Trichotillomania Support

[unheardletters]

I find it hard to even admit but, I started pulling my hair when I was about 15. Prior to that it was my mom who was pulling my hair. She started when I was about 6-7 years old. She didn't like my hair when it started changing texture from fine to coarse. She spent every evening going through my hair and pulling out hairs. She said they were bad (damaged) hairs and they needed to be taken out so that the good hairs can grow in. Once she stopped I soon started pulling my own hairs, but mostly I only pull the hairs with split ends. I only pull the hairs on my head. I've tried to wear my hair up, but my hair doesn't stay up. I guess it needs to grow longer. I went a few years without pulling any hairs out, because I kept my hair very short. But once my hair got to chin length I began pulling again. I don't want to keep my hair short anymore, but I don't want to pull my hair out either.

[enting]

Oh my gosh unheardletters, I'm so sorry your mom used to pull out your hairs, and I'm sorry she got you started on pulling your own. :( I scritch other people's scalps sometimes, only people I am very close with. I hope I never ever pull out someone else's hairs.

I try to remind myself that coarser hairs give my hair body, and that while I may not like them individually, I like my hair as a whole better with them than without them. Pulling them all out would leave me very patchy indeed, as well as limp.

I hope you find a way to grow all your hair out, including the coarser ones and the split ones (having a sharp pair of scissors handy at all times can help with the splits, perhaps). Sending lots of support your way.

[ms.lenny]

Right now I have a very sparse/bald spot right at the back of my part on the top back of my head.. this is the worst I've ever pulled, does anyone have any suggestions on how to cover it up? It's too warm for most hats, and they aren't allowed for work, I'm stumped on what to do other than wearing a ponytail or bun over the area to cover it up, which I'm afraid will end up making the hair fall out more on its own, or strangle the area and stop any new growth.. any other suggestions on how to care for the spot and help it grow back in faster/healthy would be much appreciated as well

[WaitingSoLong]

My only suggestion would be some kind of make-up to blend the area to the color of the missing hair. The used to make a spray for bald men that matched the color of hair.

[Kae612]

Gosh I don't miss this. I still very much have Trich, but it is mostly just my eyelashes and nowhere near as intense as it used to be. I also want to pull eyebrow hair but it's good I have a lot of that, so I just need to be careful. I occasionally pull from my head but usually only a few strands now. Good luck guys <3

ms.lenny I used to wear bandanas or scarves to cover patches. But maybe a pouf, like with a clip would help? I don't think covering the spot with a bun would do anything negative to the growth, as long as you wore it loose at home.

[Arctic]

When I had my first and only almost bald spot years ago I often wore a hair fork with slightly larger topper which just about covered the spot.

[WaitingSoLong]

I just saw a commercial for a root cover up (https://img.makeupalley.com/5/4/8/1/3006268.JPG)for women. I know it is meant to spray on the hair but obviously you could spray the scalp as well.

[Reyn127]

Ms.lenny, depending on how big the spot is, you may just be able to cover it by changing your part, or wearing your hair up like you said. I don't think it would do too much damage as long as your updos aren't so tight that your scalp is getting pulled on. But maybe if the bald spot is pretty far back, it might be covered by just combing the section of hair that falls over the back of your head to begin an inch or so above (closer to your front hairline) where the bald spot is. But whatever you do, try not to worry or obsess to much about how it looks! Just let it rest in your mind, if you can.

[enting]

I'm noticing that at my MIL's house I pull my hair less. I'm trying to figure out why.

My pulling is somewhat associated with itching, and regrowth itches which then creates a vicious cycle. Her house is less dusty, which may contribute to itchiness as well. The water there is softer, and my scalp was a lot happier showering at her house with her shampoos.

Part of it may have also been being at someone else's house and perhaps I didn't want to be seen pulling. At home, it's just me and DH and I may not care as much.

Another part of it was certainly being able to appreciate my hair more fully and having more visual motivation not to pull. My MIL has these giant tripartite mirrors in the bathroom that allow me to see all of my hair from nearly all angles, and I can see how nice it would be if I stopped pulling altogether. At home we have a tripartite mirror as well, but they're tiny and I can't really see much. I guess without being able to see damage or improvement easily I figure it doesn't matter much, I can't see it, others probably can't either. Which I know is nonsense. Both DH and my best friend can tell when I've pulled more. But the bigger mirrors sure helped with motivation. :(

[Angelica]

I have this also. I do not pull my head hair but I pull hair from everywhere else. My eyebrows are now very badly damaged and I have to fill in the gaps that will never grow back. Thankfully my eyelashes have grown back and I have stopped pulling them. I am obsessed about pulling all body hair out.

[Larki]

I thought I'd summarize all the little things that help me reduce my pulling:

- Knitting helps a LOT. I don't know whether it's just doing something with my hands or the sensation of the yarn or the stress- and anxiety-reducing effects of it, but when I make the time to knit at least every few days, I find that the urge to pull almost completely disappears. I've been working six days a week for most of the last seven months though, so I haven't had as much time as I'd like to knit and I've only been doing it every two weeks or so lately - but the benefits do seem to last a few days!

- This is one of the reasons I do hair masks and deep conditioning so often - every wash day (twice a week usually) I put it in and let it sit for as long as I can and although I do still compulsively touch my hair, I don't pull it because of the dramatically different feeling that I get when it is covered in oil and conditioner.

- I also sit at home with my silk sleep cap on, and that keeps me from pulling as well, I end up just compulsively stroking the silk lol.

- I have a spinner ring that I wear almost all the time and a tin of silly putty at my desk at work to play around with during breaks, they both give me something to redirect my hands to.

- I find that usinh shimmer oil sprays actually keep me from touching my hair as well, because I don't want to rub the glitter off. The spray I have is quite subtle visually, but it makes my hair feel rougher when I go to pull it, and is a tactile reminder that I have product in my hair and shouldn't touch it, like with the hair masks.

[WaitingSoLong]

Silly putty is a good idea! I have tried spin rings, worry stones and beads, stress balls...none help.

[leayellena]

I stopped pulling my hair aka Trichotillomania when my hair was at beginning to end of waist. now my hair is at end of waist to almost hip. I still call it waist... (LHC standards) but my hair is close to my pants...
this Trichotillomania is nothing else than psychological wish and need for long(er) hair.

[Reyn127]

I definitely find that doing something small with my hands is a good distraction from pulling. Usually for me, it's doodling or something along the lines of just getting my fingers busy.

How is everyone doing, by the way?

And I don't know if trichotillomania is exactly a psychological want for longer hair, I think there are a lot of factors to it. The desire to have/maintain long hair can definitely be a compelling reason not to pull out your hair, but my own trich is usually triggered by stress.

[ShilvaA]

I use tweezers to pull hairs out of my entire body... and being an ex-steroid abusing fighter has left me with very fast growing body hair everywhere.... but not head hair though (unfortunately!)... but beard hairs galore!

