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hair twirling
The psychological condition of trichotillomania is defined by an individual having an uncontrollable urge to pull out their hair in response to unwanted emotions. The term “trichotillomania” refers specifically to the final event of the removal of body hair. There is a sequence of behaviors and experiences that lead up to the actual hair pulling.
The Role of Hair Twirling in Trichotillomania
When an individual feels the urge to pull out their hair, they do not immediately pull out a strand of hair. There are various forms of behavior that lead up to the actual act of pulling hair. It is common for trichotillomania sufferers to play with their hair for a while before pulling it out. They like to feel the texture of their hair, and will often twirl their hair between their fingers for a long period of time before they actually pull it out. This hair twirling provides a sensation that the trichotillomania sufferer finds very pleasurable. This twirling will also begin to ease some of the unwanted emotions that the individual is feeling and acts as a self-soothing mechanism. Many neurotypical individuals love to have their hair played with, and find the sensation very relaxing. An individual who suffers from Trichotillomania is no different. They just take the hair twirling one step further.
The Steps of Hair Twirling and Hair Pulling
Once an individual with trichotillomania has the urge to pull out the strand of hair, it is nearly impossible to resist. The individual will seek a greater sensation than the hair twirling can provide and will correspondingly pull out the stand of hair. When the hair is actually pulled, a greater sensory experience is achieved, which is pleasurable to individuals with trichotillomania. This sensation is very soothing and calming, but is very short. The individual will begin to play with another piece of hair, and will start the cycle all over again to seek the calming sensation that pulling hair provides.