Why do some children pull out their hair or eyelashes?

To someone with trichotillomania, pulling hair out often feels like a release of some of the emotions that feel they are unable to express in more ‘acceptable’ ways. 

Children with this disorder may need some encouragement in articulating what they are feeling and advice on choosing confidantes who will be supportive and understanding. These are often highly sensitive children, who do not yet understand that not everything that is said or thought about them will be true or relevant.

Some children pull out their hair or eyelashes because of a genetic disorder called Trichotillomania while others have formed this behaviour as a form of self-comforting or grooming.