Same here. My dermatologist told me I have androgenic alopecia (aka female pattern baldness). I'm in my mid-30s and thought I was too young for that, but she says it can affect women as young as their late teens/early 20s (!). Heredity sucks. I recently started Rogaine. Hopefully it'll help regrow some of my hair or at least stave off further loss. Anyway, that's given me added incentive not to pull at it. When I can't fight the compulsion, I make sure to stay away from the hair on top of my head knowing that it won't grow back.

I hope the "designated time" suggestion helps you. Let us know.