Very little information was found online for me when I tried to conquer that odd, nagging habit. Nail picking, unlike biting, was a habit that I have had since childhood. While it is usually grouped with people who tend to bite their nails, I have never had that urge yet found little resources to help myself. These steps will help guide you through things that really worked, and are on a budget to boot!

1. Step 1

   

   POW! Red nails are fierce, drawing attention and energy to a dull nail bed.

   Slather on nail polish, we need to get you turned off of the picking! While this may not be an option for some, it can be very helpful to get rid of the “nail” feel when tempted to pick. If you are not able to know how this may help, the polish creates a plastic hard like appearance, giving a similar sensation to acrylic nails. Try and do clear strengthening products, or polish that will blend easily into your natural color to elongate the nail. Bold fun colors, however may make you less likely to pick as the pretty color will then be blotchy.

2. Step 2

   

   Hammer is a tool, not your nails!

   Say this (or mentally think this) “Nails are decorations, not tools.” This helped me catch myself before, during, or after the act. When I thought about the nail differently, such as a beautiful canvas or art, I would not want to pick. I understand the urge may still exist, but now the logic behind it is more than, “I should not do that, it is not healthy.” Being the realist art lover I am, even people who do not think that way can embody this in some form. Just remember, nails are not tools. That means do not use them for opening things, scraping residue, etc. This will break down the nail further, and encourage that “nail sensation” related to picking.

3. Step 3

   

   Nail clippers kill the dragon before it can breath fire!

   Clip your hangnails and apply Vitamin E Oil. Anytime there is a reason to pick, I still want too. A hangnail is just that moment when all of your hard work growing things out can reverse this. Carry a pair of nail clippers on your self at all times, getting them out whenever your nails are not smooth. Try and keep them well groomed and maintained. If you are able too, manicures and pedicures may help you as well but can be costly. Also, buy Vitamin E Oil and apply as often as you can. This will help strengthen your nails. Make sure your diet also includes nail strengthening elements, like Omega 3 and Fish Oils.

4. Step 4

   

   Keep them warm and growing inside any pair you have.

   Gloves. Mittens. Socks. In whatever setting possible, just get your hands covered up. This can not always happen, and some people may live in places are never really needed (That is you Hawaii!). If however you do, it is another way to desperate your nails from themselves.

5. Step 5

   

   Eco friendly and distracting? Certainly.

   Play with a toy. At times, whether it be when watching a movie or listening to someone, this fidgeting behavior may occur. I recommend a small toy of some kind that you may play. Remember the rubix cube? This is a great way to keep your hands busy. If it needs to be something pocket sized, go to your local toy store and shop. Even if it is as simple as a button that pushes, keeping yourself distracted and your hands busy is key.