My partner marvels at my leg hair that is already prickly within a few hours of shaving, he has never seen anything like it!

I sit and pluck hairs from almost everywhere and since it grows so quickly there is always an abundance, even though it is a compulsion that I have -my eyebrows barely grow and are so thin and patchy now-. I have nevr had the compulsion to pluck from my head thankfully!

Strength to everyone who does!

[lithostoic]

Been under a lot of stress lately (getting kicked out, being unemployed, etc) and I'm really proud of myself. I've hardly pulled my eyelashes at all! Caught myself doing it the other day and haven't done it since.

[WaitingSoLong]

Trich is NOT a desire to have longer hair. It is a compulsory disorder that is triggered by stress and boredom. Not everyone pulls their head hair. Please do not spread false information. The internet is already rife with it.

[enting]

I have two questions:

Does anyone else have hairs that have loose roots? What I mean is, sometimes I will be stroking a lock of hair rather than trying to pull, and a hair will just come out, I don't even feel it, and when I examine the end there's the tiniest of black roots that's barely visible. I always feel like those hairs coming out aren't my fault but still feel bad about them. I seem to have a concentrated patch of hairs that are like this.

Does anyone else have hairpulling habits and also itchy scalp? My dermatologist just tossed a prescription for dandruff shampoo (it doesn't really help) and didn't do more than glance at my scalp. My psychologist won't diagnose me with trich because my first instance of pulling was coupled with itching.

[Larki]

I have two questions:

Does anyone else have hairs that have loose roots? What I mean is, sometimes I will be stroking a lock of hair rather than trying to pull, and a hair will just come out, I don't even feel it, and when I examine the end there's the tiniest of black roots that's barely visible. I always feel like those hairs coming out aren't my fault but still feel bad about them. I seem to have a concentrated patch of hairs that are like this.

Does anyone else have hairpulling habits and also itchy scalp? My dermatologist just tossed a prescription for dandruff shampoo (it doesn't really help) and didn't do more than glance at my scalp. My psychologist won't diagnose me with trich because my first instance of pulling was coupled with itching.
1. Yes, most of my hair is like this actually. It doesn't hurt to pull the strands out and I barely have to try to pull it. My root bulbs are all white, not black, but yes, most of my hair is this way. Certain strands seem more deeply rooted and do hurt to pull though.

And no, no itchy scalp for me. When I visit snowy areas and have to wear hats, my head gets itchy, but it isn't itchy normally.

[Bluecardigan]

Hi! I am so angry at myself as I have relapsed.

I've had Trich since around 2011, but hadn't pulled any hair off of my hair since october/november 2016 until recently. Last year it was so bad, that the hair that is closest to my neck behind my ear on my left side had thinned out very noticeably. I have never had "long" hair by lch-standards (apl as longest), but I really felt the need to cut much of it off to even it out. And it helped! My hair felt healthy and looked nice for the first time in forever, and I think I looked pretty cute with my hair slightly below chin-lenght. It also helped with the trich and I didn't pulled of any hairs at all this year until one week ago. It is so frustrating! I know it's bad and don't like it, but I can't help it. Five minutes later I catch myself doing it again,,. I don't want to cut my hair this time if possible, since I'm trying to grow it longer (hair is below collar bone-lenght right now).
I think I have started doing it again because I'm having a very stressful time at University atm.

Does any of you have any advice to give? I don't know how to knit, and already use my hands a lot because I'm studying dental hygiene.

[diddiedaisy]

Sorry to hear you've relapsed. I'm in recovery myself and in stressful times always go for the hair. For me the only thing I could do to break the cycle was get up and go and do something else until the urge went.

I've got to say though I wasn't pulling it out. I stopped doing that when I was about 15 after the bald spot appeared. So I started snapping it off instead. I used to get a little knot at the end and played with that for hours. When I was trying to stop I saved my knots and went back to them.

Do you just pull the hair out and immediately discard it or do you play with it? If you play with it could you save your sheds out of your brush and use them? You could also try just brushing it (starting on the scalp) instead of pulling until the urge goes. A sensation on the scalp might trick your brain into thinking it's got it's fix. Even a stress ball might help!!!

Like I initially said though I just used to have to go and make myself busy elsewhere.

Sorry I don't have a massive amount of suggestions, but it's such a personal thing isn't it as to why it's done and how to stop. I haven't done it since I joined here but I'm still always touching it and I can't s&d.

Good luck :)

[lapushka]

Does any of you have any advice to give? I don't know how to knit, and already use my hands a lot because I'm studying dental hygiene.

Pulling it has to hurt, right? So maybe attach a large emotion to that, or a feeling of NO! and maybe that will help for a few days. I know it is a pain in the butt but I think this thing is very hard to beat without professional help. Have you been to a doctor yet?

[hobbitlocks]

I'm sorry you're having trouble with this again BlueCardigan. Personally, I always liked to grow my "spots" out to as short as I could stand it (~shoulder for me) and then cut to make things even. When I was pulling I was generally between APL and BSL (and not trying to grow to longer lengths), so it depends on your tolerance for shorter sections and where those sections are/how easy it is to style them into the rest of your hair.

I'm been pull-free for over five years now after struggling with it on and off for almost 10 years. I have no idea why it finally stuck - I did all the things I had done before to distract myself, but eventually it all just worked. If you do have access to counseling, even just a few sessions, I think that can be really helpful -- at least it was for me! Although it still took me a couple more years after. That and wearing my hair up and doing anything to keep my hands out of it. Good luck :blossom:

[WaitingSoLong]

I was told that I have had trich too long to be helped (by a psychologist). It has been over thirty years. It got noticeably worse about ten years ago.

I am a psych major myself and am learning theories and strategies to help myself. I am determined to beat this.

What is discouraging to me is going so long with success and then ONE day can ruin all my months of progress.

Right now I am working on not hiding when it is so obvious. I am teaching myself CBT to be able to handle the stares.

[Bluecardigan]

Thank you, diddisadaisy and lapushka for your replies! :grouphug:

I don't actually pull out my hair from the scalp, I kind of twirl it around my finger until it forms a big knot- then rips off the knot. And then continues and does the same again til' the hair is very thinned out, and/or only one or two centimeter is left of the hair in that spot. (I hope you understand what I mean, sorry if my english is bad!) One thing I have noticed that helps a little is washing my hair, then I don't feel the whispy, broken parts against my neck or shoulders and the need to continue twirling and pulling off knots. But on the other hand, I can't wash my hair two or three times a day either.
My hair did finally feel kind of thick even at the ends- and that is said being on the lower part of ii- and then I do this to myself. I am just so disappointed!

And no, I haven't been to a doctor yet. Both because I feel ashamed (I know I shouldn't), and because I most of the time live out in the middle of nowhere with the closest doctor about 100 km away. :hmm:

[Bluecardigan]

Thank you also hobbitlocks and WaitingSoLong!

