Why Is Your Toddler Pulling Their Hair? Read To Know About Trichotillomania

Worried about your child’s habit of constantly tugging at their hair and don’t know how to make them stop? We’ve got you. 

Hair pulling, also known as trichotillomania, is an impulse control disorder, characterised by an uncontrollable and repetitive urge to pull one’s hair. In the long run, this behaviour can cause permanent damage and hence should be addressed at the earliest. 

Some children suffering from it might do it without consciousness awareness, not realising the amount of hair they have pulled. This is most likely to happen when they are distracted, for instance when they are watching television. Others might be doing it consciously as it gives them some sort of pleasure or makes them feel good. The former is known as automatic trichotillomania, whereas the latter is known as focused trichotillomania. It is interesting to note that children suffering from the condition not only pull out hair from their heads but also their eyelashes, arms, and legs. 

Other Reasons Why Children Pull Their Hair

Even the idea of pulling one’s hair seems very uncomfortable so why is your child doing it? Trichotillomania is one of the reasons. Here are a few more: 

1. Experimenting - Children are curious beings and they love experimenting, especially to see how others react to it. If they see you reacting to them pulling their hair, they might want to do it again to see a similar reaction. It is not something to worry about. 

2. They find it relaxing - No matter how unbelievable it may sound, it is true. Children may pull their hair to relieve stress or to soothe themselves. They can do it when they are anxious and stressed, or even without any reason. 

3. Throwing tantrums - Some children may be pulling their hair out of frustration or when they are having an emotional outburst. There may be other signs like crying, screaming, and yelling as well. 

4. Exploring - As children grow, they become more and more aware of their body and as such start exploring their body parts, which include their nose, ears, toes, and even their hair. So, if you see your child trying to pull their hair, it could be because they are exploring to learn more about their body.

5. Out of habit - Children may pull their hair simply because they develop a habit. Yes, it is possible. There is no underlying reason or trigger. They are just doing it because they feel good and nothing else. 

Signs That Suggest Your Child Has Trichotillomania?

Here are a few signs that may suggest your child has trichotillomania. These are:

• Hair loss on only one side or in specific areas 

• Holding their hands close to their head at all times

• Unexplained thinning and loss of hair

• Excessive hair in the areas where the child sleeps or plays

When Should Parents Intervene?   

Hair pulling is not always a cause of concern, however, in some cases, it might become necessary to intervene. It is important to consult a specialist if 

• Your child is aggressively pulling their hair or making their scalp bleed.

• Your child has started developing bald patches. 

• Your child has started pulling hair from sensitive areas such as eyelashes and eyebrows.

• Your child has colic (although there is no direct link, some children with the condition may pull their hair to soothe the pain) 

How Can You Make Your Child Stop Pulling Their Hair?

Here are a few things that you can do to help your child overcome the problem. 

1. Make them learn about other ways to soothe themselves. Give them a toy, their favourite blanket, or even a pillow. Pacifiers are also a great option for smaller children. Apart from all these, you can also try calming techniques such as singing lullabies or gently swaddling them in your arms. 

2. To effectively manage hair-pulling, it's crucial to identify and address any underlying triggers. If you suspect an underlying cause, consult a healthcare professional for guidance. By understanding and addressing these triggers, you can help your child reduce the frequency and intensity of hair-pulling. 

3. Try to divert your child’s attention whenever you notice them reaching out for their hair. Don’t be stern, rather do it by engaging them in other fun activities like singing lullabies, reading stories, simply talking to them, or playing games like peekaboo. You can also use terms or phrases to make them stop such as Nah and No.

4. Raise awareness by talking to your child. Let them know that they need to inform you or any other elder around them if they feel like pulling their hair. They should feel that they are doing something that is not right. You can also try praising them for controlling the urge to pull their hair. 

5. Take your child for therapy if nothing else seems to work. With proper medical intervention and personalised therapies, it will be easier to help your child overcome the urge. Doctors recommend techniques like taping your child’s fingers, using mittens, behavioural therapy, and cognitive therapy. 

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