If you’re wondering how to stop hair pulling, the most widely recommended treatment for trichotillomania is Habit Reversal Training (HRT), a structured form of behavioural therapy.
According to the NHS, habit reversal training helps people:
- Identify situations, emotions, or triggers that lead to hair pulling
- Recognise the urge to pull before it happens automatically
- Replace hair pulling with a competing response, such as clenching fists, holding an object, or using a fidget tool
- Build awareness and control over the behaviour over time
Because trichotillomania often becomes an automatic habit, increasing awareness is a key part of recovery.
Is Habit Reversal Training Effective?
Research suggests that Habit Reversal Training is one of the most effective psychological treatments for trichotillomania. By interrupting the cycle of urge → pulling → relief, people can gradually reduce the frequency and intensity of hair-pulling episodes.
Many therapists combine HRT with other approaches that address stress, anxiety, self-esteem, and emotional triggers.
Can Hypnotherapy Help With Trichotillomania?
Hypnotherapy for trichotillomania is not currently recommended by the NHS as a standalone treatment. However, many people use hypnotherapy alongside evidence-based approaches such as Habit Reversal Training to support change.
Although research is still developing, hypnotherapy may help by:
- Increasing awareness of automatic hair-pulling behaviours
- Reducing stress and anxiety that trigger urges to pull
- Strengthening motivation to stick with new coping strategies
- Mentally rehearsing replacement behaviours until they become more natural
- Reducing feelings of shame, guilt, or frustration associated with hair pulling
Many clients report that learning relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques helps them feel calmer and more in control of the urge to pull their hair.
At London Hypnotics, sessions are supportive, practical, and non-judgemental. Clients also receive personalised hypnosis recordings to reinforce progress between sessions.
When Should You Seek Help for Hair Pulling?
You should consider speaking with your GP or a qualified mental health professional if:
- Hair pulling is causing noticeable hair loss or bald patches
- You are damaging your skin or scalp
- The behaviour feels difficult to control
- Hair pulling is affecting your confidence, relationships, or work
- You are experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, or low mood alongside the pulling
Your GP can discuss treatment options and, where appropriate, refer you for psychological support.
Key Takeaways
- Trichotillomania, also known as hair pulling disorder, affects many people and is often hidden from others.
- Hair pulling usually provides temporary relief from tension, making it highly habit-forming.
- Habit Reversal Training (HRT) is one of the main evidence-based treatments.
- Hypnotherapy may help support awareness, stress reduction, and habit change when used alongside established treatments.
- Seeking help early can reduce distress and prevent the behaviour from becoming more entrenched.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trichotillomania
Can Trichotillomania Go Away on Its Own?
For some people, hair pulling may reduce during less stressful periods. However, trichotillomania often becomes a long-term habit because pulling provides temporary relief from tension or uncomfortable feelings. Without treatment or support, many people find the behaviour continues or returns during times of stress.
What Is the Best Treatment for Trichotillomania?
The treatment most commonly recommended by the NHS is Habit Reversal Training (HRT), a behavioural therapy that helps you recognise hair-pulling triggers and replace pulling with a competing behaviour. Depending on your situation, therapy may also address anxiety, stress, self-esteem, or emotional factors that contribute to the habit.
Does Hypnotherapy Work for Hair Pulling?
Research on hypnotherapy for trichotillomania is still limited, so it is not usually considered a first-line treatment. However, many people find it helpful as a complementary approach alongside Habit Reversal Training or counselling. Hypnotherapy may help increase awareness of automatic pulling, reduce stress, and strengthen new habits and coping strategies.
Is Trichotillomania Caused by Anxiety?
Not always. Trichotillomania can occur with or without anxiety. However, many people notice that stress, anxiety, boredom, frustration, or difficult emotions increase the urge to pull. Hair pulling often becomes a way of coping with these feelings, even when the person wishes to stop.
Is Trichotillomania an OCD Disorder?
Trichotillomania is classified as a Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviour (BFRB) and is grouped with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. While it shares some features with OCD, such as repetitive behaviours that are difficult to control, hair pulling is usually driven by urges, tension, or habit rather than intrusive obsessive thoughts.
How Long Does It Take to Stop Pulling Your Hair?
There is no set timeline. Some people notice improvements within a few weeks of learning Habit Reversal Training, while others require several months of consistent practice. Recovery is often gradual, with progress measured by fewer pulling episodes, greater awareness of triggers, and improved control over urges.
What Triggers Hair Pulling?
Common trichotillomania triggers include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Boredom or inactivity
- Tiredness
- Reading, studying, or watching television
- Working at a computer
- Looking in a mirror
- Feeling certain textures or searching for “imperfect” hairs
Triggers vary from person to person, which is why identifying your own patterns is an important part of treatment.
Can Adults Develop Trichotillomania?
Yes. Although trichotillomania often begins during childhood or adolescence, some people develop hair-pulling behaviours in adulthood, particularly during stressful life events, periods of anxiety, or significant life changes.
When Should I Seek Professional Help for Hair Pulling?
It is worth seeking professional support if:
- You have noticeable hair loss or bald patches
- Pulling is affecting your confidence or relationships
- You feel unable to stop despite repeated attempts
- You experience anxiety, depression, or distress alongside the behaviour
- The habit is taking up significant time each day
Early intervention can make the behaviour easier to change before it becomes more deeply ingrained.
Looking for Help With Trichotillomania in London?
If hair pulling is affecting your wellbeing, support is available.
I’m Antonios, a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychologist, and I help clients with trichotillomania and other anxiety-related habits both online and in person near Angel, Islington, London.
Learn more about hypnotherapy for trichotillomania or book a free consultation for a relaxed 15-minute conversation with no pressure or obligation.