I usually have my hair up with a claw-clip and felt that it worked for me, before the trich started up again. Now I just pull out hair from the claw-clip, and start with the twirling,,.

[diddiedaisy]

So then like me you're a knotter and snapper. In that case save the knots you snap off, then when you get the urge get a knot out and play with it. I used to have knots all over the place and everyone knew not to throw them away or they would face the wrath of a woman on the edge!!!! If I had no saved knots I would have to make another one which obviously is something to be avoided.

This saving of knots really helped me cut down, I strongly suggest you try it. :)

[Bluecardigan]

I'm going to try and do that diddiesdaisy when the urge kicks in. I'd better go and make some knots from hair that is left in an old hairbrush I have around here somewhere haha! Thank you all for the support and advices!

[WaitingSoLong]

I just wanted to say I am leaning cognitive behavioral therapy and taking a class for this disorder. I am employing some of th CBT strategies and hope I can finally beat this thing. I tried again to find a therapist locally for this and they do not exist.

[lapushka]

I just wanted to say I am leaning cognitive behavioral therapy and taking a class for this disorder. I am employing some of th CBT strategies and hope I can finally beat this thing. I tried again to find a therapist locally for this and they do not exist.

Good on you for trying to do something about it. It is very difficult, kind of like nail biting (and I get *that* very much). Maybe a general therapist can be of help for you too? I don't think they necessarily specialize in this.

[Beeboo123]

I used to pull out hair, and managed to make myself stop, but somehow, in the process, picked up the habit of picking my skin till it bleeds. Not sure which is better =\

[WaitingSoLong]

Good on you for trying to do something about it. It is very difficult, kind of like nail biting (and I get *that* very much). Maybe a general therapist can be of help for you too? I don't think they necessarily specialize in this.

I've been to two and only left after months of wasted time and money frustrated. Specializing in CBT is a must. Other therapists just want to talk about stress and ignore my actual trich. There is a lack of therapists in my area that deal with stuff like this at all, even without CBT. Habit reversal training is something a bit different, but IMO, they have the same basis.

It is very much like nail biting. Trich is considered an obsessive-compulsive disorder, but I think nail biting counts as that, too, but there is no DSM acknowledgement for that because it does not meet the criteria for being a disorder (by definition, a disorder has to be 'rare' or unusual). OCD therapies seem to be effective for trich. The problem is self-accountability when you take it on alone.

[enting]

I just received a new hair fork in the mail. I've decided I can't pull while wearing it, and if I pull, I can't wear it. So I'm sitting here with a different, older stick in :/. I think this isn't working so well.

[lapushka]

I just received a new hair fork in the mail. I've decided I can't pull while wearing it, and if I pull, I can't wear it. So I'm sitting here with a different, older stick in :/. I think this isn't working so well.

Oh gosh, I'm sorry. :( Bribing yourself sometimes doesn't work. Maybe try and chill for a while, get comfy with your older stick and try and ease up on pulling, if you can. :flower: Good luck!

[enting]

Oh gosh, I'm sorry. :( Bribing yourself sometimes doesn't work. Maybe try and chill for a while, get comfy with your older stick and try and ease up on pulling, if you can. :flower: Good luck!

Thank you, I think knowing that I'm not alone helps at least a little. It seems like a vicious cycle where I pull, my scalp itches in response to my touching my hair, I feel the urge to pull more. I'm getting the itchies partially under control, but nothing seems to touch the habit part. Being social helps a bit (I'm distracted/it's embarrassing), but I don't have the energy to be with people all day every day! It did seem like a good bribe idea, if bribes were to work.

[leayellena]

Trichotillomania stopped ... er... by itself (?) when my shortest layers reached waist length. my longest layer(s) of the v-cut was at er... lower waist, very Close to the coccyx bone. Also: it was the time after few times venting as guest on lhc :) no, I didn´t Need any therapy, just like I didn´t Need one for bitting my nails. I am still convinced that all the ... er... psychological issues are based on a stressful life.

[lapushka]

Thank you, I think knowing that I'm not alone helps at least a little. It seems like a vicious cycle where I pull, my scalp itches in response to my touching my hair, I feel the urge to pull more. I'm getting the itchies partially under control, but nothing seems to touch the habit part. Being social helps a bit (I'm distracted/it's embarrassing), but I don't have the energy to be with people all day every day! It did seem like a good bribe idea, if bribes were to work.

Doesn't it hurt a lot when you just pull the hairs out? Maybe concentrate on that, and the fact that you don't ever want to feel that anymore. I think that might work?

[lithostoic]

Unemployment and the cost of living has me pulling my eyelashes again :c I've gotten much better at stopping myself though. This too shall pass.

[lapushka]

Unemployment and the cost of living has me pulling my eyelashes again :c I've gotten much better at stopping myself though. This too shall pass.

Oh please don't. I know it's easy to ask for and say, but... try a nice coat of mascara when you feel the need to pull, and primp and preen until your lashes look bomb with the mascara. If you don't want black mascara, you can go for the clear one, the one people generally use on their brows, but it works on plumping lashes up for sure, and it's what I use because I don't want black stuff on my lashes (you need to then take it off and it's a mess, it can smudge etc.)

[enting]

Doesn't it hurt a lot when you just pull the hairs out? Maybe concentrate on that, and the fact that you don't ever want to feel that anymore. I think that might work?

It doesn't usually. It's like my skin got used to it or something. Most of the time I've gotten down to just preening, but even that will pull out hairs. I worry I've permanently weakened some of the roots. I'm also experimenting with washing my scalp/hair more frequently. All the things I try seem to help just a tiny bit, but not entirely.

Ooh, eyelash pulling is rough lithostoic. I never realized how much we need those things until I didn't have them. I am grateful that I have never gotten that bad with pulling my eyelashes ever again since that time. For me, mascara sometimes makes it worse, but everyone's different. I put castor oil on them now. It seems to help my eyebrows and eyelashes, though it makes my scalp hair come out even easier, go figure. I hope your situation improves soon!

[WaitingSoLong]

Mascara definitely makes it worse for me. I use liquid eyeliner to cover my bare eyelids and found a newer formula that is creamy instead of...whatever the other was. It doesn't stick my lashes together like the other stuff which is a trigger. This is what mascara does as well. Plus the flaky specks that eventually get into my eyes causes irritation when stars with the itchies.

I get the itches with my lashes as well. Once I pull one, it's pretty much all over. One tactic I have used successfully with this is to scratch my eyebrow hard enough override the sensation of my lashes. I do my eyebrow because it is close, but no one can see the red mark from scratching it. This distracts from the sensation enough I focus on the feeling in my eyebrow instead.

What works for one certainly doesn't necessarily work for another. I have tried the rubberband snapping thing to no effect at all. I have tried fidget devices (this was before fidget spinners existed, I have a worry stone, a spin ring, beads, etc.). None of that worked. I have tried pulling from safe places, like my arm hair. Nope. Color therapy, dot-to-dots, etc. Most of those are not realistic because I am nearly always doing something I cannot stop doing when I pull, like my homework or driving.

