Does picking hair cause hair loss?

It does, and it's clinically called trichotillomania. Repeatedly pulling hair damages the hair follicles, which can eventually lead to permanent bald spots. You should address the underlying stress causing this habit.

Haan yaar, baar-baar baal khinchne se roots kamzor ho jaati hain na. Isse hair follicles permanently damage ho sakte hain. Isko thoda control karo, nahi toh hair fall badh jayega.

I had a similar habit due to stress and visited a specialist at Apollo. They clearly explained that physical trauma to the scalp causes traction alopecia. It's best to consult a dermatologist and a counselor to resolve this properly.

I used to pull my hair when anxious and panicked when I saw a small bald patch. But once I stopped the habit, the hair grew back normally. Don't worry, your follicles will heal if you stop picking now.