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Overview
Hair pulling often relieves tension.
Swallowed hair can form a hairball.
When to get medical care
Call 911Thoughts of harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911 if you're in danger.
Get care todayBelly pain or vomiting after swallowing hair.
See a doctor soonBald patches.
Causes
Causes include stress and anxiety.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause pulling out hair until there are bald patches, or chewing or swallowing hair. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
Repeatedly pulling out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other areas, often during stress, boredom, or without noticing, which leaves thin or bald…
What you can do at home
- Notice triggers.
- Keep hands busy.
Medicines
Habit reversal therapy.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by history.
Questions you may be asked
- Pulling pattern
The exam
A scalp exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Early help.
- Seek support
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.