[enting]

I managed to go one complete day without pulling and another day with only pulling two hairs. Both days I was wearing my new hairfork, so maybe the bribing does work somewhat. Today wasn't so great, but it wasn't terrible, either. I wasn't wearing my new fork today so perhaps I wasn't trying as hard. I also might be a little extra anxious today - last evening I accidentally torqued one of my more delicate sticks and heard an ominous creak. It still looks intact but I worry I damaged it.

[naopll10]

I'm reviving this thread. I suffer with trichophagia (hair chewing + pulling disorder, closely related to trich). I will now be seeing a psych for my trich after 5 years.

[AutobotsAttack]

I'm reviving this thread. I suffer with trichophagia (hair chewing + pulling disorder, closely related to trich). I will now be seeing a psych for my trich after 5 years.

Glad to hear you’re making it through. I can only imagine how stressful that is

[Larki]

I've been having a rough patch with mine for a good month or two now. Knitting helps significantly, so does yoga, but I'm always so stressed out still and I pull.

[enting]

I've been having a rough patch with mine for a good month or two now. Knitting helps significantly, so does yoga, but I'm always so stressed out still and I pull.

Knitting helps me, too! Then I put it down for five minutes to rest my hands and I find my fingers in my hair :rolleyes:

Playing around with yarn parandi sometimes helps me. Sometimes not.
Having my comb and BBB nearby to use instead of pulling sometimes helps me. Sometimes not.

My scalp has something going on with it. I was using prescription shampoos for seborrhea and it stayed itchy plus started producing hair casts. Hair casts made me pick at my hair even more, trying to clean off the hair casts :/. I've stopped using the shampoos and there are now less hair casts, but I'm still a bit itchy in patches. Itch means I pick at my hair more. Sigh.

(Yes, I plan on seeing another dermatologist for a second opinion, it just might take a while to get an appointment.)

[Katsura]

Hi! I'm new to the forum.
I have been suffering from trichotillomania for over two decades of my life. The worst times I had were when I was in my 20's. That time I went to see a therapist and perhaps that helped me through the worst of it. Now I'm in my 40's, and the urge to pull is still there, but I'm coping. I keep myself busy most of the time. I've also taken a sort of a surrogate activity to take out my hair scissors and search for any split ends or breakage, if I feel like falling into that state of mind that activates the pulling. I've somewhat accepted that maybe this is a part of me that will never completely go away, although I find it a bid sad that I just never seem to learn how to just relax and be, until I sleep. I love gardening and I'm a very crafty person, so maybe I find my peace of mind from those things anyhow. :)

[chrissy-b]

Hi All! Wanted to pop in to tell you that I’ve had luck with calendula gel on my scalp hot spots. The kind I bought is Boericke & Tafel Califlora gel but I’m sure any brand would be fine. It’s non-greasy and so soothing and cooling for those itchy spots. I was using aloe with lavender EO before but calendula is so much better. It feels almost as if it numbs the area.

You can find it at Whole Foods or other similar health food stores. I bought mine at Vitacost.

I hope this info helps someone!

[ShilvaA]

I have finally conquered my eyebrow plucking/digging out hairs until they bleed problem... however, I still pluck from my legs and now I have started to savagely pick at the skin on the bottoms of my feet... it doesn’t hurt or cause me any problems walking so I don’t mind much.

So all in all, I no longer look like I have no eyebrows and the problem is not fixed but it has moved to less conspicuous areas on my body which I am grateful for.

[Katsura]

I've been almost pull free with my hair, although I've been going through some hard times lately. Couple of days ago I noticed sitting at my PC that I had pulled a couple of eyebrow hairs, and did not notice until it had happened. The signs of my long history of pulling are most visible around my eyebrows and bangs.

[ArienEllariel]

The urge to pull is so strong. :( I've got a big bald spot starting at my crown from picking when my anxiety gets bad. Super frustrating.

[Reyn127]

Hang in there, ArienEllariel! Try and see if there are any other (healthy) outlets to let out your stress, when you get to the point where you are going to pull out your hair. We are all here as well, if talking at all would help you from getting overwhelmed in situations in real life.

[AutobotsAttack]

I wouldn’t really say I have Trichotillomania.

But ever so often I start...idk. “Fiddling” with it. (My hair, that is.)

I was watching a tv show with my husband, and I currently have my hair in braids. And i was just finding small bits of hair and I guess testing their tensile strength out. From what I recollect, I didn’t break any of them, except for maybe two. I did this for about 30 mins. And the sensitive feeling on my scalp after a while I guess was helping me concentrate on whatever it was we were watching.

The only other times I remember doing this was occasionally in high school in random bursts, mostly when I was doing some type of work that required concentration.

Needless to say, the few hairs I’ve broken, I can’t help but feel like I’ve broken a heck of a lot more. I’m pretty sure I’m overreacting. But I have no where else I could put this, and I feel like you ladies here can relate more so than others.

I only say what I said in the beginning simply because this is rather infrequent, but I have memories of me doing it on occasion

[Glitch]

I wouldn’t really say I have Trichotillomania.

But ever so often I start...idk. “Fiddling” with it. (My hair, that is.)

I was watching a tv show with my husband, and I currently have my hair in braids. And i was just finding small bits of hair and I guess testing their tensile strength out. From what I recollect, I didn’t break any of them, except for maybe two. I did this for about 30 mins. And the sensitive feeling on my scalp after a while I guess was helping me concentrate on whatever it was we were watching.

The only other times I remember doing this was occasionally in high school in random bursts, mostly when I was doing some type of work that required concentration.

Needless to say, the few hairs I’ve broken, I can’t help but feel like I’ve broken a heck of a lot more. I’m pretty sure I’m overreacting. But I have no where else I could put this, and I feel like you ladies here can relate more so than others.

I only say what I said in the beginning simply because this is rather infrequent, but I have memories of me doing it on occasion

Glad to know it's not a frequent habit! <3

I remember really struggling with both trichotillomania and excoriation for a few years to where I really damaged my skin and brows. Luckily I finally broke the habit 2+ years ago and everything is healed and back to normal. Wishing everyone still fighting it the best of luck and a lot of strength!

[chrissy-b]

And the sensitive feeling on my scalp after a while I guess was helping me concentrate on whatever it was we were watching.

The only other times I remember doing this was occasionally in high school in random bursts, mostly when I was doing some type of work that required concentration.

This is what it’s like for me too. It really helps be focus (I hate it!). When I’m writing and trying to figure something out or concentrate that’s when I have the urge the most. I rarely zone out and do it anymore unless I’m sleep deprived.

