Hair Pulling Brisbane

Reduce Automatic Pulling, Urges, Scanning and Damage to Your Hair

Hair pulling can happen so automatically that you may not notice it until several hairs have already been removed.

You may pull while watching television, working, studying, driving, reading, lying in bed, feeling anxious or trying to concentrate. Sometimes you may search for a particular texture, thickness or “wrong” hair before pulling it out.

The behaviour may create temporary relief, satisfaction or a sense of completion. Afterwards, you may feel frustrated, ashamed or worried about thinning, broken hairs or visible patches.

Clive Westwood provides personalised hypnotherapy for hair pulling in Brisbane. Sessions can focus on reducing automatic pulling, searching, sensory urges, anxiety, boredom, perfectionism and the cycle of pulling, relief and regret.

Appointments are available in person at Clive’s Boondall hypnotherapy clinic on Brisbane’s northside and online throughout Australia.

What Is Hair Pulling?

Hair pulling is a repetitive behaviour involving pulling, plucking, twisting, breaking or removing hair.

Persistent and difficult-to-control hair pulling is commonly known as trichotillomania.

You may pull hair from:

• The scalp

• Eyebrows

• Eyelashes

• Beard

• Moustache

• Arms

• Legs

• Chest

• Pubic area

• Other parts of the body

Some people pull from one specific area.

Others move between several areas.

Signs Hair Pulling May Be Affecting You

You may:

• Pull without noticing

• Search for certain hairs

• Feel for rough or wiry strands

• Twist hair before pulling

• Pull while concentrating

• Pull during stress

• Pull during boredom

• Inspect the root

• Roll hair between your fingers

• Bite or chew the hair

• Create thinning areas

• Develop broken hairs

• Hide bald patches

• Avoid hairdressers

• Feel embarrassed

• Wear hats or use makeup

• Repeatedly try to stop

• Feel relief after pulling

• Regret it afterwards

• Lose track of time

Hair pulling can become a cycle involving urge, action, relief and shame.

Why Do People Pull Their Hair?

Hair pulling may be linked with:

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Boredom

• Concentration

• Sensory urges

• Perfectionism

• Restlessness

• Habit

• Emotional tension

• ADHD

• Autism

• OCD-related patterns

• Trauma

• Low mood

• Difficulty tolerating particular hair textures

• A need to make the hair feel even

There may be more than one contributing factor.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the behavioural and emotional patterns maintaining the habit.

The Hair-Pulling Cycle

A trigger occurs.

You may notice:

• Tension

• Boredom

• A rough hair

• An uneven strand

• A thick hair

• A short regrowth hair

• An itchy area

• A particular texture

• Mental overload

• Emotional discomfort

Your hand moves towards the hair.

You search.

The urge increases.

You pull.

The pulling may create:

• Temporary relief

• Sensory satisfaction

• A feeling of correction

• Reduced tension

• A sense of completion

Later, you may notice:

• Hair loss

• Broken hairs

• Soreness

• Shame

• Regret

• More uneven regrowth

• Another trigger

The cycle becomes:

Trigger → searching or touching → urge → pulling → temporary relief → damage or regret → new trigger

Hypnotherapy may help interrupt this sequence earlier.

Hair Pulling and Anxiety

Anxiety may increase:

• Restlessness

• Muscle tension

• Repetitive habits

• Hypervigilance

• Difficulty sitting still

• Scanning

• A need for relief

• Automatic hand movement

You may pull while worrying without fully noticing.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce anxiety-related urges and increase earlier awareness.

Hair Pulling and Stress

Stress may increase pulling during:

• Work pressure

• Financial problems

• Relationship conflict

• Family stress

• Exams

• Deadlines

• Health concerns

• Moving house

• Waiting

• Poor sleep

You may stop for a period and begin again during a stressful event.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the association between stress and pulling.

Hair Pulling and Boredom

You may pull while:

• Watching television

• Sitting in meetings

• Travelling

• Waiting

• Listening

• Reading

• Scrolling

• Resting

• Talking on the phone

• Doing repetitive tasks

The behaviour may provide stimulation.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the need to use hair pulling as something to do.

Hair Pulling and Concentration

You may pull while:

• Working

• Studying

• Gaming

• Reading

• Driving

• Writing

• Editing

• Solving problems

• Watching something closely

The habit may become linked with focus.

Hypnotherapy may help separate concentration from hand-to-hair movement.

Hair Pulling and Sensory Urges

You may feel drawn to hairs that feel:

• Coarse

• Wiry

• Thick

• Short

• Curled

• Different

• Rough

• Damaged

• Out of place

The urge may feel physical rather than emotional.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the automatic response to these sensory triggers.

