Hands Off is a desktop app that uses real-time AI webcam monitoring to detect and interrupt nail biting, skin picking, and other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) instantly.
What is Hands Off?
Hands Off is a desktop application for macOS and Windows that uses your computer's webcam to detect unconscious habits like nail biting, skin picking, eyebrow/eyelash pulling, ear picking, and nose picking. When it detects the behavior, it immediately displays a full-screen alert to interrupt the habit. All processing happens locally on your device — no webcam data ever leaves your computer. The app was created by Lennert Soffers, a former chronic nail biter who built it as a personal solution after struggling for over 20 years.
Key Features
- Real-time AI detection — Uses your webcam to monitor hand movements and detect when they approach your face to bite, pick, or pull. Interrupts instantly with a full-screen alert.
- Local privacy — All processing runs on your device; no webcam data ever leaves your computer. Fully GDPR compliant with no data collection or analytics.
- Supports five BFRBs — Customizable detection for nail biting, skin picking, eyebrow/eyelash pulling, ear picking, and nose picking.
- Statistics tracker — Shows your progress over time to help you stay motivated.
- Cross-platform — Available for Mac and Windows. Download from the official site or GitHub releases.
Who is it for?
- Chronic nail biters who have tried bitter polish, fidget toys, or habit trackers without success and need automatic detection when the habit occurs unconsciously.
- Skin pickers who want real-time intervention to break the cycle of picking, especially during stress or focus.
- Anyone with BFRBs such as eyebrow/eyelash pulling or nose picking who wants a private, AI-powered tool to help them notice the habit as it happens.
What can you do with Hands Off?
- Stop nail biting before it happens — The app detects when your hands move toward your mouth and interrupts immediately, retraining your brain over time to recognize the unconscious urge.
- Track your progress — Use the built-in statistics tracker to see how many interruptions you've avoided and monitor your improvement over days and weeks.
- Customize detection for different habits — Adjust settings for each of the five supported BFRBs, so the app responds only to the behaviors you want to stop.
How does Hands Off work?
Hands Off runs in the background using your webcam to continuously monitor your hand movements. When the AI detects that your hands are moving toward your face in a way that matches a nail biting, picking, or pulling motion, it triggers a full-screen alert that interrupts the behavior instantly. The app learns your specific patterns over time, and consistent alerts help retrain your brain to notice the habit before you start.
Pricing
Hands Off offers a 3-day free trial, then costs €2.99 per month. Cancel anytime.
FAQ
Is Hands Off safe and private?
Yes. All webcam analysis happens locally on your computer. No video recordings are kept, no personal data is collected or shared, and the app is fully GDPR compliant. Read more about privacy.
What BFRBs does Hands Off support?
Hands Off supports nail biting, skin picking, eyebrow/eyelash pulling, ear picking, and nose picking. You can customize detection for each habit separately.
Who created Hands Off?
The app was created by Lennert Soffers, a former chronic nail biter who built it as a personal tool after struggling for over 20 years. Learn more about him.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes. The subscription is €2.99 per month and can be canceled at any time. The first 3 days are free.
