It's been years since Alex was in the type of fight where someone went for her hair, so she doesn't see it coming. She doesn't react fast enough to stop Skip getting a good grip, and yelps in pain.

She reaches for Skip's wrist with one hand and her shoulder with the other, hoping to yank Skip towards her and alleviate the pain in her scalp. At the same time, she raises one knee, aiming it at Skip's stomach.