Gothic Nail Care Forum

Re: BAD HABIT!

Posted By: Mariposa
Date: Monday, 28 October 2002, at 10:38 p.m.

In Response To: BAD HABIT! (Barbara)

There are a few solutions to this problem. First, you need to keep your hands busy so you won't unconsciously pick at your nails. You can do anything, just as long as you've got something to occupy your hands (typing, housework, writing letters, doing craftwork or crossword puzzles will all work). Another way to break this habit is by wearing white cotton gloves around the house (and at work, if you can, and if you don't feel strange doing that). The gloves will be a constant reminder to you not to pick your nails, and you won't be able to pick them with the gloves on. I know it may look unusual, wearing white gloves all day, but it's easily explained and it will work if given half a chance! Also, ask yourself why you pick your nails. Does there seem to be a pattern of when you pick them, say, if you're bored or stressed, or does it happen when you're watching TV or reading email? If you do notice a pattern, it may help to keep something in your hands during these times. Finally, you may want to consider acrylic nails, which are definately a lot harder to pick at than natural nails: picking acrylics requires a conscious effort; you WILL know when you are doing it because the feel is much different. If you don't want long nails you can always start with a simple overlay of acrylic, or sport-length nails.
Your nails may not grow fast because of the constant picking at them, which can cause damage, depending on how severly they're picked (I had a client who did the same thing, picking her cuticles until the bled, and the white glove method worked for her). It's a good idea to take care of nail problems one at a time, so after you've stopped picking them, you can apply a nail strengthener (like OPI's Nail Envy or Sally Hansen's Hard As Nails) to get them nice and strong. As for applying polish, I say to go ahead and do it, even before you break the pick habit, and apply polish frequently, as this can help strengthen the nails, but also will remind you not to pick. I hope some of these ideas help you, good luck!

Messages In This Thread

BAD HABIT!
Barbara -- Sunday, 27 October 2002, at 7:08 p.m.

Re: BAD HABIT!
Mariposa -- Monday, 28 October 2002, at 10:38 p.m.

Re: BAD HABIT!
Picky, Picky -- Wednesday, 30 October 2002, at 5:43 a.m.

Re: BAD HABIT!
Joe Watson -- Wednesday, 7 December 2005, at 6:55 p.m.

Re: BAD HABIT! *LINK*
Rose -- Sunday, 11 January 2004, at 11:57 p.m.

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