Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Treatment for child trichotillomania is most effective when tackled early with the right strategies. Trichotillomania, or hair-pulling disorder, is when a child feels a strong urge to pull out their own hair, often from the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. It’s a type of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviour (BFRB) that can be triggered by stress, boredom, or even sensory satisfaction. Some kids find it soothing, while others feel frustrated that they can’t stop. It’s not just a phase—without support, it can become a long-term challenge.
If hair-pulling is affecting your child’s well-being, professional support can help them manage the behaviour.
Frequent hair-pulling – Often from the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes, sometimes without realising it
Bald patches or thinning hair – May try to hide with hairstyles, hats, or scarves
Inability to stop pulling – Even when they want to, they struggle to control the urge
Pulling in response to emotions – Stress, boredom, anxiety, or even relaxation can trigger it
Rituals around pulling – Some children examine, roll, or chew the pulled hairs
Distress or frustration – They may feel upset about hair loss but still find pulling soothing
Approximately 1% of the population, equating to around 231,300
individuals, are affected by TTM
TTM often begins during puberty
and can persist for an average
of 20 years
International studies suggest that TTM commonly starts between
ages 10 and 13
Some children with TTM also engage in nail-biting or skin-picking, both classified as body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs)
Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) is a condition where children and teenagers feel a strong urge to pull out their hair, often without realising they’re doing it. It’s classified as a body-focused repetitive behaviour (BFRB) and can be linked to feelings of anxiety, boredom, or even a sense of relief after pulling. Research suggests it’s more common than people think, but many children and families don’t seek help because they feel embarrassed or don’t realise it’s a recognised condition.
Experts believe a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors contribute to trichotillomania. There’s evidence suggesting genetics and brain chemistry play a role, particularly in how the brain regulates urges and compulsions. It’s also often seen alongside anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and other BFRBs like skin picking.
The research is clear: therapy is the gold standard when it comes to treating trichotillomania in children and teenagers. The most well-supported approach is Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT), which helps kids become more aware of their pulling and teaches them alternative behaviours. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT for Children), can also be effective, particularly when anxiety or emotional regulation is a factor.
When it comes to medication, the evidence is far more limited in children than in adults. Certain nutritional supplements that influence brain chemistry have shown some promise in reducing hair-pulling, though research results are mixed — they seem to help some children but not others. That said, it has very few side effects, so it’s sometimes considered when therapy alone isn’t enough.
Some medications have been studied in adults, but research in children suggests they’re not particularly effective and often come with side effects that make them less ideal. A few newer treatments have shown early promise in small studies, but more research is needed before they become standard options.
For children and teens with trichotillomania, therapy should always be the first step. Medications might be considered in cases where therapy isn’t working on its own, but they don’t yet have strong research backing in younger age groups. There’s still a big need for further studies, particularly on how different treatments work together and what’s most effective in the long run.
For now, the best approach is early intervention, therapy tailored to the child, and plenty of support from parents and professionals. Trichotillomania can be challenging, but with the right strategies, kids can learn to manage it effectively.
*Source: Trichotillomania Treatment in Children and Adolescents – University of North Dakota UND Scholarly Commons
Spot the Urge – Help kids notice when and why they pull. Keeping a simple diary or using a notes app can reveal patterns
Competing Response – Swap pulling for a different action like clenching fists, pressing palms together, or using a fidget toy
Create a Barrier – Wearing gloves, tying hair back, or using a hat can make pulling harder
Reduce Stress – Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness apps, or activities like yoga and swimming can help
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our psychologists are highly qualified, holding Master’s or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We provide treatment for child trichotillomania using Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT for Children). We also offer treatment for adult trichotillomania—click here to learn more about our approach.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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