Body-focused repetitive behaviors

Body-focused repetitive behaviors, often shortened to BFRBs, are repeated actions directed at the body, such as hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, lip biting, or cheek chewing. These behaviors often happen during stress, boredom, tension, or even without fully noticing.

They are not just “bad habits” or a sign of weak willpower. For many people, they are connected to anxiety, sensory relief, or emotional regulation. The behavior may briefly soothe the body, even while causing shame or frustration afterward.

Many people hide BFRBs because they feel embarrassed. But this is a real and common struggle, and support can help.