Britney has lost control and needs help, says psychologist

Britney Spears' recent behaviour is erratic and worrying and she needs help, according to a leading psychologist.

The pop star reportedly checked into rehab, then checked out again within 24 hours, before shaving off her own hair in a Los Angeles salon, as seen in this photo provided by KABC-TV.

Professor Cary Cooper, professor of psychology and health at Lancaster University, said: "She's obviously quite a disturbed girl at the moment, she doesn't know who or what she is.

"If she's checked in and checked out within a 24 hour period, it shows she's kind of lost control. She obviously needs some help, and needs somebody to take hold, because her behaviour is very erratic."

Professor Cooper, an expert on stress, added: "I think it's a call for help. She's saying: 'I'm very confused, I'm not in control of myself at the moment, I need a fresh start, I need help'.

"You couldn't have anything clearer than that. To me, it's a symbolic act, saying: 'Help, I'm not altogether here' - and it's certainly drawn attention to her."

Spears shocked fans looking through the window of the San Fernando Valley salon on Friday night when she grabbed an electric clipper and shaved her own head.

Owner Esther Tognozzi told CNN: "I tried to talk her out of it. I said: 'Are you sure you're not having a bad day and tomorrow you'll feel differently about it? Why don't we wait a little bit?'

"She said: 'No, I absolutely want it shaved off now.' Next thing I know, she grabbed the buzzer and she went to the back of my salon and she was shaving off her own hair."