Hair Pulling and Searching

You may spend time:

• Running fingers through hair

• Feeling individual strands

• Looking for texture

• Separating hairs

• Inspecting regrowth

• Searching for one that feels different

• Using mirrors

• Checking particular areas

Searching often increases the chance of pulling.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce automatic scanning and searching.

Hair Pulling and Perfectionism

You may feel that a particular hair must be removed because it feels wrong.

You may think:

• “This one does not belong.”

• “I need to get the right hair.”

• “I will stop after this one.”

• “It needs to feel even.”

• “That strand is too rough.”

• “I need to fix this area.”

One hair may lead to another.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the need to correct every perceived imperfection.

Hair Pulling and Relief

You may experience relief after pulling.

This relief may be brief but powerful enough to reinforce the behaviour.

The brain may learn:

Tension or discomfort → pull → relief

Hypnotherapy may help weaken this learned connection and strengthen safer alternatives.

Hair Pulling and Satisfaction

Some people experience satisfaction from:

• The sensation of pulling

• Finding a particular hair

• Feeling the root

• Examining the strand

• Creating smoothness

• Removing a rough texture

• Completing a search

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the reward attached to the behaviour.

Hair Pulling and Restlessness

You may struggle to keep your hands still.

You may also:

• Pick skin

• Bite nails

• Twist hair

• Rub the scalp

• Tap

• Fidget

• Bite lips

• Chew objects

Hypnotherapy may help reduce automatic restlessness and support alternative responses.

Hair Pulling and Overthinking

You may pull while replaying:

• Conversations

• Mistakes

• Future problems

• Work issues

• Relationship concerns

• Embarrassing memories

• Decisions

• What you should have said

The hands may become active while the mind remains trapped in thought.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce rumination and the pulling habit attached to it.

Hair Pulling and Frustration

Frustration may trigger pulling during:

• Technology problems

• Difficult tasks

• Traffic

• Parenting

• Waiting

• Work

• Conflict

• Repetition

• Feeling misunderstood

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the urge to release frustration through pulling.

Hair Pulling and Anger

You may pull when angry but unable to express it directly.

You may:

• Hold back words

• Avoid conflict

• Feel resentful

• Tighten the body

• Pull more forcefully

• Replay arguments

• Feel ashamed afterwards

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the automatic habit connected to suppressed anger.

Hair Pulling and Social Anxiety

You may pull before or during:

• Social events

• Meetings

• Dates

• Presentations

• Group conversations

• Phone calls

• Introductions

• Waiting to speak

You may then feel self-conscious about visible thinning or missing hair.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce both social anxiety and the pulling response.

Hair Pulling and Public Speaking

You may pull before:

• Presentations

• Speeches

• Interviews

• Meetings

• Oral exams

• Performances

• Networking events

The habit may become part of the anxiety cycle.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce anticipatory tension and hand-to-hair movement.

Hair Pulling and Exams

Students may pull while:

• Revising

• Waiting for an exam

• Reading questions

• Thinking

• Waiting for results

• Feeling time pressure

• Worrying about failure

Hypnotherapy may help reduce exam-related tension and automatic pulling.

Hair Pulling at Work

Work-related triggers may include:

• Deadlines

• Emails

• Difficult clients

• Meetings

• Waiting for responses

• Concentration

• Conflict

• Fear of mistakes

• Financial pressure

You may notice that pulling happens most often at a desk or during calls.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce workplace pulling and improve earlier awareness.

Hair Pulling While Driving

Driving may trigger hair pulling through:

• Traffic

• Waiting at lights

• Frustration

• Anxiety

• Long journeys

• Concentration

• Running late

Hypnotherapy may help reduce driving-related pulling while maintaining safe attention.

Hair Pulling While Watching Television

Television may become strongly associated with the habit.

Your hand may move automatically while your attention is elsewhere.

You may only notice after several hairs have been pulled.

Hypnotherapy may help break the connection between screen time and pulling.

Hair Pulling While Using a Phone

You may pull while:

• Scrolling

• Reading messages

• Waiting for replies

• Watching videos

• Reading comments

• Comparing yourself

• Feeling anxious

• Arguing online

Hypnotherapy may help reduce automatic pulling during phone use.

Hair Pulling While Gaming

Gaming may increase pulling through:

• Concentration

• Competition

• Frustration

• Waiting

• Adrenaline

• Long sessions

• Restlessness

Hypnotherapy may help reduce gaming-related pulling and improve awareness.

