Slowing down and limiting the number of tasks you try to simultaneously perform will help you improve your awareness. Tell yourself things like, “Okay now, remember I am wide awake and paying attention and I’m not going to play with my hair. ”
Don’t leave anything up to guess work. You know what you want, and if you don’t know how to get it, you can and will figure it out.
Although you should rely upon a professional to render an official diagnosis, you can evaluate your behaviors and decide the level of care and action you would like to take. There may be instances when others may disagree with you and want you to take stronger action. On one end of the scale, you find mild cases that resolve on their own or require simple strategies to stop the habit. On the other end of the scale are conditions such as trichotillomania, a disorder that involves repeatedly pulling your hair out from your head, eyebrows or eyelashes. This extreme condition can leave a person with bald spots and skin irritations that interfere with daily life. This would affirm that you have an addiction and definitely need help to control or eliminate the behavior. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Extreme hair playing is oftentimes associated with other disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depression and anxiety. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source It may be necessary to seek treatment for these other conditions, which may result in solving your hair playing addiction.
Introspection is the process of directly attempting to access your own internal processes. [6] X Research source When you figure out how and why you react the way you do to people and things around you, you will solve many personal struggles. Only you can do the work that it takes to find the answers to these questions. Analysis can be difficult, but it can put you on a clear path toward change. Getting the help you need is a brave and courageous thing to do. It will contribute to your desire to live a full and happy life. With the right tools, you can make that happen.
If you make it successfully through a particular event that would normally cause you to play with your hair, congratulate yourself. Even the smallest change is important to recognize.
Some activities, thoughts and feelings may increase your urge to play with your hair. If you catch yourself immediately say, “Stop," then find a substitute activity. For example, if you are talking to someone and you start to play with your hair, grab a pen to hold, or even sit on your hands. [8] X Research source Observe the number of times you need to distract yourself from playing with your hair. This will help you understand the severity of your habit. You will likely notice a high frequency in the beginning stages; but that leaves a lot of room for celebrating your improvements.
Not only will you stop playing with your hair, but you could have a lot of fun too. Find new and exciting things to do that you’ve never done before. Be adventurous. You may discover a new and rewarding interest. Worry stones may help you dispel the nervous energy that is causing you to play with your hair. These are smooth stones that are made for you to play with and rub. They have also been successfully used to help smokers deal with fidgeting as they quit smoking. [9] X Research source You can find them online or in some health or new age stores.
Try meditation or yoga, which will help you focus on your breath and will teach you to be calm. [10] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Find other soothing behaviors that will help you manage your anxiety. Simply talking to yourself (out loud or silently) in a positive way will help. Tell yourself, “I’m safe and I am taking care of myself and everything is going to be okay, and I don’t need to play with my hair. ”[11] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source A sure cure for boredom is to get busy doing the things you need to do. Make a list and check off each item as you complete it.
A ponytail or bun will work well. Keeping it off your shoulders and away from swinging in your face will remove the temptation to play. Hair stylists can help you find a style that will keep temptation to a minimum. [12] X Research source In particular, keeping the hair off your face, out of reach, or styled using a lot of hair product will prevent unwanted hair playing. The desire to keep your hairstyle looking its best can be enough to stop you.
There are charitable organizations that use donated hair to make wigs for cancer patients who have lost hair due to chemotherapy. You can donate your hair to this type of program, which will help others and help you as well. [13] X Research source
If the “new you” wants to stop playing with their hair, pick a new hair color and create a new picture for the world to see. It could be quite a cathartic experience. [14] X Research source
