Hair twirling, often seen as a habitual behavior, refers to the repetitive twisting or twirling of one’s hair strands with fingers. Stopping hair twirling habit is necessary because it leads to hair pulling, a psychological disorder.
Hair twirling is a seemingly harmless habit that often sneaks into our daily routines. Whether as a comforting gesture during stressful moments or as a habit, the urge to twirl our hair can be quite compelling.
Do you know? Twirling your hair might signal stress! Have you caught yourself doing it during work or relaxation?
This guide will delve into hair-twirling psychology: causes and how to stop hair twirling habit?
Table of Contents
What is Hair Twirling?
Twirling hair means playing with or twisting strands of hair using fingers. It is also known as hair playing or hair twisting and refers to a common behavior where individuals twist strands of their hair.
Hair twirling is a form of behavior referred to as “fidgets.” This action can manifest as a soothing or comforting behavior and is often done absentmindedly, sometimes as a habit during periods of stress.
Difference between Hair Twirling and Hair Pulling
Hair twirling is often confused with Hair Pulling, also known as trichotillomania, a psychological disorder characterized as a noticeable loss of hair caused by repeated hair pulling.
According to trichologist Stephanie Sey, trichotillomania—a disorder in which people pull hair out of their brows, eyelids, scalp, and other regions—is entirely different from hair twirling, though the two co-exist.
“Some people may twirl and play with their hair before selecting a hair to pull out,” says Stephanie.
While both involve hair manipulation, the hair-twisting habit usually doesn’t result in hair loss or distress. In contrast, trichotillomania is considered a more severe condition that can cause significant impairment and distress.
Causes of Repetitive Hair Twirling
Before going to stop hair twirling habit, you need to understand some causes of it.
1. Causes of hair twirling in adults
Several factors contribute to hair twirling in adults, including:
I. Psychological Factor
Psychological factors are among the primary reasons behind hair twirling habit. This behavior often serves as a self-soothing or coping mechanism in response to various emotional states.
Just like nail biting habit, individuals may twirl their hair when experiencing stress, anxiety, or boredom to comfort themselves or relieve tension.
II. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
A symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may occasionally be seen in hair twisting. To lessen anxiety or stop perceived harm, people with OCD frequently have intrusive thoughts (also known as obsessions) that trigger recurrent behaviors (also known as compulsions).
Hair twirling, in this context, might be a compulsive action driven by obsessive or intrusive thoughts.
III. Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB)
Research from the National Library of Medicine indicates that impatience, boredom, discomfort, and frustration may be linked to this behavior.
Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB) is a group of behaviors involving self-grooming or manipulating one’s body in response to emotions, tension, or stress.
BFRBs, including hair twirling, often provide relief or gratification when performed.
2. Causes of Hair Twirling in Children
To stop hair twirling in children, knowing the various causes of playing with hair is mandatory, which often differs from those in adults.
I. Exploratory Behavior
Hair twirling is common in infants and toddlers, who explore their bodies and discover different textures. It might be a way for them to learn about their hair, its feel, and its movement.
II. Self-Soothing Mechanism
Many children twirl their hair as a form of self-soothing. This behavior can provide comfort and security, like thumb-sucking or cuddling a blanket, especially when they feel anxious, tired, or need reassurance.
III. Imitation or Observation
Children often mimic behaviors they observe in adults or peers. If they see someone close to them twirling their hair as a habit, they might imitate this behavior out of curiosity or as a way to feel connected.
5 Tips to Stop Hair Twirling
Let’s discover five effective tips to say goodbye to hair twirling.
1. Find a Replacement Behavior
Embracing a new habit to replace hair twirling is a game-changer. Finding a replacement behavior isn’t just about substituting; it’s about discovering a unique and intriguing sensation that becomes your go-to stress-relief mechanism.
Here are some behaviors and activities to keep your hands occupied and divert attention from hair twirling:
- Fidget toys, including fidget spinners and fidget cubes, can give your child the relief and diversion they need without damaging their hair.
- Practice crafting or DIY (do-it-yourself) project
- Drawing or sketching
- Playing with clay or Playdough
- Play Musical instrument
- Writing or puzzle-solving
- Tap finger
- Fold the paper into shapes.
2. Use Physical Barriers
Who said fashion and stopping bad habits can’t go hand in hand? Experiments with hairstyles stop hair twirling and make you feel empowered and stylish.
Turning physical barriers into a fashion statement can boost confidence while gently nudging away the hair-twisting habit. Some of the physical barriers are
- Wrap your hair with scarves or hair wraps.