Hair Pulling Before Sleep

You may pull while:

• Lying in bed

• Watching videos

• Thinking

• Feeling restless

• Replaying the day

• Trying to sleep

• Feeling anxious about tomorrow

Hypnotherapy may help reduce pre-sleep tension and automatic searching.

Hair Pulling in Bed

Bed may become strongly associated with pulling.

You may:

• Search the scalp

• Pull eyebrows

• Twist hair

• Examine strands

• Lose track of time

• Delay sleep

Hypnotherapy may help weaken the connection between bedtime and hair pulling.

Hair Pulling During Sleep

True hair pulling during sleep is less common than waking behaviour.

If another person reports unusual sleep behaviour or you wake with unexplained hair loss or injury, discuss it with a healthcare professional.

Hypnotherapy may help with pre-sleep anxiety but should not replace assessment of unusual sleep behaviour.

Scalp Hair Pulling

Scalp pulling may lead to:

• Thinning

• Broken hairs

• Short regrowth

• Uneven areas

• Tenderness

• Scabbing

• Bald patches

• Visible texture changes

Hypnotherapy may help reduce touching, searching and pulling.

Significant scalp damage or hair loss should also be medically assessed.

Eyebrow Pulling

You may pull eyebrows because of:

• Texture

• Unevenness

• Stress

• Boredom

• Mirror checking

• Short regrowth hairs

• A need for symmetry

You may later use makeup to conceal the loss.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce searching and symmetry-related urges.

Eyelash Pulling

Eyelash pulling may involve:

• Feeling for specific lashes

• Pulling short regrowth

• Searching for thick hairs

• Rubbing the eyelids

• Using mirrors

• Pulling during stress or boredom

Repeated eyelash pulling may irritate the eyelids and increase infection risk.

Eye pain, redness, swelling, discharge or vision changes require medical assessment.

Beard Pulling

Beard pulling may happen while:

• Driving

• Reading

• Working

• Watching television

• Thinking

• Feeling anxious

• Feeling rough or uneven hairs

You may pull until areas become thin or sore.

Hypnotherapy may help separate concentration from beard pulling.

Moustache Pulling

You may search for hairs that feel:

• Coarse

• Sharp

• Uneven

• Curled

• Different

Hypnotherapy may help reduce automatic checking and pulling.

Body Hair Pulling

Some people pull hair from:

• Arms

• Legs

• Chest

• Abdomen

• Pubic area

• Other body regions

The behaviour may be hidden and difficult to discuss.

Hypnotherapy can be personalised around the specific pattern without judgement.

Hair Pulling and Skin Picking

Hair pulling may overlap with:

• Scalp picking

• Skin picking

• Cuticle picking

• Scab picking

• Nail biting

• Lip biting

• Cheek biting

These may be body-focused repetitive behaviours.

Hypnotherapy may support urge reduction, awareness and habit change.

Severe or persistent symptoms may also benefit from psychological treatment.

Hair Pulling and Nail Biting

You may move between:

• Pulling hair

• Biting nails

• Picking cuticles

• Picking skin

• Chewing hair

• Rubbing the scalp

Treating only one behaviour may cause another to become stronger.

Hypnotherapy sessions can focus on the broader repetitive habit pattern.

Hair Pulling and OCD

Hair pulling is not automatically OCD.

However, it may overlap with OCD when you experience:

• Intrusive thoughts

• Symmetry needs

• Repeated checking

• Compulsive correction

• A sense that something is incomplete

• Strong rituals

• Distress when resisting

• Contamination fears

Hypnotherapy may support anxiety reduction.

When OCD is present, evidence-based psychological treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention may also be important.

Hair Pulling and ADHD

ADHD may contribute through:

• Impulsivity

• Restlessness

• Understimulation

• Hyperfocus

• Difficulty noticing the behaviour

• Emotional dysregulation

• Sensory seeking

• Boredom

Hypnotherapy does not diagnose or replace ADHD treatment.

It may support awareness, urge control and habit change alongside appropriate care.

Hair Pulling and Autism

Autistic people may pull hair in relation to:

• Sensory regulation

• Stress

• Overload

• Repetition

• Texture

• Routine changes

• Anxiety

• Self-soothing

Hypnotherapy should be adapted respectfully.

The goal should be reducing pain, damage or distress rather than automatically removing harmless self-regulation.

Hair Pulling and Depression

Depression may contribute to:

• Reduced self-care

• Increased repetitive behaviour

• Low motivation

• Shame

• Social withdrawal

• Poor sleep

• Anxiety

• Loss of hope

Hypnotherapy may complement appropriate mental-health care.

