3 Care Questions When Hair Pulling Is Hard to Stop

If you have started arranging your hair around a patch you do not want anyone to notice, asking for help may feel exposed. You can begin with one sentence: “I am pulling my hair and finding it hard to stop.” You do not need a polished explanation.

Three care questions

1. What should the assessment cover? Tell the clinician where you pull, when you notice it and how it affects you. The NHS¹ describes examining the area and checking for causes such as a skin infection.¹

2. Can I access habit reversal training? This form of cognitive behavioral therapy can involve tracking pulling, identifying triggers and practicing a different action when the urge appears. Ask about a referral and the appointment format.¹

3. How can someone support me? Habit reversal can include support from loved ones.¹ Agree on what you would welcome, such as help arranging an appointment. You can also say that comments about your hair or repeated checking feel uncomfortable.

Mention hair eating directly

Tell the clinician if you eat the hair you pull. Swallowed hair can form a hairball and cause serious illness.¹ It is a relevant health detail, even if saying it feels embarrassing.

Before the visit, write down the questions you might otherwise avoid. Ask who to contact while you wait for care and what the next appointment will cover. Keep those details somewhere you can find them.

Hair, Everywhere includes a Hair Log and visit script cards. Use them to organize observations and questions; discuss the care plan with the professional assessing you. See the book.