Those of you who overcame HIH Syndrome

[Caramel Jewel]

How did you do it...I'm having such a hard time with it....I want to stop but I can't...And I know I'm damaging it...



I'm gonna keep bumping this until I figure out how to stop.....

 

[supermodelsonya]

I've yet to overcome this. The only thing that helps me is keeping my hair weaved up. If it weren't for the weave, my hands would be in my hair twirling away.

 

[halee_J]

That was a huge problem for me, esp since I was growing a very short cut. I kept my hair under a half-wig until I had enough length to do updo's and buns. "Tucked away" stlyes definitley keep me out of my hair

 

[melissa-bee]

I only have hands in hair when I am natural or have a bit of new growth. I'm transistioning now so it's quite hard. But when I'm freshly relaxed and up to a month after I won't really do it that much because I there is nothing to touch. My answer to my self would be to relax it. Lol, but that's not gonna happen

 

[She-Ra]

I got a hobby....

...actually several - learning to sew, random big project dyi-s, painting(best..don't want paint on the head) and more reading distracts me.

 

[Forever in Bloom]

I wash my hair once a week, and twist my hair and pin it into a cute style. I have begun to focus on getting in shape, so that's my focus right now

 

[Caramel Jewel]

bumb.....help me

 

[Sianna]

I have this problem really bad too, and have recently gotten serious about solving it.

I have noticed that I've been tangling my hair as I play in it and this of course, will not do as tangles can lead to breakage.

Really, I think the best way to break this habit is to simply work on it one day at a time. I don't think there's any one or two tricks to stop the problem, you just have to actually stop doing it.

I worked on it all throughout this past day, and I actually did really well. I had decided that I was just going to spritz my hair in the morning, fluff it out, and leave it alone for the rest of the day. For the most part, I actually did it!

I was feeling that urge to play in my hair like I always do, but every time I did, I just reminded myself not to, and when I was sure I wasn't going anywhere else for the day, I put on my satin scarf.

You can do it! Just keep reminding yourself of the damage you'll do if you continue, and take your hand away from your head. If you find yourself doing it subcosciously, stop as soon as you realize it and remind yourself of your length and retention goals. Hopefully, as the days go by, it'll get easier and easier.

Best of luck!!

 

[greight]

I'm right now wearing a shower cap on my head (baggying).

I don't really touch my hair when I'm at work, but at home, I get anxious.

It helps to keep the moisture in as well as keep my hands out. I touch my plastic cap instead of my hair.

I'm BAD when it comes to HIH. Really really bad.

 

[hasabe]

still working on it erplexed

try conditioning yourself to stop like when you know you're about to reach for your hair, grab a book or a stress ball until the urge goes away...trust me though, it sounds a lot simpler than it actually is

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

I haven't overcome it.

the only suggestions that i can offer are to keep your hair up in a bun or braided (esp. when you're at home).

*bumping for you*

 

[SimJam]

I also need help

 

[Newtogrow]

I always pick in my puff or afro. The only remedy is to braid my hair or twist then tuck it into a bun or something. if it's out, i'm picking away at my coils

 

[Caramel Jewel]

I haven't overcome it.

the only suggestions that i can offer are to keep your hair up in a bun or braided (esp. when you're at home).

*bumping for you*

I put a scarf on mine when I get home....it helps but even with it on I still manage to pull a tiny bit of hair out just to touch....like now I have this tiny knot I keep fiddling with...I have to cut it off

 

[Bublin]

I think another focus is a very good idea. Keeping fit, hobby etc.

 

[Prettyeyes]

Maybe get it braided for a while!

 

[sweetlaughter]

i french braid my hair up like a little amish girl. PS and keeps my HIH in check.

 

[Vshanell]

We call it HIH here but it's actually Trichotillomania, compulsive hair pulling. I have it and sadly there is no cure. It's just like any other bad habit (ex. nail biting...you can't just cure that), you have to try and control it the best you can. Some cases are severe and cause hair loss while some are minor. Good luck to everyone who struggles with this, it is hard.

 

[winona]

I find that my problem lies when I get home because when I am out and about I am tooo busy to even think about my hair. I have been applying my satin or silk scarf on as soon as I come in the house. This doesnt work all the time but more times than not

 

[Starronda]

I dont have a problem with HIH, but how about braiding your hair up for awhile? Or maybe focus on something else to get your mind off of your hair.

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

I put a scarf on mine when I get home....it helps but even with it on I still manage to pull a tiny bit of hair out just to touch....like now I have this tiny knot I keep fiddling with...I have to cut it off

i know what you mean

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

We call it HIH here but it's actually Trichotillomania, compulsive hair pulling. I have it and sadly there is no cure. It's just like any other bad habit (ex. nail biting...you can't just cure that), you have to try and control it the best you can. Some cases are severe and cause hair loss while some are minor. Good luck to everyone who struggles with this, it is hard.

Thanks pokahontas. off to google.

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

This article was interesting. Putting the link here, maybe the info will be of interest to some others in this thread.

http://westsuffolkpsych.homestead.com/trich_cbt.html

 

[Caramel Jewel]

We call it HIH here but it's actually Trichotillomania, compulsive hair pulling. I have it and sadly there is no cure. It's just like any other bad habit (ex. nail biting...you can't just cure that), you have to try and control it the best you can. Some cases are severe and cause hair loss while some are minor. Good luck to everyone who struggles with this, it is hard.

I don't pull at it...I'm constantly detangling... but I'm like 4a 4b...so I'm caught in this endless web....it's like nonstop...

 

[Vshanell]

I don't pull at it...I'm constantly detangling... but I'm like 4a 4b...so I'm caught in this endless web....it's like nonstop...

Well just to clarify, not just pulling but excessively playing in it until strands come out sometimes or break off. If you're not doing any of that then you should't have anything to worry about.

 

[Curly Lee]

Painting your nails.

 

[CoutureGirl]

I'm here to testify that even braids doesn't help. I'm trying this now but find myself constantly touching the new growth. I find that I mostly do this during down times. So I'll have to say that finding something else to occupy your time may prove more helpful......

 

[PistolWhip]

Wow I thought I was one of the very few :<. I really can't help it.........

 

[grownwomanaz]

HIH syndrome for me now as an adult was like thumb sucking was for me as a kid...soothing and comforting . I don't pull any hair out though, just constant touching and feeling. The only problem in my case is that it embarasses my DH so I force myself to only do it at home.

 

[hair_rehab]

When I'm at home I try to keep my satin scarf or bonnet on. It's harder to control at work, especially if I spend most of the day at my desk.