What's this 'confident grab' all about? Take it slow.

Lift the hide slow. Let it chill out. Give the snek a gently poke/tap or 2. Let it chill out. Poke it again. Let it chill out. Slowly pick it up with your hand and arm at the snakes eye level.

If it still doesn't like it, start from scratch put in a lot of time just getting it comfortable seeing you.