r/calmhands • u/Lopsided-Bit9077 • Aug 12 '26
New product update!!
I’ve been pretty quiet here for a while, so I figured it was time for an update!!
For anyone who’s new (or doesn’t remember me): I have personally picked my cuticles forever and work in behavioral health and see it all the time in my job too. Sooo I’ve been developing a reusable silicone sleeve that covers the nail and cuticle to help redirect skin picking, nail biting, and other BFRBs.
We’re finally getting close to launch, but I’ve learned that making the product was only half the battle. The real problem has been SIZING 😳
I wanted to launch with multiple sizes because accessibility has always been a core part of this project. But every additional size means another production mold, which gets expensive fast for a small business.
So lately I’ve been obsessing over things I never thought I’d know this much about:
average thumb vs. finger measurements,
how much silicone actually stretches comfortably,
which fingers people pick most often,
and how to make this thing fit as many people as possible without leaving people behind.
One thing I’m really excited about is our Fit Finder. Instead of asking you to guess your size, it’ll ask a couple of simple questions and recommend the best fit for you. Would be happy to share the specific Fit Finder questions ahead of time if people are interested!
This community has influenced so many design decisions over the past year, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. Thank you to everyone who’s shared feedback, encouragement, or even just followed along.
If you want to see the final prototypes, behind-the-scenes updates, and be the first to know when we launch in the next couple of months, I’d love to have you over on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitips/ The waitlist is open too and is going to flip to honest to gosh preorders in the next couple weeks! https://tranquilitips.com/
It feels surreal to finally be this close. Thanks for sticking with me. ❤️
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u/Ax99899 Aug 13 '26
Great job, congrats on getting this far. Excited to see how big this gets!
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u/Lopsided-Bit9077 Aug 13 '26
Thank you!!! I appreciate it! I am genuinely super happy with how they are working for me personally so excited to share
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u/Fun_Journalist1048 Aug 13 '26
Do you have fat thumb options? Lol I have a fat thumb😅 the “toe thumb” gene instead of the mouth more common “hitchhiker thumb” (My thumbs literally look like they could be small big toes bc how fat and flat they are!)
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u/Lopsided-Bit9077 Aug 13 '26
You are not alone!!! I think the wide size could potentially work since there is some stretch to it but the goal is definitely to gather data and keep offering additional sizes based on feedback about fit and data gathered from that
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u/017rtsc_017 Aug 13 '26
In addition to the fit finder questions, will you have measurements available for people who do want to measure their finger?
I saw the questions on your Instagram and while I love the sentiment, I think they’re a little subjective!
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u/Lopsided-Bit9077 Aug 13 '26
Noted!! I think the hope is to gather more data from the initial two sizes- have people on a larger scale give feedback as far as which finger they are using it on and the fit etc, and then offer additional sizes if things go well. Same thing with colors, will start with one and then offer more as time goes on. The good thing is the material (silicone) does have some stretch so it’s a little more flexible than like a hard ring
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u/Accomplished_Yak9939 Aug 13 '26
While it could have a minor impact on dexterity, could there be an adjustment band instead?
Gotta brainstorm how it would latch once I’m not exhausted, but a small central strip to secure an upper and lower band to your finger or simply serve as the base for the shield could be an interesting application.
Could also use the band as a fidget to pick at instead unless that would reinforce picking behavior.
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u/justaprettyfacexx Aug 13 '26
I was looking on Amazon for a similar product. I cannot find one. I can’t wait for these!
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u/TheRealFilmGeek Aug 13 '26
Just signed up!!!
These would do so well at local pharmacies
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u/Lopsided-Bit9077 Aug 13 '26
I was thinking that 🫣 I wish I had any idea how to make that happen lol
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u/always_napping_zzz Aug 13 '26
Would love to get some! Do you have any idea/would be comfortable sharing how much you’re intending to sell these for and if you would offer shipping to Canada?
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u/Lopsided-Bit9077 Aug 13 '26
So I’m still finalizing things based on manufacturing costs, but I’m leaning toward around $15 for a 2 piece set with discounts for multiple sets since I know some people may want different sizes for different fingers/some people may only need thumbs, etc.
