Chronic hair pulling is a behavior that requires professional help
For some, “pulling my hair out” isn’t just an expression — it’s a legit concern. Compulsive hair pulling is a type of body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) that affects 1 to 2% of Americans, mostly women. The uncontrollable urge to pull hair can result in bald spots on the scalp, eyebrows and lashes.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Experts don’t know what causes the intense desire to pull hair, but there may be a genetic link. Thankfully, recovery is possible. Preventive medicine physician and wellness expert Sandra Darling, DO, offers some insight.
A: People who compulsively pull their hair often feel shame and embarrassment yet continue pulling anyway because the behavior:
People with a hair-pulling disorder (also known as trichotillomania) may have triggers, like boredom or fatigue. Emotional triggers include feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed.
A: People who chronically pull their hair become very good at hiding the behavior if they feel weird or abnormal about it. They may feel like they’re the only person who has this urge, which could lead them to experience emotions such as:
In some cases, the impact of hair pulling goes beyond cosmetic and psychological damage. Some people eat their pulled hairs. The hair can get matted in the digestive tract and create a hairball, which can be life-threatening if it causes a blockage. Surgery may be necessary to remove it.
Advertisement
A: Some people can completely stop hair pulling behavior. For others, trichotillomania is a lifelong disorder that ebbs and flows with life’s events and stressors. Well-meaning friends and family members should avoid telling their loved ones to stop pulling — trichotillomania is a disorder that requires professional help.
If you're caught up in pulling, you can learn to control the urge through a combination of treatments, such as:
A: To hide the condition, many people use hair extensions called crown toppers. They may also use false eyelashes or eyebrow pencils to disguise areas of hair loss. Hats and headscarves are typical as well.
But while you may want to hide the effects, don’t hide the disorder. Be open and honest. Confide in a friend or loved one so you can start on the path to recovery. And you can find inspiration from those who have publicized their struggles with hair pulling, like Megan Fox and JessiKate Riley (Miss Utah 2017).
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
You may notice itching, redness and swelling after wearing or using laundered items
Soften your skin with warm water and shaving cream before shaving with the grain of the hair
This herbal medicine is said to reduce stress, ease pain and promote overall well-being, but more research is needed
These intrusive thoughts are common and fleeting, and aren’t often a cause for concern, unless you have other mental health symptoms
You can address negative thinking by reframing the situation, asking for help when you’re stuck and giving yourself some grace
The power of positive thinking can influence your physical, mental and emotional health
Age is the most likely reason for typical graying, but premature graying may be caused by stress, diet, smoking or autoimmune disease
BPD is associated with more frequent mood swings and difficult relationships, while bipolar disorder has more persistent, long-lasting depressive and manic episodes
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods