Self inflicting pain

Hello, my son is 15 months and is very playful and energetic, when he doesn't get his way, or we leave the room, he immediatley starts to bang his head on the floor or will pull his hair out or scratch himself.  If we try a timeout anywhere the issue just worsens.  What to do and is this normal?

[Encephalomalcia]

What is your reaction when he does this?  If he's getting quite the reaction and he is getting his way after the action, he is controlling you.  Cut his nails short, cut his hair short.  It is a temper tantrum.  My daughter did the same thing, I would make sure she didn't hurt herself and then simply stand back to watch.  I would say "Let me know when you are finished".  She would also bite herself.  It's normal.  

[sylliu4ia]

True enough, thanks for the advice and I will let my wife know as well, the controlled reactions are the toughest part.