2 year old pulling out his hair

[SchnitzelvonKrummsverylowtum]

DS turned 2 last week, and for the last week or so has been pulling out his hair.

It started when he was sat in his high chair and DH and I were finishing our tea, and has progressed from there. He is now pulling out clumps of his hair. It mainly seems to be when he's bored, or when trying to get to sleep. He has been poorly with a chest infection, which I don't think has helped, and his sleep has been very disrupted.

I've tried distracting him and giving him a soft toy to hold while going to sleep, but he gets angry until allowed to go back to pulling his hair. He's also doing this in his sleep, and cries if stopped.

Short of shaving off all his hair, does anyone have any suggestions? I've spoken to the HV who was going to look into this but hasn't come back to me yet. I also mentioned it to the GP when I took DS about his chest, but he didn't seem concerned at all.

My daughter has done this and I found out that it's not uncommon with preschool children and they normally grow out of it. We didn't find anything that worked apart from v short hair to break the habit xx

Thanks. I was hoping to avoid cutting his hair short as I'd read that it doesn't necessarily break the habit and he has beautiful curls, but I think it might be our only option.

Unfortunately it didn't completely break the habit with our daughter but she has learning disabilities so she doesn't do anything according to plan! I have heard it works for others. I hope you find a solution but he will grow out of it - good luck xx