I have actually gone several months and even years without pulling. The most crucial part is the first step. You have to WANT to stop pulling and tell yuorself that you are going to stop. You have to tell yourself that it cannot just be “one more time” or that you’ll “try tomorrow” it has to be NOW or it will be never, and if you do make a mistake, then do not use that as an excuse to pull more. Accept that you made a mistake and stop pulling before the flood gates are opened.

I use a method in which I write down on my hand (or you can use a piece of paper, if you prefer) a little line everytime I pull my hair. It helps me to become aware of when I am pulling so that I can stop. I sometimes also have two categories of lines, one for when I actually pull and one for when I feel like pulling.

If I feel like pulling, I try to busy myself (especially my hands). I have taken to hiking in the woods behind my home, bicycle riding, sewing, drawing (this is a big one for me! I draw on everything!), playing with small toys in my hands, playing with nice-feeling fabric, or finding goals to achieve (such as goals on 43things).

What happens to me is that I will go quite a long time without pulling, say 3-4 months, and then suddenly I will get really stressed and pull out one hair. I’ll say it’s “no big deal” and then I’ll find that I’m pulling more hairs. What I need to do is write an entry on here every time that I pull so that I am aware and accountable. It is nice to have people to be accountable to.

The most important step to stopping (cliche as it sounds) is admitting that I am pulling and not allowing myself to pull further. As you makr when you pull, you'll notice that you pull less and less (if at all) because you are aware.

Good luck! It can be hard, but I know you can do it! I am cheering you on. :D