[chrissy-b]

Glad to know it's not a frequent habit! <3

I remember really struggling with both trichotillomania and excoriation for a few years to where I really damaged my skin and brows. Luckily I finally broke the habit 2+ years ago and everything is healed and back to normal. Wishing everyone still fighting it the best of luck and a lot of strength!

Congrats on 2 years! That’s wonderful!!!

[Glitch]

Congrats on 2 years! That’s wonderful!!!

Thank you so much!! :heartbeat I still get "urges" once in a while but don't fall for them, hopefully one day I won't have any :p

[AutobotsAttack]

Glad to know it's not a frequent habit! <3

I remember really struggling with both trichotillomania and excoriation for a few years to where I really damaged my skin and brows. Luckily I finally broke the habit 2+ years ago and everything is healed and back to normal. Wishing everyone still fighting it the best of luck and a lot of strength!

I’m glad you’re doing better! And thanks for understanding

[AutobotsAttack]

This is what it’s like for me too. It really helps be focus (I hate it!). When I’m writing and trying to figure something out or concentrate that’s when I have the urge the most. I rarely zone out and do it anymore unless I’m sleep deprived.

It’s good to know youve been through it too.

I’ve been thinking about buying fidget cubes (not the spinners though lol). I’ve never given attention to things that help fidgeting. I would just let myself fidget it out until I stopped. So I’m starting to think I’ll like them and keep up with them and actually use them.

[chrissy-b]

It’s good to know youve been through it too.

I’ve been thinking about buying fidget cubes (not the spinners though lol). I’ve never given attention to things that help fidgeting. I would just let myself fidget it out until I stopped. So I’m starting to think I’ll like them and keep up with them and actually use them.

The tangle toys are my favorite for figetting: https://www.target.com/p/tangle-relax-therapy/-/A-52422124?sid=1408S&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Toys+Shopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Toys&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9031117&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlv_XBRDrARIsAH-iRJTI9az4ZskdtZgw-25lEBZ-us4glEcZp9TpByx_NDDvs5AufAn_wHsaAlaCEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Also, when I’m home I use one of these shampoo brushes to massage my scalp instead (I’m a scalp puller so I don’t know how helpful for you though but worth a try). So instead of pulling I’m giving myself a gentle massage which is good for hair growth too! https://m.bedbathandbeyond.com/m/product/aquapalm-reg-shampoo-brush-scalp-massager/3343232?skuId=60343369&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_beautywellness_online&product_id=60343369&adtype=pla&product_channel=online&adpos=1o4&creative=224172801079&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&mrkgadid=558369047&mrkgcl=609&rkg_id=h-fbb0a4cc9fdb28efca6ba650e7847aeb_t-1526761265&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlv_XBRDrARIsAH-iRJSZbljK1nekHDT7xocdyzElVwv_3QK72_T3oZACVT2ltrdB-mBVGhkaApmDEALw_wcB

Hope that helps!

[chrissy-b]

Thank you so much!! :heartbeat I still get "urges" once in a while but don't fall for them, hopefully one day I won't have any :p

You’re welcome! And I hope whatever you’ve done to stop keeps working for you forever.

I just recently found out I have celiac so I’m gluten-free now and have noticed a serious reduction in urges. There have been years in my life where I haven’t pulled at all but I haven’t figured out what was different then (was def eating gluten). Hoping this new diet keeps helping though.

[Glitch]

You’re welcome! And I hope whatever you’ve done to stop keeps working for you forever.

I just recently found out I have celiac so I’m gluten-free now and have noticed a serious reduction in urges. There have been years in my life where I haven’t pulled at all but I haven’t figured out what was different then (was def eating gluten). Hoping this new diet keeps helping though.

Thanks again!

Oh wow, I'm glad you've at least found out and will be feeling a lot better with your new diet :o My friend found out the same a few years back. I saw her the other day and her skin was just beaming in perfection. I'm really hoping it works out for you too!

[chrissy-b]

Thanks again!

Oh wow, I'm glad you've at least found out and will be feeling a lot better with your new diet :o My friend found out the same a few years back. I saw her the other day and her skin was just beaming in perfection. I'm really hoping it works out for you too!

Well, I’ve lost about ten pounds in the last two months which is great and I’m no longer bloated and puffy from water retention, but my face is still breaking out. 🙄 My acne actually got worse! It has started to clear up in the last couple of days but it seemed like my body was purging all that gluten for a while. I hope I get glowing skin eventually! 🤞

[AutobotsAttack]

The tangle toys are my favorite for figetting: https://www.target.com/p/tangle-relax-therapy/-/A-52422124?sid=1408S&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Toys+Shopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Toys&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9031117&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlv_XBRDrARIsAH-iRJTI9az4ZskdtZgw-25lEBZ-us4glEcZp9TpByx_NDDvs5AufAn_wHsaAlaCEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Also, when I’m home I use one of these shampoo brushes to massage my scalp instead (I’m a scalp puller so I don’t know how helpful for you though but worth a try). So instead of pulling I’m giving myself a gentle massage which is good for hair growth too! https://m.bedbathandbeyond.com/m/product/aquapalm-reg-shampoo-brush-scalp-massager/3343232?skuId=60343369&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_beautywellness_online&product_id=60343369&adtype=pla&product_channel=online&adpos=1o4&creative=224172801079&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&mrkgadid=558369047&mrkgcl=609&rkg_id=h-fbb0a4cc9fdb28efca6ba650e7847aeb_t-1526761265&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlv_XBRDrARIsAH-iRJSZbljK1nekHDT7xocdyzElVwv_3QK72_T3oZACVT2ltrdB-mBVGhkaApmDEALw_wcB

Hope that helps!

Ooooo thanks I’ll be looking at these definitely!

I wouldn’t say I pull from my scalp directly, but I’ll pull a hair from wherever I decide to grab at it and some come out of my scalp, some just snap along the shaft. But I like scalp massages anyways lol.

Thanks again!

[Glitch]

Well, I’ve lost about ten pounds in the last two months which is great and I’m no longer bloated and puffy from water retention, but my face is still breaking out. �� My acne actually got worse! It has started to clear up in the last couple of days but it seemed like my body was purging all that gluten for a while. I hope I get glowing skin eventually! ��

Super glad to hear that :o
Aww, don't worry about it <3 It took my skin two years to go from terrible (cuts, acne, bumps, scars, everything) to very smooth and clear. It can be a hectic ride, but I know you'll get there with time! Hopefully even much sooner than I did!

[Katsura]

I've been gluten free for years and I watch my carbs too. It has helped my anxieties. I used to have BED too, but that's completely gone.

[enting]

Part of the reason I bought a BBB was to brush my scalp and help reduce the pulling urge.
Tangle toys sound like a good idea, I keep wondering if I should get one.

I've been doing badly lately. I think I had one day this week that I didn't pull at all, but the other days are making up for it. I nearly made a bald patch about a month ago and I just keep picking at it :/ It's not bald-as-an-egg, but it's noticeable if I don't style my hair to mask it.