Persistent depression or thoughts of self-harm require professional support.

Hair Pulling and Trauma

Trauma may contribute to:

• Hypervigilance

• Dissociation

• Anxiety

• Emotional tension

• Self-soothing habits

• Poor sleep

• Shame

• Repetitive body-focused behaviours

Hypnotherapy may help reduce associated pulling when appropriate.

Trauma-focused psychological care may also be needed.

Hair Pulling and Dissociation

Some people pull during periods of reduced awareness.

You may:

• Lose track of time

• Feel detached

• Pull automatically

• Notice hair loss later

• Feel as though you were not fully present

Persistent dissociation should be professionally assessed.

Hypnotherapy should be used carefully and appropriately.

Hair Pulling and Body Image

Hair loss or visible thinning may affect:

• Confidence

• Socialising

• Dating

• Work

• Photographs

• Hair styling

• Intimacy

• Self-esteem

You may become highly focused on hiding the damage.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the habit and shame connected to it.

Hair Pulling and Health Anxiety

You may worry that hair loss means:

• Permanent damage

• A serious illness

• Irreversible baldness

• Infection

• Scalp disease

• Loss of control

New or unexplained hair loss should be medically assessed.

After appropriate evaluation, hypnotherapy may help reduce excessive checking and catastrophic thinking.

Hair Pulling and Medication

Some medications may affect:

• Restlessness

• Impulsivity

• Anxiety

• Sleep

• Repetitive behaviour

Do not stop or change prescribed medication without speaking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Discuss new or worsening hair pulling after a medication change with the prescriber.

Hair Pulling and Stimulants

Stimulants may increase:

• Restlessness

• Hyperfocus

• Repetitive behaviour

• Anxiety

• Searching

• Sleep disruption

This may include prescribed medication, caffeine or other stimulants.

Medication concerns should be discussed with the prescriber.

Hair Pulling and Caffeine

Caffeine may increase:

• Restlessness

• Anxiety

• Tension

• Impulsivity

• Poor sleep

• Repetitive habits

You may notice more pulling after:

• Coffee

• Energy drinks

• Pre-workout products

• Strong tea

• Caffeine tablets

Hypnotherapy may support behaviour change and reduced reliance on stimulants.

Hair Pulling and Nicotine

Nicotine may become part of a broader self-regulation pattern.

You may alternate between:

• Smoking

• Vaping

• Hair pulling

• Nail biting

• Skin picking

• Lip biting

Hypnotherapy may support nicotine reduction or cessation where requested.

Hair Pulling and Alcohol

Alcohol may reduce awareness and impulse control.

You may pull more while drinking or afterwards.

Hypnotherapy may support habit change and stress reduction.

Problematic drinking requires appropriate medical or addiction support.

Hair Pulling and Cannabis

Cannabis may affect awareness, anxiety and repetitive habits differently between individuals.

You may notice increased automatic pulling or reduced awareness of damage.

Hypnotherapy may support behaviour change where cannabis use contributes to the pattern.

Hair Pulling and Hair Loss

Repeated pulling may contribute to:

• Thinning

• Broken hairs

• Uneven regrowth

• Bald patches

• Changes in texture

• Scalp irritation

• Scarring in severe cases

Hypnotherapy may help reduce further pulling.

A GP or dermatologist should assess significant, changing or unexplained hair loss.

Hair Pulling and Regrowth

Hair may regrow after pulling stops, but regrowth varies depending on:

• Duration

• Frequency

• Area

• Damage to follicles

• Scarring

• Other health factors

Hypnotherapy cannot guarantee regrowth.

It may help reduce continued pulling so the hair has a better opportunity to recover.

Hair Pulling and Broken Hairs

You may pull or break hairs without removing them from the root.

This may create:

• Short strands

• Uneven texture

• Frizz

• Roughness

• More searching

• Greater temptation to pull

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the urge to correct short or damaged hairs.

Hair Pulling and Scalp Soreness

Repeated pulling may cause:

• Tenderness

• Redness

• Burning

• Scabs

• Inflammation

• Sensitivity

Persistent scalp pain or damage should be medically assessed.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the behaviour but does not treat existing injury or infection.

Hair Pulling and Infection

Repeated pulling or scalp damage may increase infection risk.

Possible signs include:

• Increasing redness

• Warmth

• Swelling

• Pus

• Worsening pain

• Fever

• Crusting

• Spreading irritation

Seek prompt medical care for signs of infection.

Hypnotherapy cannot treat an existing infection.

