Lots of kids have things like that. I was a thumb sucker. My mom put band aids on them. I think whatever works, works. Try a shower cap whenever she does it for a set time. Like a dunce cap idea. 21 days to break a habbit. Or so I hear.
I don't think it's your place to say that what she said "doesn't make sense". And to ALSO suggest that this could lead to cutting when she gets older..? What's wrong with you?
Blousie: This is a very normal self soothing habit for a toddler. My son does it too when he's sleepy or in his stroller. I am dreading having to cut his gorgeous curls off but I think that's what we're going to have to do.
He started off as a finger sucker (his middle and ring fingers) but gave that up during a bad cold when he couldn't breathe through his nose. He then switched to twirling his hair, but only really started knotting it up and pulling it out last week when he was really sick with a fever. I have seen him putting it in his mouth a couple times in the last few days. I'm going to try a few things before I resort to cutting his hair (which is beautiful; chestnut ringlets just like his daddy). As soon as he puts a bottle in his mouth the hand goes up to his hair, so I'm going to ditch the bottles. I'm also going to stop making a big deal out of it when I see him doing it. I'm going to try to re-direct his attention to something else. I also have heard of having him wear mittens, but I pretty much know that's going to be a major meltdown situation so I don't think I'll even bother trying that one.
Aaaanyway, good luck , Blousie. And Mammo, try being a little less bossy and judgmental, huh?
To find pulling out your hair comforting and feeling nice, makes no sense. You're inflicting pain on yourself which is not healthy. I would talk to her pediatrician. There are people who grow up to cut themselves and find it feels good, you want to make sure there is not more going on with your daughter.