Scalp picking has different causes. Sometimes it starts because of a skin condition and turns into a habit over time. Some cases fall under the heading of chronic skin picking, which is a body-focused repetitive behavior, according to the Trichotillomania Learning Center. Scalp picking may become a problem if you cannot stop and it is causing physical damage and is interfering with your daily life. You can often successfully battle it on your own with behavior modification techniques.
Fix any physical problems that are making the scalp itch—dry skin and medical conditions like dandruff cause itchiness. Look for symptoms of a physical issue like redness or flakes. Dandruff is treatable with store-bought shampoos. A doctor can diagnose and treat other problems.
Choose a symbol to use when you want to pick your scalp. Smart Recovery, an addiction self-help website, explains this is part of a thought stopping technique. The symbol is used to halt unwanted behaviors, so choose a stop sign, red light or other image that you associate with stopping.
Imagine the chosen symbol whenever you feel an urge to pick your scalp. Bring it up as soon as possible even if you have already started picking. It is your reminder to stop the automatic behavior and turn it into a choice.
Tell yourself, "I do not want to pick my scalp. I don't have to do it. It's a choice, and I am choosing to do something else now." This names the problem behavior and reminds you that you can willfully choose a different action.
Redirect yourself to something else that keeps your hands busy without harming you physically. For example, the Trichotillomania Learning Center recommends squeezing a ball. Wearing a rubber band around your wrist and playing with it is a convenient alternative.