Hair Pulling and Bleeding

Pulling may occasionally cause bleeding, especially when the skin is also picked.

Persistent bleeding, open wounds or significant damage require medical attention.

Hair Pulling and Scarring

Severe or prolonged pulling may contribute to scarring and more permanent hair loss in some cases.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce further pulling.

Existing scarring should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Hair Pulling and Shame

You may feel ashamed because others tell you to simply stop.

You may think:

• “Why can’t I control this?”

• “I have ruined my hair.”

• “People will notice.”

• “I have no willpower.”

• “I keep undoing the regrowth.”

Shame may increase stress and trigger more pulling.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce self-criticism while strengthening control.

Hiding Hair Loss

You may:

• Change hairstyles

• Wear hats

• Use hair fibres

• Use eyebrow makeup

• Wear false eyelashes

• Avoid windy weather

• Avoid swimming

• Cancel appointments

• Avoid close photographs

• Keep lights low

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the habit and the shame connected to it.

Hair Pulling Before Social Events

You may pull more before:

• Dates

• Weddings

• Work events

• Holidays

• Photographs

• Interviews

• Parties

• Presentations

Anxiety about appearance may increase the behaviour.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce event-related pressure and pulling.

Hair Pulling Before a Job Interview

Interview anxiety may trigger:

• Scalp pulling

• Eyebrow pulling

• Beard pulling

• Eyelash pulling

• Searching for rough hairs

• Mirror checking

Hypnotherapy may help reduce both interview nerves and pulling.

Hair Pulling in Relationships

Relationship stress may increase pulling through:

• Conflict

• Jealousy

• Waiting for replies

• Fear of rejection

• Reassurance seeking

• Anger

• Uncertainty

• Suppressed emotion

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the habit while relationship concerns may also require direct communication.

Hair Pulling and People Pleasing

You may pull when:

• You want to say no

• You feel unable to disagree

• You fear conflict

• You wait for approval

• You suppress frustration

• You feel responsible for others

Hypnotherapy may help reduce approval dependence and emotional tension.

Hair Pulling and Fear of Confrontation

You may pull before, during or after difficult conversations.

You may fear:

• Anger

• Rejection

• Authority

• Violence

• Saying the wrong thing

• Losing the relationship

Hypnotherapy may help reduce confrontation anxiety.

Genuine threats or abuse require practical safety support.

Hair Pulling in Children

Children may pull hair because of:

• Anxiety

• Boredom

• Sensory needs

• School stress

• Family changes

• Habit

• Bullying

• Sleep difficulties

• Emotional distress

Shaming or punishment may make the behaviour worse.

Hypnotherapy may be considered when age-appropriate and supported by a parent or guardian.

Medical and psychological assessment may also be appropriate.

Hair Pulling in Teenagers

Teenagers may pull in relation to:

• School

• Exams

• Social pressure

• Appearance

• Bullying

• Family conflict

• Social media

• Anxiety

• Perfectionism

Hypnotherapy may support habit change and emotional regulation with appropriate parental involvement.

Hair Pulling in Adults

Adults may feel embarrassed that the behaviour has continued for years.

You may have tried:

• Gloves

• Hats

• Haircuts

• Fidget tools

• Barriers

• Willpower

• Rewards

• Punishment

• Keeping hands busy

Hypnotherapy may help address the automatic, emotional and sensory parts of the pattern.

Hair Pulling During Pregnancy

Pregnancy may affect:

• Stress

• Sleep

• Anxiety

• Sensory sensitivity

• Habit frequency

• Hair changes

Hypnotherapy may support relaxation and habit reduction alongside appropriate maternity care.

Seek medical advice for significant hair loss, scalp damage or infection.

Hair Pulling After Having a Baby

New parents may pull more because of:

• Sleep deprivation

• Stress

• Worry

• Reduced self-care

• Emotional overload

• Routine disruption

• Time alone at night

Hypnotherapy may support habit reduction.

Postnatal anxiety or depression should also be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Hair Pulling During Menopause

Hormonal changes may affect:

• Hair texture

• Sleep

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Hair thinning

• Sensory sensitivity

Persistent hair loss should not automatically be assumed to be caused by pulling or hormones.

Medical assessment may be appropriate.

Hypnotherapy may support stress reduction and habit change.

Hair Pulling and Mirrors

Mirrors may trigger:

• Eyebrow pulling

• Eyelash pulling

• Hairline checking

• Searching for grey hairs

• Looking for uneven areas

• Inspecting regrowth

• Comparing sides

Hypnotherapy may help reduce mirror-related checking and pulling.

