How do you stop a bad habit?

Question

I have the tendency to pull out my hair. In fact, it's so bad that I have a bald spot... How do I stop???

I have the tendency to pull out my hair. In fact, it's so bad that I have a bald spot... How do I stop??? AND PLEASE REFRAIN FROM BEING CONDESCENDING (THERE IS NO NEED FOR THAT).

Note: I only meant to add the CAPSed part in the last addition to the details...

Answer 1

I've been doing that for over 25 years and just recently stopped. I noticed that my favorite "pulling spots" were no longer having any hair grow back in. Before, at least I always had some form of "stubble" from new hair at various stages of growth, and my hair was always so thick no one ever noticed. Now, after years of pulling (when stressed, when nervous, just absentmindedly while watching TV, etc.) one hair out at a time from my head as a compulsion, I have hair that is a lot thinner - permanently. Thank God I had a lot to begin with. I wish I could tell you some miracle cure, but I can't (although I was told therapy helps because hair pulling is an actual medical condition and a type of OCD - I don't know though as I didn't go to any type of therapy). You simply have to stop. It's going to be hard as hell, but you just have to control the impulse to do it by finding something else to do with your hands when you're feeling that compulsion to pull. Unfortunately, my "something else" was to smoke more cigarettes - I don't recommend that, it's just something ELSE I'll have to quit after I get over this. If you don't stop, you will permanently damage the individual hair roots to the point where they won't be able to produce hair anymore AT ALL! When I'd see older women with balding heads, I'd wonder if they had been hair pullers and if that's how I was going to look someday if I did't quit, and that was a major incentive to me. Good luck to you - take care.

Answer 2

Ok i have the habbit of biting my nails, But any bad habit can be cured by these simple things, always keep yourself busy with anything, When you can't find anything to do and you start pulling your hair, think " This could make me bald." or call people, you might still be bored and can't find anything to do... Then just keep your hands super busy and away from your hair, plus just think of the problems the this could all cause to your hair and this could really hurt your head. If nothing works call a doctor and see her and ask "What can I do to keep myself from pulling my hair?" Just remember everyone has a bad habit and you NEED to stop it and stop it before it gets terrible like yours. You do not want that bald spot.

- I really hope that your habbit goes away, stay busy and keep thinking that you can stop this habbit.
P.S if it gets so bad in 6 months or so, there is one thing left, Shaving your head. You don't wanna do that. So please get better!!

Answer 3

Oh sweetie it sounds like an underlying emotional fixation and you need to talk to someone. My friend used to do that and it turned out, for her, it was a childhood trauma she was having nightmares about but then not remembering during the day. I don't wanna say what happened to her but it was pretty bad. It's something festering in your subconscious and you need real help. I'm not calling you crazy, I would never do that, I'm just saying it's not a "habit" per say, it's a psycological disorder, something in you crying for help, so go get it. Y.A. can't help you with this one. Good Luck. In the meantime, try wearing a beanie at night with your hair tucked into it, or a tight shower cap so that you can't get to it.

Answer 4

I have always heard that cracking your knuckles might cause problems with arthritis at some later time in your life. Knowing how painful that would be I stopped cracking mine. Any habit is formed in a few days, it takes 30 days to stop one. When you catch yourself doing it, pinch yourself really hard. Soon your brain will not want to experience the pain associated with cracking your knuckles.

Answer 5

Well I would say just try to stop by when you are about to pull it out think again about how bad it makes your hair look! Also try getting a cute hair cut so then you might not want to pull out hair cause your hair looks so cute! I hope this helps. Good luck! :)

Answer 6

Try to watch if something sets this habit off? What ever it is, try to avoid the situation or pick something to occupy your hands when you feel the urge.
If there is nothing that starts it, try maybe wearing your hair up or maybe styling it, some don't play with their hair as much when they do.

Answer 7

Pick up a healthy habit that occupies your hands... like knitting. If this doesn't help see a psychiatrist, because this is a psychological disorder, Trichottillomania, and there are medicinal therapies that are quite beneficial.

God Bless.

Answer 8

believe it or not, pulling your hair is actually a disorder. I have seen a show about it on true life. i guess you might want to see a doctor if you can't handle it on your own. I would try maybe wearing a hat, but i really don't know.

Answer 9

Tie it really high so your fingers can't reach it, or cut it really short so you can't pull it.
But consult the doctor, because from what you said, your hair is thinning and becoming weak enough to pull off

Answer 10

Well try a new habit, like my grandfather always fiddled with his hands(so he wouldn't smoke), try writing everytime you decide to do that, and say I will not pull my hair out!, in other words, do something that will occupy your hands.