Pulling Your Hair Out?
You might be asking yourself, do people really pull their hair out? The answer is yes, more than you’d think. The next question you might have is, why don’t they just stop? Or, you might be reading this thinking, I thought I was the only person who pulls my hair out. How can I stop? Let me explain.
First of all, there’s a name for repetitive hair pulling and it’s a tongue twister; Trichotillomania or TTM. It’s pronounced trick-o-till-o-MAY-nee-uh, but many people call it trich (pronounced like “trick”) for short. Surprisingly, one to two people in 50 experience this disorder in their lifetime. Hair pulling typically begins in late childhood or early puberty and it occurs equally in boys and girls. By adulthood, 80 to 90 percent of cases are women. For some people, what part of the body they pull from and how much they pull is manageable. For others it’s not. I’m often asked if hair loss from pulling is permanent. If stopped early, typically no. But, repeated pulling over time can damage hair follicles resulting in weakened hair and yes, permanent hair loss.
People suffering from TTM are often referred to as “pullers”, and they can pull hairs from all over their bodies. It’s most noticeable where it’s most visible, with hair missing from the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard. Many people pull without even knowing they’re doing it. They might be studying, watching television, working at their desk, and aren’t aware of their actions. For others, it’s an urge they can’t control. Over time, they can pull out large and noticeable areas of hair which leads to feelings of shame, frustration, embarrassment and low self–esteem, having a devastating effect on quality of life. Some people avoid social activities, work and close relationships, resulting in loneliness and isolation. It can put a strain on family relationships, especially when the disorder isn’t fully understood. It can be challenging for a husband whose wife doesn’t want to be seen in public or for a parent whose child is constantly teased in school.
Many people pull without even knowing they’re doing it.
So back to the question, why don’t people just stop? It’s not that easy. TTM is classified as an Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder and is part of a group known as Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB’s). It’s a psychological disorder, not caused by substance abuse or medical conditions, and the sufferers are not trying to inflict harm on themselves. There is no medication approved by the FDA, but sometimes antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are prescribed. Habit reversal training and cognitive therapy are sometimes used.
As a certified trichologist, I have helped many people with TTM. What can a trichologist do? They can properly identify TTM, making sure that it’s not presented as something else. They can provide a caring, supportive and non-judgmental environment for someone to openly discuss their problem. And, they can provide other resources, such as a therapist who specializes in BFRB’s, support groups and recommend wearable devices designed to help create awareness when pulling occurs. They can help a sufferer create the best growing environment for strong, healthy hair, and measure and record hair growth progress. They can advise them on ways to camouflage their hair loss and refer them to a hairstylist who will be sensitive their needs.
If you or someone you know is suffering from TTM, don’t be embarrassed. You are not alone. Seek the help of a certified trichologist so you can start living life to its fullest. To schedule an in-person or virtual consultation call (773) 576-7500 or email karen@karengordonhair.com.
I look forward to helping you achieve the hair you’ve always desired.
Karen Gordon
Certified Trichologist, WTS