Hair Pulling and Grey Hairs

You may feel compelled to remove grey hairs.

One hair may lead to extended searching.

Repeated plucking may contribute to damage or thinning.

Hypnotherapy may help increase comfort with visible difference and reduce searching.

Hair Pulling and Split Ends

You may search for:

• Split ends

• Damaged strands

• Rough sections

• Uneven hairs

• Short regrowth

You may pull, break or split the hair further.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the urge to inspect and correct every strand.

Hair Pulling and Hair Texture

Changes in texture may become strong triggers.

You may search for hairs that are:

• Kinked

• Coarse

• Curly

• Short

• Thick

• Thin

• Damaged

Hypnotherapy may help reduce sensory fixation and increase tolerance of natural variation.

Hair Pulling and Tools

Some people use:

• Tweezers

• Mirrors

• Magnifying mirrors

• Combs

• Scissors

• Other tools

Using tools may increase damage and time spent pulling.

Reducing access to tools may be a useful practical step.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the urge to search and remove hairs.

Hair Pulling and Tweezers

Tweezers may become associated with:

• Eyebrows

• Eyelashes

• Facial hair

• Ingrown hairs

• Grey hairs

• Short regrowth

• Perfecting shape

You may begin with grooming and continue far beyond what you intended.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce tool-related rituals.

Hair Pulling and Hair Eating

Some people bite, chew or swallow pulled hair.

Swallowing hair can create serious medical complications, including blockage.

Seek medical advice if you swallow hair, experience abdominal pain, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, constipation, a mass, or other concerning symptoms.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the pulling and eating behaviour, but medical assessment remains important.

Hair Pulling and Hair Biting

You may:

• Bite the root

• Chew the strand

• Run hair across the lips

• Break it with the teeth

• Swallow part of it

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the full ritual rather than focusing only on pulling.

Hair Pulling and Fidget Tools

Fidget tools may provide an alternative for restless hands.

They may be useful during:

• Meetings

• Television

• Travel

• Study

• Phone calls

• Waiting

• Bedtime routines

Hypnotherapy may help strengthen the choice to use an alternative response.

Hair Pulling and Gloves

Gloves may provide a temporary barrier during specific trigger situations.

They may be useful while:

• Watching television

• Driving

• Studying

• Sleeping

• Working

Hypnotherapy may help reduce reliance on physical barriers over time.

Hair Pulling and Hairstyles

Certain hairstyles may reduce access for some people.

Examples may include:

• Tying hair back

• Braiding

• Covering specific areas

• Wearing a soft cap

These strategies may be useful temporarily.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce the underlying urge rather than relying only on restricted access.

Hair Pulling and Habit Awareness

Awareness may involve noticing:

• Where you are

• What you are feeling

• Which hand moves first

• Which area you search

• Whether boredom is involved

• Whether concentration is involved

• Whether a mirror is involved

• What happens immediately before pulling

Awareness should be practical rather than obsessive.

Hypnotherapy may help recognition occur earlier.

Automatic Hand-to-Hair Movement

The movement may happen before conscious thought.

Your hand may rise to:

• The scalp

• Eyebrows

• Eyelashes

• Beard

• Hairline

while your attention is elsewhere.

Hypnotherapy may help create an earlier pause between the urge and the action.

The Urge to Pull

The urge may feel:

• Physical

• Mental

• Sensory

• Emotional

• Sudden

• Persistent

• Difficult to ignore

• Like something is incomplete

Hypnotherapy may help you experience the urge without automatically acting on it.

Relapsing After Hair Regrowth

You may stop long enough for regrowth to appear and then pull again during a stressful period.

You may think:

• “I ruined everything.”

• “I am back at the beginning.”

• “There is no point trying.”

• “I will never stop.”

Hypnotherapy may help reduce all-or-nothing thinking and support returning quickly.

Pulling One Hair After Another

One pulled hair may lead you to search for another that feels similar.

This can turn one small action into a longer episode.

Hypnotherapy may help reduce continuation and searching.

Pulling Without Realising

You may become aware only after:

• Seeing hairs nearby

• Feeling soreness

• Someone points it out

• Noticing thinning

• Removing your hand

• Looking in a mirror

Hypnotherapy may help increase earlier awareness without creating constant monitoring.

How Hypnotherapy May Help With Hair Pulling

Hypnotherapy does not physically prevent your hands from moving.

