR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_7TH03Z7Q5KY2KWYP8D32?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
And here's the munchie which is to help seat Invisalign trays buuut totally works as a regular chew toy. And it's so satisfying to bite down on! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZHN1XLJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_J58VMJVV34APNHMT6ARG
You don't need to buy these at all and I'm not trying to advertise products or anything, but I find examples helpful, And these are the ones I have so figured it made sense to share.
Omg that's how I found this sub too! I google searched Invisalign and nail biting because I had the same thought and I ended up in this sub.
There is also an r/invisalign sub that I'm obsessed with now and look forward to sharing my pics at some point.
I've been tracking pics of my nails every day too and it's crazy the progress in just 2.5 weeks! I started shopping for nail care products yesterday because they should be long enough to paint soon. The dream!
The chewies I store in the invisalign case and it goes right back in when I'm done. But I wfh so that's probably pretty helpful in not losing them. I love the idea of a neckless! I didn't think of that at all.
Good luck with you Invisalign! If you haven't yet, buy an Ortho key! I wish I had one from day 1. They make removal so much easier!
this is a nice nail hardener - https://www.amazon.com/Nail-Magic-Fingernail-Hardener-Conditioner/dp/B004PU3Y4K/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=nail+magic&qid=1623686337&sr=8-6
Though, I do know that different people react differently to nail hardeners, so don't be surprised that one that works great for lots of people doesn't do much for you, but another is great for you. In other words, don't right off nail hardening treatments if a highly rated one doesn't work for you, just move on to a different one till you find one you like. BTW, congrats on no biting! I'm rooting for you :)
It sounds like you are doing good. Any free edge means that you're covering skin to grow with your nail. As long as you moisturize frequently, your nail bed should repair itself some.
It's not going to be as long as your other nail beds, but you're a guitar player. That's what their hands look like.
My husband plays guitar, and while I bought this product for my own nails, the results are much more dramatic on his hands. It's almost a must if you are playing guitar and trying to improve your nail health. I rub a little bit on and around each of his nails nightly. It's made a huge difference. He works construction and plays guitar.
Even if it's just Vaseline or Jojoba Oil, keep your nails and surrounding skin hydrated. That Hard as Hoof works the best IMO and is very inexpensive. You will see improvement over time.
Just so you have options, I've also heard that this product is good for nail health and for calluses. Once I use all of our Hard as Hoof, I'm going to buy a tube to see which one we like more.
NIXXIT Nail Biting Treatment for Adults - Stop Nailing Biting Pen and Thumb Sucking for Adults & Children - Non Glossy Bitter Taste - Safe & Effective Solution - USA Made https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QYC481V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4PNP2WY58TME17BYMQVX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This stuff has worked for me so far. It tastes TERRIBLE.
If you're able to, either of these are great files!
Mont Bleu Clear Basic Files, Set of Three
Mont Bleu Crystal Files, Set of 2, Embellished w/Swarovski Crystals
okay so to start i take a daily multivitamin and hair skin and nails gummies which may effect the growth but i also use cuccio milk and honey oil to moisturize my cuticles every now and then, also been trimming my nails so they don’t break! Cuccio Milk and Honey Oil
The most natural looking ones I can think of are the nude french tips from kiss. But they are still pretty shiny.
Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Instant Nail Hardener and Miracle Cure Nail Kit, Value Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JXZVDKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_ry13FbJCYGG02?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Either one is great
i bought this kit on amz and found it helpful for getting the dirt out when my nails/beds grew out! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088QJPTR1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A buffer is used on the surface of the nail, or in this case the skin lol, and a nail file is used on the free edge of the nail. I'm lazy and sometimes I grab a buffer to do my free edge, but never use a nail file on the surface of the nail, you'll take off way too many layers of your nail and make it extremely prone to breaking. I have these little corns or callouses or something on my feet and I use these buffers every night. The skin of your finger may be more sensitive, so maybe a 240 grit would be softer and cause less damage.
You have to have a true designer to quit. It’s not going to be ease but noting worth having is. I swear by this stuff:
It tastes horrible and if you put your fingers in your mouth believe me you will regret it. Another strategy I use is to chew gum. I like Trident but mastic gym also works. I like mastic gum because it’s tough and is like chewing on rubber. It tires your jaw out and sometimes it just feels good to bite down on things. Rubber bands can also work. When ever you feel the urge to chew your nails you wear one on your wrist pull it back and snap your self. Your nails will heal up. Just be sure to use a heavy cream and or moisturizer. Cuticle oil will do wonders. You got this and we will be hear to support you. Also keep your nails short. Ideally you want them to be long enough to open a pocket knife.
Get a cuticle remover fork Sounds worse than it actually is. It's like a pealer. You start on one corner of the cuticles and follow the dead cuticle to the end with it. :)
(Something like this https://www.amazon.com/-/de/IVON-Cuticle-Trimmer-Remover-Plastic/dp/B07YFDW6D7/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=cuticle+remover+fork&qid=1594551549&sr=8-5)
Looks great! Congratulations. I'd like to try burts bees because it seems to work well for you. Is this the product? I couldn't find the exact name on Amazon.
Like one of the other commenters I have acrylic nails to help me stop biting, it also makes them look a lot better than my usual nails which are usually only a few mm long.
I’m a guy and if you are nervous about going to a salon or you don’t want the cost, then I use these plastic “full cover nails” that are super cheap and super easy to apply yourself. You can get them heaps of grocery stores and on amazon:
Nailene Full Cover Nail, 200 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XZOJCI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lIUoCbMK3VZGE
Mavala Stop! Paint it on EVERY DAY. If that doesn't work (& you are a girl), keep your nails manicured--gel or acrylic cannot be bitten!