CHESTER 01244 637360    |    PRESTATYN 01745 798747 

CHESTER 01244 637360    |    PRESTATYN 01745 798747

Coping with Trichotillomania: Resources and Solutions

An Overview… Trichotillomania, or hair-pulling disorder, is a condition where people feel a strong urge to pull out

An Overview...

Trichotillomania, or hair-pulling disorder, is a condition where people feel a strong urge to pull out their hair, which can lead to noticeable hair loss and emotional stress. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about trichotillomania in a straightforward and relatable way.

It is key to remember that, this condition is more common than you may think. Approximately 1 in 50 people experience the condition at some point in their lives. Whether you’re dealing with trichotillomania yourself, know someone who is, or just want to learn more, this post is here to offer helpful insights and raise awareness about this condition.

Yes, Celebs Experience It Too...

Victoria’s Secret model Sarah Sampaio has outwardly spoken about the effects trichotillomania has had on her – which is especially heightened in moments under stress. She has discussed her habit of pulling out her eyelashes and eyebrow hair since the age of 15 on social media, in which she was met with an abundance of support from fellow sufferers of trichotillomania. She has also discussed the effects trich has on one’s mental health and self-confidence; encouraging others to show more understanding and care to those suffering from the disorder.

In 2022, Amy Schumer released Life & Beth, a drama/comdey based on her own life. Amy Schumer’s character, Beth, pulls out her hair and Amy has since opened up about her real-life hair pulling, calling it “the thing that I’ve been most ashamed of.”

Symptoms To Look Out For...

  • Repeatedly pulling out hair. (usually from your scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes)
  • An increasing sense of tension before pulling out  hair, or when trying to resist.
  • A sense of pleasure or relief after hair is pulled out.
  • Hair loss that’s easy to see, such as shortened hair or thinned or bald areas on the scalp or other areas of your body. 
  • Pulling out specific types of hair, taking the same steps in the same way each time hair is pulled out or pulling out hair in certain patterns.
  • Biting, chewing or eating pulled-out hair.
  • Playing with pulled-out hair.
  • Experiencing a great deal of distress or problems at work, school or in social situations related to pulling out hair.

Due to the shame surrounding the condition, hair pulling is most often done in private and hidden from friends and family. Most people start pulling at a young age and the habit doesn’t stop as they grow up. This is why it is so important to notice the symptoms early, so more can be done. With this in mind, parents often report finding children pulling our hair or pieces of fabric from toys and blankets; this is probably the earliest sign.

There are two types of Trichotillomania:

  • Automatic. Pulling out hair without even realising. This might happen, for example, when bored, reading or watching TV.
  • Focused. Pulling out hair on purpose to relieve tension or distress. Possibly developing specific rituals for pulling out hair.

With this in mind, you can work on finding out which of these you experience at what times, and find ways to eliminate them. For example, if you (or your child) find yourself pulling automatically while watching TV, you could try watching TV while occupying your hands with another activity (eg, crotcheting or drawing). Alternatively, if you are focused pulling, you could initially attempt to break any rituals you have surrounding hair pulling first, in an attempt to deter from pulling.

Causes and Risk Factors...

Like so many complex disorders, there is no clear cause of Trichotillomania. It is likely a combination of genetics and environmental/factors. However there are many factors that have shown to increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

  • Family history. It is possible that genetics and family history play a role in individuals developing Trichotillomania. If someone close to you have the disorder, you may have unconsciously learn’t the habit at a young age.
  • Health conditions. Trichotillomania isn’t always what you think. Some health conditions that cause pain or discomfort on the scalp or skin may push people to pull in order to manage these feelings.
  • Age. Trichotillomania most commonly develops between the ages of 10 and 13 years. This is then worsened by puberty hormones and stress, meaning it often becomes a lifelong problem. 
  • Other mental health conditions. Other conditions, such as depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may occur along with trichotillomania.
  • Stress. Severely stressful situations or events may trigger trichotillomania in some people.
  • Environment. Boredom, isolation and privacy often increase the likelihood of hair pulling.

How Can We Help?

If your child is starting out with Trichotillomania, or you think they might be, then reading this blog was definitely a good step. Making yourself aware of the situation is key. Furthermore, making them aware is even better. By letting your child know that you know what’s happening and are there to support them, means the shame and guilt is, mostly, taken away.

The next steps? Trying simple behavioural changes and tricks to help remove the habit. If this doesn’t work, you can speak to your doctor and explore the route of medications to help manage the urges.

If you, yourself are suffering with Trichotillomania, then again, reading this blog is a good step. Acknowledging the issue is necessary to start making changes. If you have noticeable hair loss from your pulling or are afraid you may be heading that way, you can book a consultation with us to help find a wig, topper or hair system that may be suitable. Some of our clients have found that having swearing a solution like this has helped them avoid pulling as they are more aware of what they are doing.

However, there are still behavioural therapy practises and medications you can explore with your doctor. It not too late.

Facebook Youtube Instagram
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.