I find that generally if I do a really good scalp brushing with the BBB before washing my hair and then make sure my scalp is moisturized but not greasy, that helps the urge, but it's not failsafe. I'm experimenting with conditioner on the scalp to see if it helps the urge and the itch.
I haven't noticed if carbs make a difference. I know plain sugar in large amounts does.

I think I need to start wearing a bandanna or scarf or wide headband around the house more often to help me not pull. I like my hair loose and relaxed so I've been dragging my feet on that, but then I play with it, pick at it, and pull it out.

[chrissy-b]

I've been gluten free for years and I watch my carbs too. It has helped my anxieties. I used to have BED too, but that's completely gone.

That is so great to hear Katsura!

I've only been gluten-free for a couple of months (not counting the two times I was glutened) and it's weird -- I don't really notice a difference... until I get glutened. When that happens, my joints ache and I break out into an itchy rash and I have the worst brain fog for about a week (and I can't poop!). I was so surprised because I really didn't think I had any celiac symptoms at all.

I've overhauled my diet completely (eating A LOT more vegetables and healthy fats, have cut out all carbs, even gluten-friendly ones, and dairy, and since my ferritin is low too, I'm on iron); I hope it all helps with my anxiety and depression long-term. And I really hope I can re-introduce dairy again. I LOVE CHEESE! :cheese:

[chrissy-b]

Part of the reason I bought a BBB was to brush my scalp and help reduce the pulling urge.
Tangle toys sound like a good idea, I keep wondering if I should get one.

I've been doing badly lately. I think I had one day this week that I didn't pull at all, but the other days are making up for it. I nearly made a bald patch about a month ago and I just keep picking at it :/ It's not bald-as-an-egg, but it's noticeable if I don't style my hair to mask it.

I find that generally if I do a really good scalp brushing with the BBB before washing my hair and then make sure my scalp is moisturized but not greasy, that helps the urge, but it's not failsafe. I'm experimenting with conditioner on the scalp to see if it helps the urge and the itch.
I haven't noticed if carbs make a difference. I know plain sugar in large amounts does.

I think I need to start wearing a bandanna or scarf or wide headband around the house more often to help me not pull. I like my hair loose and relaxed so I've been dragging my feet on that, but then I play with it, pick at it, and pull it out.

Tangle toys are the best! I can't recommend them enough. I've tried a ton of fidget toys and they're the best for me. I have five or so, scattered all over my house in the locations I pull the most.

I like the BBB to itch my scalp too! I've also had good luck with a fine-tooth horn comb for my hot spots. I always try to itch with something other than my fingers to stop me from pulling.

Conditioner and oil on my scalp make it worse for me. I always forget though, and try to do a scalp massage with castor oil for hair growth and then wonder why my urges increase! I know it's not the same for everyone, but if you notice your urges increase after trying the conditioner on your scalp, that may be why. I now use either aloe with some rosemary, peppermint or lavender on my scalp or just straight calendula gel.

[Katsura]

That is so great to hear Katsura!

I've only been gluten-free for a couple of months (not counting the two times I was glutened) and it's weird -- I don't really notice a difference... until I get glutened. When that happens, my joints ache and I break out into an itchy rash and I have the worst brain fog for about a week (and I can't poop!). I was so surprised because I really didn't think I had any celiac symptoms at all.

I've overhauled my diet completely (eating A LOT more vegetables and healthy fats, have cut out all carbs, even gluten-friendly ones, and dairy, and since my ferritin is low too, I'm on iron); I hope it all helps with my anxiety and depression long-term. And I really hope I can re-introduce dairy again. I LOVE CHEESE! :cheese:

I love cheese too! ;)
And I get joint symptoms too. My father has got osteoarthritis in his fingers, and at one point I was seeing and feeling similar changes in my fingers too. But it went away as I went on my diet. My knee joints feel a lot better too. My work is very stressing to joint areas, so it's important for me that they will do as good as possible. I also get skin infections very fast if I eat somethig with gluten, and the worst case scenario is when it appears in my scalp, because I really don't want to loose any hairs to it.

I'm glad you have found good feeling from your diet, may that good energy prosper! :)

[enting]

Tangle toys are the best! I can't recommend them enough. I've tried a ton of fidget toys and they're the best for me. I have five or so, scattered all over my house in the locations I pull the most.

I like the BBB to itch my scalp too! I've also had good luck with a fine-tooth horn comb for my hot spots. I always try to itch with something other than my fingers to stop me from pulling.

Conditioner and oil on my scalp make it worse for me. I always forget though, and try to do a scalp massage with castor oil for hair growth and then wonder why my urges increase! I know it's not the same for everyone, but if you notice your urges increase after trying the conditioner on your scalp, that may be why. I now use either aloe with some rosemary, peppermint or lavender on my scalp or just straight calendula gel.

Yes, using something other than my fingers to scratch does seem to help. I'm trying to use a lice comb only to pick at areas with hair casts rather than using my fingers.

So far I'm going on day 3 without pulling at all. I told DH that it's hard and I'm using every trick in the book. He faced me slowly and said "every TRICH?" It took me a minute or two but I got it.

I have one wooden hairfork that I promised myself I can only wear if I don't pull, and if I pull, I must switch it out for a different toy. I've been trying to remind myself by jamming it in my sleep bun as soon as I wake up. Then when my hand wanders up I encounter it and remember. It's also pretty comfy to use for scratching. It's not sharp, but the tines are narrow enough that it is helpful.

I haven't washed my hair since the time I conditioned my hair and scalp, but I do think it helped also. I have water itch and it may help my scalp the same way that applying oils to my skin help with water itch. I keep wanting castor oil on my scalp to help, but instead it makes my hair roots weaken and come out more easily so that even if I catch myself right away, it's too late and I have hairs in my hand. Tea tree does seem to help also, and I have mint Head and Shoulders as my shampoo.

I know from many threads here on LHC that oils and seborrhea are a no-no, so when my dermatologist told me my itchy spots are seborrheic, I told her that oils help reduce my itchiness. I asked her how that could be and she basically shrugged. Helpful, that! I'll just keep on keeping on with whatever seems to help for the time being.

[chrissy-b]

I love cheese too! ;)
And I get joint symptoms too. My father has got osteoarthritis in his fingers, and at one point I was seeing and feeling similar changes in my fingers too. But it went away as I went on my diet. My knee joints feel a lot better too. My work is very stressing to joint areas, so it's important for me that they will do as good as possible. I also get skin infections very fast if I eat somethig with gluten, and the worst case scenario is when it appears in my scalp, because I really don't want to loose any hairs to it.

I'm glad you have found good feeling from your diet, may that good energy prosper! :)

Thank you!

That is exactly how my brother found out he was celiac: osteoarthritis in his fingers. He said it took about two weeks gluten-free before the pain went away completely.