Sessions may focus on helping you:

• Notice urges earlier

• Reduce automatic hand-to-hair movement

• Reduce anxiety-related pulling

• Separate concentration from pulling

• Reduce sensory searching

• Feel less driven by rough or different hairs

• Reduce perfectionistic correction

• Build alternative responses

• Increase awareness without obsessing

• Reduce shame and self-criticism

• Recover more quickly after lapses

• Strengthen motivation to protect regrowth

• Reduce mirror checking

• Feel more comfortable with natural hair variation

• Build a stronger sense of control

The aim is not to make you afraid of touching your hair.

The goal is to reduce damaging, automatic and compulsive pulling.

Why Choose Clive Westwood for Hair Pulling Hypnotherapy in Brisbane?

Helping Clients Since 2013

Clive Westwood has been helping clients through hypnotherapy since 2013.

His experience includes working with repetitive habits, anxiety, stress, perfectionism, nail biting, skin picking and behaviour change.

A Strong Focus on Automatic Habits

Hair pulling is not always solved by willpower alone.

Clive can help clients work on:

• Automatic movement

• Sensory searching

• Stress-related pulling

• Boredom

• Concentration habits

• Perfectionism

• Mirror triggers

• Relapse

• Low self-trust

You will not simply be told to keep your hands away from your hair.

Personal Understanding of Anxiety

Clive has spoken openly about his earlier experiences with severe anxiety and panic attacks.

This personal understanding may help clients feel less judged when anxiety, restlessness or overthinking contributes to the habit.

Personalised Hypnotherapy Sessions

Hair pulling affects people differently.

Your main triggers may involve:

• Stress

• Work

• Study

• Television

• Driving

• Bedtime

• Rough hairs

• Eyebrows

• Eyelashes

• Beard

• Mirrors

• Perfectionism

Clive adapts each session around your patterns, triggers and goals.

A Responsible Approach

Hair pulling may overlap with:

• Anxiety disorders

• OCD

• ADHD

• Autism

• Depression

• Trauma

• Dissociation

• Skin picking

• Hair eating

• Scalp damage

• Medication effects

Hypnotherapy should complement rather than replace medical, dermatological, psychological or psychiatric support where needed.

A Calm and Non-Judgemental Environment

Hair pulling is often automatic and difficult to discuss.

You do not need to feel embarrassed by how long it has continued or how visible the damage has become.

Clive provides a calm and private environment where you can discuss the behaviour without being shamed.

In-Person and Online Hypnotherapy

Face-to-face hair-pulling hypnotherapy is available at Clive’s Boondall clinic on Brisbane’s northside.

Online hypnotherapy appointments are also available throughout Australia and internationally.

What Happens During a Hair-Pulling Hypnotherapy Session?

Your appointment begins with a confidential conversation about where, when and how the pulling occurs.

Clive may ask:

• Which areas do you pull from?

• What usually triggers the behaviour?

• Do you search for certain textures?

• Do you notice the urge beforehand?

• Are stress or boredom involved?

• Do mirrors or tools trigger you?

• Do you also pick skin or bite nails?

• What usually causes relapse?

• Are anxiety, ADHD or OCD-related patterns involved?

• How would you prefer your hands and attention to respond?

Clive will explain the hypnotherapy process before hypnosis begins.

During hypnosis, you remain aware and responsive.

You do not lose control.

Your personalised session may include:

• Therapeutic suggestions

• Earlier awareness of the urge

• Reduced automatic hand movement

• Reduced sensory searching

• Calmer responses to stress

• Greater comfort with natural hair texture

• Reduced mirror checking

• Mental rehearsal of alternative actions

• Stronger motivation to protect regrowth

• Reduced shame

• Faster recovery after lapses

• Increased confidence in your ability to stop

Will Hypnotherapy Make Me Stop Immediately?

Some people notice change quickly, while others improve gradually.

No ethical practitioner can guarantee immediate or complete results.

The outcome may depend on how long the behaviour has been present, the triggers involved and whether anxiety, ADHD, OCD, trauma or sensory factors are also present.

Can Hypnotherapy Help With Hair Pulling Caused by Anxiety?

Hypnotherapy may help reduce anxiety-related tension and the automatic pulling response attached to it.

Can Hypnotherapy Help if I Pull Without Noticing?

It may help increase earlier awareness of hand movement and create a pause before pulling.

Can Hypnotherapy Help With Eyebrow or Eyelash Pulling?

It may help reduce searching, sensory urges, mirror checking and automatic pulling.

Eye irritation or infection should also be medically assessed.

Can Hypnotherapy Help With Scalp Hair Pulling?

It may help reduce touching, searching and pulling.

Significant scalp damage or unexplained hair loss should also be assessed medically.

