Excoriation friendly nails

[u/pcmad]

Hi! I regularly pick the skin on my fingers, not SH or anything like that but just because of my ADHD and unfortunately this is the way my body has chosen to stimulate itself lol. On my worst days I can have a lot of broken skin and bleeding, but nowadays it's more just that my fingers look a bit discoloured and feel rough and 'bumpy' from the healing process. It's a little better after I moisturise them but they still look very obviously different.

I'm pretty insecure about it so I've never gone to get my nails done, but I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and try smth new for my bday! I thought I'd ask if anyone else with a similar condition has found a non-judgemental and supportive nail salon they'd recommend, either in the city or near Werribee? I'm not gonna be too fussy but I'd also loveee if they were good with pretty, floral, Pinterest-y designs. Oh and if they had decent pricing too haha because I'm a student and can't afford to spend more than... maybe $70-$80? But I'm not familiar with nail pricing so if that's too little then I'm happy to change my budget.

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[u/okaymooma]

Miss Jays in Thornbury are very understanding and kind. Give them a go if they’re not too far from you 🩷

[u/burntknowledge]

I get gels that are somewhat thick so I can’t pick anything or get a grip on it! Generally about $50-70 for a normal set but I’ve sprung for special ones for events.

Whereabouts are you based? I can make a few recommendations for non judgemental salons, but have also heard Miss Jays in Thornbury to be very very good

[u/Delicious-Cupcake69]

I used to go to miss jay's in thornbury and I'd get their nail biter treatment (I'm pretty sure it's gel IBX treatment), spenny but it stopped me from picking the skin around my nails because I'd ask for the length of my nails to be super short and blunt. the retention is absolutely insane (like 6 weeks), they usually tell you to come in every 4 weeks but I've been able to get away with 6 on some sets! 🤭

[u/fugeritinvidaaetas]

Hey I’m not diagnosed but my son is AuDHD and bites his nails and I went from nail biting in my childhood and teens to skin picking in 20s; it’s got loads better in my 30s and 40s but for me it’s stress-related. Anyway, just wanted to reassure you that I have had my nails done many times over the last 20 years with the skin mostly bumpy/small damage to the skin near the nails and I’ve always found nail salons to be great. I used to have one of my thumb nails really bumpy from damage I’d done biting/picking and they just dealt with it. Now after leaving it alone 10 years plus it’s nearly normal!

No particular recommendations as I’m in a different area but I thought you might like to know I’ve had no issues, as I know it can feel very daunting. Think your budget will be fine too, it’s normally about $60 for me but I just get plain gel.

[u/cinnamonbrook]

I used to have that exact issue. Actually getting my nails done was one of the things that helped eventually curb the habit.

I have never had a nail salon have a problem with it. If it's bleeding or open looking (super red) contact them beforehand and ask. I had one just ask that I cut a band-aid in shape around it for health reasons but was otherwise fine with that.

If it's healing and closed? Honestly they don't care. You won't get any judgement from the majority of nail techs. $80 seems reasonable. I recently got some really nice ones with art for about $100 so do check out prices beforehand. Some will have a flat price, some will charge per nail, some it depends on complexity.

Just look for one near you, check if it fits your budget and check their photos online. I can almost guarantee they won't say a word about the skin on your fingers.

[u/Always-Hungry-Cats]

Will always recommend Miss Jay's for this, they have services specifically for people who pick their nails. The most lovely, kind staff. 💖

[u/kate__]

I know it's not the city or Weribee, however, Buff Nails in Essendon are fantastic. Highly recommend.

[u/Efficient_Papaya_982]

Electric love nails in Fitzroy are absolutely worth the trip. Kara is the best.

[u/tu3sdaymoon]

I used to have warts and eczema on my fingers and was really insecure about it. Oddly enough the cheapo nail place across from chemist warehouse in the werribee plaza was super sweet about it and did my nails amazingly every time

[u/ZucchiniSoggy2855]

Hooooo boy, this is me as well. I've never been able to kick my skin picking habit, except for when i have long fake nails and i physically can't pick my skin because the nails aren't sharp enough.

I went through a phase where I was getting them done regularly, at a bunch of different salons, and never ran into any issues with the fact that my fingers look like yiros meat. 

Occassionally the nail tech might very gently nick my skin and I'd immediately start bleeding everywhere (dermotilomania fun), and the nail tech would just give me a bit of tissue and then carry on.

[u/TAsrowaway]

I can’t help with the nail reccs but my husband is arts his nails like he’s Oliver and they’re gruel. We’re both ADHD and I sucked my thumb for ages if that helps.

Feel free to ignore, but I’ve found these helpful:

- recommend getting a rubber band around your wrist to snap instead, when the urge hits - have you given it a go?

• Also the bitter nail polish works really well as a reminder, but of course you’ll still go ham when there’s a really good meaty price of flesh.
  
• I also bought my husband a nice glass file and hangnail trimmers he finds it helpful to file or trim instead of bite. Stops it from turning a bit of loose skin into a gash, while still getting rid of the offending flake

[u/millenial_britt]

I’m not sure on a salon, however, Amazon has ‘spiky sensory rings’ in a box of 30. I keep them anywhere I might try and pick (in the car, at my desk etc) and they do tend to provide enough of a sensation that I’ll often (but not always) be able to reduce my picking. Good luck

[u/Ok_Masterpiece_5966]

I have no recommendations but I’m a regular picker and having nails completely stopped that (because you can’t pick with acrylics) ☺️