I had never had any skin issues (except acne) but the last time I was glutened I got these eczema-like rashes on my eyelids. They were red, scaly and itchy. It's like cutting out the gluten, then accidentally reintroducing it, has made my reactions more severe.

[chrissy-b]

Oooh, I bet that lice comb feels great! And contrats on three days pull-free, enting!!!

[enting]

Oooh, I bet that lice comb feels great! And contrats on three days pull-free, enting!!!

I'm even trying to not scrape the scalp with it since that sets my skin up to tingle and maybe itch more. I'm trying to get the hair just above the scalp and try to comb off dandruff/hair casts so I don't use my fingers. If I do scrape the scalp I've been putting moisturizer on right afterwards to reduce whatever tingliness I get. It might feel good to scrape with the comb in the moment but it sets me up to scratch and pull with my fingers later in the day.

Thank you for the congratulations, but I just found myself tugging at my sideburn just now :/ Since it's an area I deliberately started tweezing/threading I'm going to say I'm still counting days, but I'm a little disappointed in myself because it was the same mindless pulling with my fingers. I don't think I pulled anything out, it's all downy hair where I was touching so it's hard to tell. But no non-downy hair pulls still, just sheds from combing/finger combing.

[Prettychild]

Hello All, can I please join?

[chrissy-b]

Hello All, can I please join?

Of course! Welcome!

[lithostoic]

I've recovered to the point where I can carefully wash my eyes (I have allergies) without wanting to pluck my lashes. I do cheat a little and lightly pull across them to loosen any shed hairs. It's SO painful when those suckers get in your eye (I've had a scratched cornea from it) and I'd rather avoid it when I can lmao.

It's not like I don't still mindlessly reach up and start fiddling. I catch myself, most often in times of stress. This is going to be a many-years-long process!

[lapushka]

I've recovered to the point where I can carefully wash my eyes (I have allergies) without wanting to pluck my lashes. I do cheat a little and lightly pull across them to loosen any shed hairs. It's SO painful when those suckers get in your eye (I've had a scratched cornea from it) and I'd rather avoid it when I can lmao.

It's not like I don't still mindlessly reach up and start fiddling. I catch myself, most often in times of stress. This is going to be a many-years-long process!

I don't have trich, and I do that too, because I have had them in my eye multiple times and rather loosen the sheds (like once a week or every 2 weeks) than have to deal with a lash in my eye!

[Texseaussie]

Hi everyone! I'm brand new. I'm 32 now but had full blow trich when I was a kid. I haven't had it in years and years, but the urge to fiddle with my hair and tug is still there! I wish you all the best. This this is so tough and unfair ((HUGS))

[shelleynyc]

Is it only considered trichotillomania if you actually pull the hair strands out of your head? In the last 10 months I have developed a new bad habit of pulling my hair, but not pulling it out completely. I will just pull a small chunk of hair (like maybe 30 strands) and tug on it, over and over all day. It's always in the same spot, on the top of my head.

I know what started it; I did a protein treatment last winter after my hair had become damaged from bleach, but I think I overdid it, because me hair got super crunchy and grabby and would tangle like crazy after that, especially in this one part on top of my head. So I started pulling that hair and combing through it with my fingers non-stop all day because it bothered me so much.

Now I have chopped all those damaged parts off and it is no longer crunchy or grabby/tangled, but I can't stop pulling that same hair anyway. Now it's just like I'm doing it out of habit! I think I probably pull that same part of hair 100+ times a day, but it could be way more and that I do it without even thinking about it. I am diagnosed with ADHD and OCD, so it might also be connected to that as well. Anyone have any ideas how to stop? I have already tried wearing my hair up all the time, which helped a little, but I want to be able to have my hair down without doing that...

[lapushka]

Is it only considered trichotillomania if you actually pull the hair strands out of your head? In the last 10 months I have developed a new bad habit of pulling my hair, but not pulling it out completely. I will just pull a small chunk of hair (like maybe 30 strands) and tug on it, over and over all day. It's always in the same spot, on the top of my head.

I know what started it; I did a protein treatment last winter after my hair had become damaged from bleach, but I think I overdid it, because me hair got super crunchy and grabby and would tangle like crazy after that, especially in this one part on top of my head. So I started pulling that hair and combing through it with my fingers non-stop all day because it bothered me so much.

Now I have chopped all those damaged parts off and it is no longer crunchy or grabby/tangled, but I can't stop pulling that same hair anyway. Now it's just like I'm doing it out of habit! I think I probably pull that same part of hair 100+ times a day, but it could be way more and that I do it without even thinking about it. I am diagnosed with ADHD and OCD, so it might also be connected to that as well. Anyone have any ideas how to stop? I have already tried wearing my hair up all the time, which helped a little, but I want to be able to have my hair down without doing that...

That's... not normal. I would talk to your doctor, and maybe something needs to be done about your medicine (changed up). If you take medicine for those conditions, that is. I would talk to your doctor asap. :flower:

[chrissy-b]

Is it only considered trichotillomania if you actually pull the hair strands out of your head? In the last 10 months I have developed a new bad habit of pulling my hair, but not pulling it out completely. I will just pull a small chunk of hair (like maybe 30 strands) and tug on it, over and over all day. It's always in the same spot, on the top of my head.

I know what started it; I did a protein treatment last winter after my hair had become damaged from bleach, but I think I overdid it, because me hair got super crunchy and grabby and would tangle like crazy after that, especially in this one part on top of my head. So I started pulling that hair and combing through it with my fingers non-stop all day because it bothered me so much.

Now I have chopped all those damaged parts off and it is no longer crunchy or grabby/tangled, but I can't stop pulling that same hair anyway. Now it's just like I'm doing it out of habit! I think I probably pull that same part of hair 100+ times a day, but it could be way more and that I do it without even thinking about it. I am diagnosed with ADHD and OCD, so it might also be connected to that as well. Anyone have any ideas how to stop? I have already tried wearing my hair up all the time, which helped a little, but I want to be able to have my hair down without doing that...