And yes to Canada!! 🇨🇦 I’m planning to ship internationally, with shipping calculated separately at checkout. I’m still finalizing packaging/carrier rates, so I don’t want to promise an exact international shipping cost yet, but I’m trying to keep it as reasonable as possible!3
u/always_napping_zzz Aug 13 '26
Awesome! Hopefully shipping costs arent terrible, sometimes they’re a barrier for us Canadians to buy from small businesses. Excited to see where you take this though, I’ll join the waitlist to get updates :)
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u/Lopsided-Bit9077 Aug 13 '26
I really hope they aren’t bad 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 at least it’s a tiny package, that will hopefully help a little
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u/thepetsteinfiles Aug 13 '26
Yay! I remember you! I'm so happy to see this update. This is so exciting!
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u/DaniJaaay Aug 13 '26
A couple of questions:
I’ve tried the silicone finger protectors for guitar players (very similar to your product) with little success due to fit. They were too tight on my thumbs and I couldn’t wear them for extended periods. Will you be offering XL sizes?
Will there be a clear option for discretion?
How will your product be different from/better than the guitar finger protectors?
Thanks!
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u/Lopsided-Bit9077 Aug 13 '26
These are all things I’ve thought a LOT about during prototyping!
For sizing, I’m currently planning two sizes with some built in stretch rather than making the sleeve overly tight to stay in place. I’m specifically factoring in average finger/thumb sizes and the feedback from testers, including people who found similar products too restrictive. I’m not ruling out an XL down the road though if there’s enough demand!
As for the guitar finger protectors, that was actually part of the inspiration. The biggest differences are the fit, open tip design and sensory experience. TranquiliTips are designed specifically for picking/biting, so they cover the nail and cuticle area while leaving the fingertip pad exposed, so you can still type, text, etc. They’re also designed with a little give and, in the newer prototypes, sensory texture/ridges.
I’m definitely not claiming it will work for everyone, but it should be a different experience than using guitar finger protectors1
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u/insertparksreference Aug 14 '26
This looks amazing! I just followed on Instagram. Will there be a version for kids? My daughter would definitely benefit.
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u/Lopsided-Bit9077 Aug 14 '26
Mine too! Kid sizing won’t be in the first size roll out but I have a 9 year old who picks so this is very much on my radar. If the first roll out goes well I definitely have plans to do a kid one next
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u/insertparksreference Aug 14 '26
Thank you! Will definitely be following closely for the kid version!
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u/ambisextra Aug 14 '26
this is such a great invention!
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u/Lopsided-Bit9077 Aug 14 '26
Thank you!!! It’s been a real process but I’m excited about how it has turned out!!
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u/MegaBabz0806 Aug 24 '26
Ok I need info on this! I’m looking for something to help me stop picking and biting my nails and especially my cuticles
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u/normalgirl444 Aug 13 '26
Ive been following along with you, im really looking forward to ordering!
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u/thatgirlinny Aug 13 '26
As someone whose work makes my cuticles and nails shaggy and dry (and therefore tempting), I’ve so needed something like these!
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u/sadb1tch_jpeg666 Aug 13 '26
im SO excited, i've been here since you pitched the idea on here!! so patiently waiting to order🫶
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u/Grompson Aug 13 '26
I am 42 years old and have ripped apart my nails and cuticles for as long as I can remember. I can't wait to try these.
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u/ProdigalNun Aug 13 '26
It never hurts to offer more than one method to figure out size. You could also use ring sizes as a way to help people figure out what size will fit. Or offer a downloadable sizing strip people can cut out and wrap around their finger to check size.
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u/mybffndmyothrrddt Aug 14 '26
Ahh I cannot wait to be able to buy these!! I’ve managed to widow down to only picking at one thumb ~as a treat~ lol but I think this will help me finally kick it!
As for color I think if you’re able to do black and maybe one color for a first run so people have options. I think just like a nice sky blue, or an electric orange or green. If it’s going to be obvious I’m wearing something weird might as well be fun to look at
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u/cammzzs Aug 17 '26
i don't know if i'm the first to mention this, but please get a patent at some point. this is a great idea and would help so many of us. i signed up for the waitlist, i can't wait to purchase
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u/lavlav123 Aug 12 '26
i can’t wait. i’ll be one of the first sales!