Hair-twisting can become a compulsion known as trichotillomania, and it’s important to take steps to stop it. One way is to make a note of each time you do it to pinpoint the root cause. Other methods include occupying your fingers with something else or seeking therapy if it becomes a compulsion.
Rolling your hair is a bad habit that can become a compulsion; when it becomes excessive or involves hair pulling, it is known as trichotillomania. It is important to take steps to stop hair twisting, both to end the bad habit and to prevent it from becoming a compulsion. One of the best ways to break this habit is to make a note of each time you do it, to see if you can pinpoint the root cause. For example, many people roll their hair when they are bored or stressed.
To keep your hair from tangling, try to make a note of the times you do it for at least a day. If you find it hard to notice, ask family members or friends to tell you if they see you curling your hair. Some people find it helpful to write down instances where they twirl their hair; this can help a pattern emerge, which can then help you stop.
Another way to prevent your hair from getting tangled is to try to remove the temptation by pulling your hair back into a bun or cutting your hair away from your face. However, some people find that they will take a small piece out of it and swirl it anyway. In this case, another way to break this habit is to hold a small rubber band or rubber band around your wrist, snap it, and say “Stop!” to yourself every time you start twirling your hair. This can serve as a reminder that you’re trying to break the habit, and you may begin to associate the pain from snapping the elastic with twirling your hair.
You could also try to occupy your fingers with something else, such as twirling a pencil. However, this can turn into another bad habit, so if you determine that your hair curling habit is caused by boredom, try to find something to occupy your mind. Read a book, take a walk outside, play a video game or exercise, for example; all of this can help relieve boredom. Additionally, all of these activities can help relieve stress; often, bad habits like hair twirling are caused by stress.
If hair-twisting becomes a compulsion or is impossible to stop, you may need to visit a therapist. A therapist may provide other techniques to help you stop hair twisting, or a doctor may be able to prescribe anti-anxiety medications. It’s important to break this bad habit as soon as possible, as it can lead to hair loss and breakage, as well as making you look immature and unruly.
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