Can Hypnotherapy Help With Beard Pulling?

It may help separate concentration or stress from beard searching and pulling.

Can Hypnotherapy Help if I Also Pick My Skin?

It may help when hair pulling and skin picking form part of the same body-focused repetitive behaviour pattern.

Can Hypnotherapy Help Children Stop Hair Pulling?

It may help some children when age-appropriate and supported by a parent or guardian.

Anxiety, sensory needs, school stress and family changes should also be considered.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions varies depending on how long the behaviour has been present, the areas affected and whether anxiety, ADHD, OCD, trauma, sensory urges or other repetitive habits are involved.

Some clients seek help for one specific pulling pattern.

Others require broader support with stress, perfectionism, body-focused repetitive behaviours or emotional regulation.

Clive can provide a more personalised recommendation after discussing your circumstances.

No ethical hypnotherapist can guarantee a specific result or exact number of sessions.

When Should You Seek Medical or Psychological Support?

Arrange professional assessment when hair pulling:

• Causes significant hair loss

• Creates scalp wounds

• Causes infection

• Leads to persistent bleeding

• Involves eyelash or eyebrow damage

• Causes major distress or isolation

• Occurs with severe OCD symptoms

• Is connected to trauma or dissociation

• Involves swallowing hair

• Is affected by medication

• Feels like deliberate self-harm

• Occurs with severe depression

• Includes thoughts of self-harm

Seek prompt medical care for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, eye symptoms, severe scalp pain or signs of infection.

Hair Pulling and Self-Harm

Hair pulling is often an automatic or compulsive behaviour rather than deliberate self-harm.

However, the distinction may become unclear when:

• You intentionally cause pain

• You pull to punish yourself

• You feel unable to remain safe

• The behaviour is escalating

• You deliberately create injury

• You have thoughts of harming yourself

These situations require professional mental-health support.

Crisis and Immediate Support

Seek urgent help when you believe you may harm yourself, cannot remain safe or are experiencing a severe mental-health crisis.

In Australia:

• Call Triple Zero on 000 in an emergency.

• Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

• Call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

• Attend the nearest hospital emergency department when immediate assessment is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hypnotherapy help with hair pulling?

Hypnotherapy may help reduce automatic pulling, sensory searching, anxiety-related urges, perfectionism and difficulty leaving the hair alone.

What is compulsive hair pulling called?

Persistent and difficult-to-control hair pulling is commonly called trichotillomania.

Is hair pulling caused by anxiety?

Anxiety may contribute, although boredom, concentration, sensory urges, ADHD, autism, perfectionism and habit may also be involved.

Can hypnotherapy help if I pull without noticing?

It may help increase earlier awareness of the movement and create a pause before pulling.

Can hypnotherapy help with eyebrow and eyelash pulling?

It may help reduce searching, mirror checking and automatic pulling.

Can hypnotherapy help with scalp hair pulling?

It may help reduce touching, searching and pulling. Significant scalp damage or unexplained hair loss should also be medically assessed.

Can hypnotherapy help with beard pulling?

It may help reduce concentration-related or stress-related beard pulling.

Can hypnotherapy help if I have ADHD?

It may support awareness and urge control but does not replace ADHD assessment or treatment.

Can hypnotherapy help children?

It may help some children when age-appropriate and supported by a parent or guardian.

Will hypnotherapy make my hair grow back?

Hypnotherapy cannot guarantee regrowth. It may help reduce pulling so the hair has a better opportunity to recover.

Do I need medical care for scalp damage or infection?

Yes. Infection, persistent bleeding, significant hair loss or severe pain require appropriate medical care.

Will I lose control during hypnosis?

No. You remain aware, responsive and able to stop the process at any time.

Where is Clive Westwood’s Brisbane clinic?

Clive Westwood’s hypnotherapy clinic is located in Boondall on Brisbane’s northside.

Are online appointments available?

Yes. Online hypnotherapy appointments are available throughout Australia and internationally.

Book Hair Pulling Hypnotherapy in Brisbane

You do not need to keep searching for one more rough hair, pulling at new regrowth or feeling that a particular strand must be removed before you can relax.

You can notice the urge without automatically following it. You can concentrate, watch television, work, drive and prepare for sleep without repeatedly moving your hands towards your hair.

Clive Westwood provides personalised hypnotherapy for hair pulling in Brisbane, helping clients reduce automatic urges, sensory searching, anxiety-related pulling, perfectionism and difficulty leaving the hair alone.

Appointments are available in person at the Boondall clinic and online.

Book your hair-pulling hypnotherapy appointment with Clive Westwood today.