2 Year Old Pulling Out Hair

I don't want to alarm you, but my niece has trichotillomania. Her mom and dad noticed it when she was pretty young and by the time she was around 2 or 3 she had a bald spot on the crown of her head. At first they thought it was a behavior she could control but finally found some help and she was diagnosed. It's compulsive and she can't help it. My sister-in-law notices it most when her daughter is bored and sitting still or when she is falling asleep. They have another daughter and have noticed her pulling her hair a little too. Because they were aware of the disorder they noticed it in her even younger. I would at least find a doctor that would listen to me and not tell me not to worry about it. If you are concerned, then it's worth getting a better answer. Good luck.

Since your little girl seems to only be doing it when she's upset, I don't think you should worry...or make a big deal about it in front of her. If she gets a reaction out of you she'll keep doing it. My 2 year old girl does it when she's really aggravated with me. I just say "oh don't do that" and leave it at that. She doesn't do it after I turn away or get her mind on something else. If you really are super worried, though, then get a second opinion. Hope this helps.

You might want to check online for some information about trichotillomania. Pulling ones hair out is a disease. I dont know if it can affect such a young one. I know my step-daughter has it. I guess it is something that is done on impulse and cannot be controlled. I would check into it to be safe. Maybe you could consult another doc.

Is she just pulling "at" it or actually pulling chunks out? My little girl is 10 months and will pull at her hair pretty hard when she is overly tired and isn't wanting to go to sleep or when she is mad. She only pulls at one section and it's only on those occasions. My husband and I are trying to get her to stop by holding her hand gently or letting her pull at her soft blanket.

I had a friend with this same exact problem. It was so bad that her little girl had giant balt spots on her head. They took her to every specialist in the book and could not find anything wrong - physically or emotionally. Eventually - she grew out of it and now has long pretty hair and no more problems. Her dad was away in the service and they thought that perhaps this separation caused part of it, but they never found out for sure. I know this isn't extremely helpful, but you should know that it's not completely unusual.

It sounds like her way of soothing herself. Some kids bang their heads when they get frustrated, or stroke their hair.
Every child has to find a way to cope. Have you tried keeping her head covered in a knit hat? Does she have a lovey or some sort.

Try giving her an oil treatment with warm oil. Mineral oil would be cheap. Make sure you rinse her hair only enough to remove most of it. Or when You wash her hair use a natural shampoo. Does she suck a pacifer? What about teddy.

yes be concerned. its called trichotillomania. a friend of mine has this condition and it started around age 2 she is now in her 20's and still doing it. talk to your doctor about this please! my friend now had to wear a hair piece b/c of this condition. good luck

L.,
My daughter was doing the same thing. She would do it when she was sleepy or bored, and twist the hairs around and (I know this sounds gross), eat them.
Finally, I just cut all her hair off. She looks so cute, like a little pixie, and it worked! Now the little bald patch is filling in and I'll probably keep her hair short for a while, it's just easier all around.
Hope this helps!
-K.