What exactly is trichotillomania? Trichotillomania is a condition classified as a body-focused repetitive behavior. There are typically about 200,000 cases of trichotillomania per year in the United States. Trichotillomania is the act of pulling out one's hair and can come back if not treated properly. While therapy can help get to the root of the problem, there are other tips that can be quite useful for those who are dealing with this.
Hair-Pulling Symptoms
Someone dealing with trichotillomania may pull out the hair anywhere on their body but common areas are eyebrows, eyelashes, and scalp. This occurs in females more than males and about one to two percent of the adult and adolescent population experiences it. Symptoms include:
- Repeatedly pulling out the hair, resulting in hair loss that is noticeable at times
- Stress and tension before the person pulls out their hair
- A feeling of relief or gratification after the person pulls out their hair
- The condition may cause problems in other areas of the person's life, such as at work, school, social functions, and home
- Past attempts to stop or decrease the times spent pulling out their hair
- Other examples of body-focused repetitive behavior are skin picking and nail biting
How to Stop Pulling Out Your Hair
There are many tricks you can use to stop pulling out your hair that can really help. We have compiled a list that has been helpful for many of our clients in the past.
#1 Stimulate Other Senses
Many individuals who pull out their hair become used to the sensation that occurs when they do it. Emulating this feeling can help stop the need to pull. Try washing your hair slowly, getting a scalp massage, or brushing your lips back and forth on string or dental floss (a good tip for those who pull out facial hair.) You can also brush your hair slowly instead of pulling.
#2 Take Care of Your Hair
It is important to get regular cuts at the beauty salon to maintain your hair's health and shine. Use beauty products on your hair as much as much as possible and wash your hair daily. It's also important to brush your hair daily.
#3 Use Lotions and Perfumes
Sometimes men and women with trichotillomania will unconsciously pull out their hair. Try to stop it in the act by applying strong lotions, perfumes, colognes, and gels all over your hands. When you reach for your hair and/or face, you will smell your hands first and it will make you remember what you are about to do. You'll begin to associate that smell with hair pulling after just a few times.
#4 Avoid Caffeine
Avoiding caffeine before bedtime is a good idea for everyone, but for someone with trichotillomania, it is even more crucial. When you have a lot of nervous energy from caffeine you may be more likely to start pulling.
It's OK to admit that you have a problem with hair pulling. It may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about setting up an appointment with a therapist and other options for your condition. But if you have bald spots because of your hair pulling, don't worry. New Look offers many different solutions for hair loss for both men and women, including laser therapy and hair restoration systems. We also offer free consultations that are 100% confidential. You will receive a scalp analysis and will leave the office with a plan of action you'll feel great about. Please contact us today to set up your free consultation and get ready to feel good about yourself again!