I have had this habit for over 10 years now (I'm 25). I twist my hair so tight that it gets in a knot or I rip it out. And I do it A LOT! The bad thing is that 90% of the time I don't even realize that I'm doing it until someone tells me or I get a cramp in my neck. I even do it in my sleep! I even have a little bit of a bald spot on the underside of my hairline. This action looks like, please forgive the bluntness, but that I'm retarded. I know that it is a nervous habit, but unless I'm subconciously nervous that doesn't make sence. I have tried a few things to stop. As weird as it sounds I've even tied my hand to my side at night, but woke up untied. I did have a major head injury when I was 7 in the exact same spot that I twist. I have only heard that people with head injuries sometimes do things like that later in life. It's like the body never dealt with the trauma when it happened, and it's trying to now. Is there any truth to that? And, is hypnosis worth trying? HELP!
2007-02-13 17:20:53 · 12 answers · asked by indigonipple 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
You have an form of OCD...It is Impulse Control Disorder. It falls in the same catagory as Hair pulling. There are behavoiral therapy and medications that can help. Put Trichotillomania under search and you can read all about it... Good Luck
2007-02-14 03:27:27 · answer #1 · answered by hefnergang 4 · 1⤊ 5⤋
If you are not willing to cut your hair or shave your head, then consider changing the way you wear your hair. Pig-tails or a single braid in the back will make it harder for you to twist your hair.
When sleeping or out in public (where appropriate) wear a hat which covers as much of your hair as possible (you might even tuck your hair up). Some people have reported that a scarf works wonders, but you may need to experiment on how to tie it (other than under the chin, you don't need to wake up choking).
You might try wearing mittens to bed. This seems to work for thumb suckers, but if you cannot feel your hair, you might not twist it. Adhesive bandages on the tips of the twisting fingers (or thumb) might also help.
The best thing you can do is if you have made up you mind to learn NOT to twist your hair then catch yourself as early as possible to stop the activity. Also find something else for your hands to do (no, do not take up smoking just to keep your hands busy). As an example: keep a small pad and pencil for doodling.
When with friends, tell them to let you know about this habit that you are trying to break. This will help greatly.
The last resort would be to join a self help therapy group.
2007-02-13 17:48:16 · answer #2 · answered by Richard 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Hair Twirling Habit
2016-12-10 15:06:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well... short of shaving all of your hair off
You may want to consider cutting your hair shorter... it would make it more obvious to yourself when you are twisting your hair, and make you less likely to do it.
2nd suggestion, start wearing a rubber band around your wrist, and every time you catch yourself twisting your hair, snap yourself (gently). Seriously, this is a good way to break a habit, because the slight discomfort of the snap makes you think twice... good luck!
2007-02-13 17:28:05 · answer #4 · answered by alphanum3ric 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe talk to a therapist. It is odd that a habit like this would form so late in life and be so intense. There may be some underlying issue that is causing you to do this.
You could also try hypnosis.
2007-02-13 17:27:33 · answer #5 · answered by heidi v 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try wearing your hair pulled back or braid it. Sounds like a nervious condition so maybe find something else to keep your hands busy with. Hope that helps : )
2007-02-13 17:27:04 · answer #6 · answered by littlejo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you have hun is a minor obsessive compulsive disorder or OPD. Talk to your regular doctor about this, he or she can help. It can be fixed. You are NOT retarded. Trust me and be honest with your physician. The worry is MUCH worse than the cure.
Good Luck, and I bet in six months, if you do this, you will stop.
2007-02-13 17:34:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Apply an adverse stimulus to deter you from doing it.
I.e. everytime you twist your hair, you fine yourself $5.
2007-02-13 17:28:38 · answer #8 · answered by Young,risky,& looking 4 returns 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try redirecting the impulse. littlejo's "something else to keep your hands busy" idea sounds promising. How about a long string of beads, or maybe one of those scarves made of separate strands of smooth yarn?
2014-10-18 10:14:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Klonopine to relax you a bit. Or the Sinead O'Connor look might work.
2007-02-13 17:40:25 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