💭 What Are Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs)? (+ How Sensory Tools Can Help)
Have you ever found yourself biting your nails, picking at your skin, or pulling out your hair — even without realizing it? You’re not alone. These are called body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs), and they affect millions of people worldwide, including many here in South Africa.
BFRBs are more than just bad habits — they’re compulsive self-grooming behaviours that can be difficult to stop, especially during moments of stress, boredom, or anxiety. They include:
- Skin picking (dermatillomania)
- Hair pulling (trichotillomania)
- Nail biting (onychophagia)
- Lip or cheek biting
People of all ages can struggle with BFRBs, often in silence. But here’s the truth: there is nothing shameful about your coping mechanisms — and there are gentle, helpful tools you can use to support yourself.
🌱 Why Do BFRBs Happen?
BFRBs are often linked to emotional regulation. When you're overwhelmed, anxious, overstimulated, or under-stimulated, your hands sometimes take over — doing what your heart might be feeling.
These behaviours can bring temporary relief or even feel soothing, but they can also cause discomfort, damage to the skin or hair, and frustration when trying to stop.
The key to managing BFRBs isn't about forcefully stopping them — it’s about understanding your triggers, building awareness, and offering your hands something else to do.
✋ Why Sensory Tools Like Squisharoo Can Help
Enter: sensory fidget tools, like the handmade, bead-filled Squisharoo squishies.
These calming, soft silicone fidgets were created with one mission: to help anxious hands find a healthier outlet. When you're tempted to pick or pull, you can squish, pop, twist, and fidget instead — all while feeling grounded and soothed by the texture and movement.
Here’s how they help:
✨ Distraction: Give your hands something satisfying to do.
🧠 Sensory stimulation: The texture and pop of the beads calm the nervous system.
🎯 Focus aid: Great for work, studying, or moments of overwhelm.
💞 Emotional support: Acts as a gentle reminder: “I’m safe. I’m coping. I’m okay.”
🫶 A Note from Squisharoo
We started Squisharoo because we know what it feels like to struggle with skin picking and other BFRBs. Our fidget toys were designed by someone who gets it — someone who’s been there.
We believe your coping mechanisms don’t make you weak — they’re signs that your body is trying to self-soothe in a hard world. And we’re here to help you find softer, safer ways to do that.
🛍️ Shop Fidgets for Skin Picking & BFRBs
If you or someone you love is struggling with skin picking, hair pulling, or nail biting, have a look at our handmade sensory fidget toys below. Each one is made with care in South Africa and designed to bring calm when things feel too much.