- Using hairnets or caps can encase your hair, preventing easy access for twirling.
- Wear hats and headbands to cover your hair and create a physical barrier.
- Wearing gloves or finger sleeves can physically restrict access to your hair.
- Trying hairstyles and giving your child a short haircut might be the best way to treat the issue if hair twirling has caused damage to their hair.
Choose the physical barrier that suits your preferences and lifestyle to prevent hair twirling effectively.
3. Get Social support
Stopping hair twirling becomes more accessible and enjoyable when shared with friends or family. Turn this into a journey of shared experiences and mutual encouragement.
Here are some tactics of social support you can seek from friends and family to help stop hair twirling:
- Understanding and Encouragement
Seek understanding from your friends and family about the condition and how they can help you. Their encouragement can keep you motivated.
- Accountable partner
Ask a close friend or family member to be your accountability partner. They can gently remind you or offer support when they notice you engaging in hair twirling.
- Distraction Techniques
Friends and family can engage you in conversations, activities, or hobbies that divert your attention away from hair twirling.
- Reward System
Reward yourself for good habits or achieving milestones to stop hair twirling.
Engaging in enjoyable activities distracts from hair twirling, strengthens bonds, and fills life with moments of joy that overshadow the habit.
4. Habit Reversal Training
It involves identifying triggers and replacing unwanted behavior with a more desirable one through conscious effort and practice.
Habit Reversal Training (HRT) involves three steps
- Awareness helps in recognizing triggers that prompt hair twirling.
- The competing response involves substituting hair twirling with a different behavior that impedes the habit.
- Motivation keeps you committed to breaking the habit by setting goals and rewarding progress.
By implementing these Habit Reversal Training (HRT) steps, individuals can gradually reduce and eventually stop playing with hair by substituting the behavior with the alternative.
5. Mindfulness and Meditation
Make mindfulness a daily adventure of self-discovery. Explore meditation techniques or mindfulness practices that reduce hair twirling by increasing awareness of the habit and managing impulses.
I. Mindful Breathing
Notice the sensation of each inhale and exhale. It helps redirect attention away from hair twirling towards the present moment, cultivating greater self-awareness.
II. Visualize Letting go of Tension
Sit or lie comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Visualize the tension associated with the urge to twirl your hair as a physical sensation or an image. Picture yourself consciously letting go of this tension.
III. Body Scan Meditation
It helps in recognizing physical sensations associated with hair twirling, promoting non-reactivity and acceptance of these sensations.
IV. Mindful Activity
Engaging in activities mindfully helps in grounding yourself in the present moment, reducing impulsivity and habitual behaviors like hair twirling.
Regular mindfulness and meditation practice enhances self-awareness, empowering control over impulses and fostering a centered, attentive mindset, gradually diminishing hair-twirling habits.
How did I stop the Hair-Twirling Habit?
Anxiety was the trigger for my hair-twirling journey, and it all began during my preparations for the 1st-year exams back in 2017. As a dedicated student, I diligently studied, but the nervousness about exams made me anxious.
Hair twirling became an involuntary reflex, sneaking into my routine without conscious awareness. It was always the left side of my head near the ear where I found myself twirling strands, unknowingly forming knots that I eventually had to cut out. Days passed, and the habit escalated – from mere twirling to hair-pulling.
- Understanding how critical it is to stop this habit, I implemented various strategies.
- I began wearing a cap while studying.
- I started holding a pen in my left hand, restricting its access to my hair.
- Moreover, I enlisted my mom as an accountability partner. Her gentle reminders acted as a beacon, steering me away from the unconscious act of twirling.
- I practiced mindfulness and meditation. I closed my eyes, took deep breaths, and imagined letting go of all the tension. I pictured it leaving my body like a soft stream of light, making me feel lighter and more relaxed.
Through consistent practice of these techniques, I eventually triumphed over my hair-twisting habit. It was a journey of self-awareness, self-discipline, and learning to manage stress. Looking back, I’m grateful for the strategies that empowered me to break free from this habit and regain control over my actions and reactions.
Conclusion
Stopping hair twirling habit isn’t just about stopping a behavior; it’s an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Embracing replacement behaviors, using physical barriers creatively, seeking social support, engaging in habit reversal training, and exploring mindfulness techniques all contribute to a holistic approach to bidding farewell to hair twirling.
With dedication, patience, and creativity, you can embark on this journey to conquer the urge to twirl your hair and discover a newfound sense of control and well-being.
