Hand washing and dry hands

[Logdy]

I’ve been washing my hands so much I can’t seem to hold the pick as well as I used to... I have to slather on hand lotion and wait an hour to play.. Anyone have any alternatives?

[Vancebo]

My only alternative is don’t wash your hands but that’s not a good idea either is it. I actually have been experiencing the same thing now you mention it.

[Rosewood99]

Just don't touch your face and wash after you are done playing.

[bufflehead]

Charmed Life nt-1.15. It has the holes drilled in it that increase grip. Or try one of the sculpted Primetone picks.

Whatever you do, keep washing those hands.

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by paulzoom

Just don't touch your face and wash after you are done playing.

This advice about not touching your face is all well add good but not if you have a silly moustache!

[Deliberate1]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

This advice about not touching your face is all well add good but not if you have a silly moustache!

I must, say, my friend, you strike a dashing pose.
David

[wrbriggs]

Using lotion to keep your hands from turning into sandpaper is great - but I had a doctor once tell me that your skin needs to be hydrated from without and within. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids (HYDRATING fluids - i.e., you can't survive on coffee and beer - believe me, I tried) - it helps your organs, your skin (which I guess is an organ, technically), and it helps your overall immune system and health.

[Logdy]

Originally Posted by wrbriggs

Using lotion to keep your hands from turning into sandpaper is great - but I had a doctor once tell me that your skin needs to be hydrated from without and within. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids (HYDRATING fluids - i.e., you can't survive on coffee and beer - believe me, I tried) - it helps your organs, your skin (which I guess is an organ, technically), and it helps your overall immune system and health.

Yup.. I’ve always drunk tons of water.. seems like I have worn a path on the tile to the bathroom..

[jrb715]

I have the same issue--in fact my hands get pretty dry normally. I've punched a hole in two of the picks I use with a three hole punch. It's a pretty good, if not perfect, solution.

[KarenB]

These days with all the handwashing, I sleep in short cotton gloves. Maybe you can still get them on Amazon. Before I go to bed I put heavy lotion on my hands, lip balm around my nails, and an oil on my nails. Then I put on the gloves and go to sleep. There have been threads on this forum asking what people use for very dry hands. Lots of good answers. Link here: https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...y+winter+hands

[archerscreek]

I have dry skin. I have to use Eucerin creme on them after each wash or they crack. I had a bag of rosin from when I rode bulls. The tiniest amount of rosin is all I need to get a good grip on a pick. If that doesn’t work then something called Gorilla Snot definitely makes it stick. I can flick my fingers with my hand open and the pick stays on. I love it because it means my hand can be super relaxed when playing.

[Pinetreebob]

I have discovered that Udderly Smooth hand cream works real well for me. Originally made for dairy farmers to use on their cows but it was discovered by farmers that it works well on dry chapped hands. Rub it in and it disappears nicely, without feeling greasy afterwards. I've seen no change in the finish on my guitars but test that out for yourself!
I am also a proponent of Dava picks. I use the Rock Control Delrin picks. I used to drop my picks a lot, I'd be strumming and it would just fly out of my fingers. Since I switched to Dava picks, I just about never drop my pick or lose control of it, no matter how dry my hands are.
https://www.davapick.com/
https://www.davapick.com/picks/rock_control

[Silly Moustache]

I've always had dry hands - not problematic, just not sweaty, or whatever. Since my cancer treatment in 2017, I have little/no saliva so I have to drink all the time, water, orange mixed with water, and thank goodness, tea!

I was warned that I might never enjoy beer or wine again, but I can enjoy the odd glass, but too much dries my throat. The hospital gave me great big dispensers of moisturising cream, which I now have to use daily in my face, neck, arms and legs - boring! but I can't stand it on my hands so wash it off.

I mainly use Blue chips, but I cut cross hatching on them with a Stanley knife to give a "tad" more grip.

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by Logdy

I’ve been washing my hands so much....

Are you getting all of the (potential) virus off your hands? This very short video shows how to make sure....

[PapaC]

Originally Posted by archerscreek

I had a bag of rosin from when I rode bulls.