That definitely sounds like trich. Many people start that way (finding the texture of certain hairs different -- coarser or kinkier than others) and then become unable to stop fiddling. I fiddled for a long time before I started pulling. And I disagree with lapushka -- it IS normal for those of us who have trich and unfortunately, medication does not help most people. I would still discuss options with your doctor, though. The only way I know that is even remotely successful in helping us stop is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Habit Reversal Training. You can also try fidget toys to keep your hands occupied (I like Tangles (https://www.amazon.com/Tangle-Relax-Therapy-Purple-Yellow/dp/B01M102CKY/ref=pd_sim_21_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01M102CKY&pd_rd_r=c5379255-e450-11e8-963e-55bdcc3215cb&pd_rd_w=5E3tG&pd_rd_wg=XkWbe&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=07D23RBGB2C00222A9BZ&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=07D23RBGB2C00222A9BZ) personally). HTH

[Amelia777]

I have a friend who suffer from Trichotillomania. She was prescribed with the pills, but I read about their side effects (here canadapharmacy.com (https://www.canadapharmacy.com/) helps me a lot) and suggested her looking for the alternative ways of treatment. So, I'm glad that I've found this thread. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[enting]

That definitely sounds like trich. Many people start that way (finding the texture of certain hairs different -- coarser or kinkier than others) and then become unable to stop fiddling. I fiddled for a long time before I started pulling. And I disagree with lapushka -- it IS normal for those of us who have trich and unfortunately, medication does not help most people. I would still discuss options with your doctor, though. The only way I know that is even remotely successful in helping us stop is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Habit Reversal Training. You can also try fidget toys to keep your hands occupied (I like Tangles (https://www.amazon.com/Tangle-Relax-Therapy-Purple-Yellow/dp/B01M102CKY/ref=pd_sim_21_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01M102CKY&pd_rd_r=c5379255-e450-11e8-963e-55bdcc3215cb&pd_rd_w=5E3tG&pd_rd_wg=XkWbe&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=07D23RBGB2C00222A9BZ&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=07D23RBGB2C00222A9BZ) personally). HTH

Agreed, it does sound like trich. Any number of types of behaviors can be correlated and have been written about in this thread, such as pulling, tugging, twirling, ripping, you name it. I wouldn't armchair diagnose, but it does sound suspiciously correct. Texture of hair is a very common initial trigger. My initial trigger was probably a skin issue, so I don't have the diagnosis, but I have a lot of overlapping behaviors.

I'm also going to agree with Lapushka, though, as I see both comments to lead to the same conclusion. If it's normal for someone *with* trich, it is *not* normal for someone that doesn't have trich. Both statements lead toward suggesting that it is trich or a similarly problematic behavior.


I have a friend who suffer from Trichotillomania. She was prescribed with the pills, but I read about their side effects (here canadapharmacy.com helps me a lot) and suggested her looking for the alternative ways of treatment. So, I'm glad that I've found this thread. Thanks for sharing your experience!

I'm glad you can help your friend with suggestions you might find here. However, if she was prescribed pills that work for her, I'd be very hesitant to encourage her to search for something alternative in place of them. The suggestions here could supplement her medication, certainly. She should be aware of any side effects of her prescription and discuss them with her doctor, but most medications have a whole slew of side effects written, not all of which does someone actually experience. If she herself wants to find alternatives rather than take the prescription, I also understand.

Update on me: I've had a terrible week of pulling all over the place and probably ruined my hairline. I slathered goop all over my head last night, wrapped it up in a scarf, and washed it all out today in the hopes that it will "reset" my need to pick at everything.

Of course since I didn't pull at all today, I had to have some hair grabbed and ripped out by a tree in the front yard. Sigh.

I am determined to stay "good" tomorrow. Please let this work.

[lithostoic]

Still gradually getting better. I generally only touch my eyelashes when washing my face. Last time I pulled was a week ago and I caught myself after like 3 eyelashes. I'm glad that even in periods of high stress I'm not as bad as I used to be.

[lapushka]

I'm glad you can help your friend with suggestions you might find here. However, if she was prescribed pills that work for her, I'd be very hesitant to encourage her to search for something alternative in place of them. The suggestions here could supplement her medication, certainly. She should be aware of any side effects of her prescription and discuss them with her doctor, but most medications have a whole slew of side effects written, not all of which does someone actually experience. If she herself wants to find alternatives rather than take the prescription, I also understand.

Update on me: I've had a terrible week of pulling all over the place and probably ruined my hairline. I slathered goop all over my head last night, wrapped it up in a scarf, and washed it all out today in the hopes that it will "reset" my need to pick at everything.

Of course since I didn't pull at all today, I had to have some hair grabbed and ripped out by a tree in the front yard. Sigh.

I am determined to stay "good" tomorrow. Please let this work.

I agree with that 100% ^^ Don't mess with the doctor-patient relationship!

I have seen you post about pills and side-effects (for allergy?) in another thread and discouraging people from taking medication that was prescribed to them by a physician can be more dangerous than "possible" side-effects.

Any pill has side-effects. They are just stated on the leaflet or bottle for legal reasons more than anything. Yes they could occur, but it serves more as "something to look out for should it happen". So you are warned.

Please be careful with that! :) :flower:

[Death-Within-Me]

Hello. This is me. I don't know when I started developing this but it was definitely recent.
It's especially bad when I'm bored and my hair's freshly washed so the coarseys stick out even more.

I constantly have to put my hair up or my fingers will start to itch and so will my scalp. My strands are fine for the most part but I'm starting to develope a lot of wiry, coarse hairs for some reason. My harmones are out of wack? Or my body's just changing due to age, but the wiry, coarse hairs are increasing and I have this furious urge to pluck all of them out for the satisfaction.

I don't want to be bald or stunt my growth. :/

[fieldsofflowers]

Hello everyone! I know there are quite a few of us here who suffer from trichotillomania, and I have seen this idea used on other forums and groups and I thought perhaps it might be helpful to have one here for us long hairs. You can post about your progress or your pull free day streaks, or just some enouragement for yourself or others if you need it. For me personally, things like this have helped some in the past and I thought that perhaps it could help someone else. Happy growing everyone!

[ArienEllariel]

This sounds great! I unfortunately pulled a few hairs today. But. Not as many as a couple days ago so that's progress in my book!

[wo]

I had a bad case of trichotillomania from age 10 to 24. Lots of short hair to start over after very big bald patches. I tried crafts to keep my hands busy, and wearing gloves, and sheer determination and nothing worked until I found LHC and decided to make it a project to have the best and longest hair I could have and I can't believe it but I haven't pulled a single head hair out in 6 years! I redirected it to my eyebrows but I got "powder brows" (semi permanent tattoo brows) to fix that.


(Oops posted too soon on accident.) Anyway I'm not saying that would work for anyone else! I can't even believe it worked for me! I'm just saying that for some reason the mental shift of focusing on my hair obsessively but in a GOOD way, worked for me. Whereas all the efforts to just ignore it never did. Also search and destroy was a great substitute for pulling, back when it was still a strong urge. I still got to find "bad hairs" and fix them, but in a healthy way.

[fieldsofflowers]

I had a bad case of trichotillomania from age 10 to 24. Lots of short hair to start over after very big bald patches. I tried crafts to keep my hands busy, and wearing gloves, and sheer determination and nothing worked until I found LHC and decided to make it a project to have the best and longest hair I could have and I can't believe it but I haven't pulled a single head hair out in 6 years! I redirected it to my eyebrows but I got "powder brows" (semi permanent tattoo brows) to fix that.


(Oops posted too soon on accident.) Anyway I'm not saying that would work for anyone else! I can't even believe it worked for me! I'm just saying that for some reason the mental shift of focusing on my hair obsessively but in a GOOD way, worked for me. Whereas all the efforts to just ignore it never did. Also search and destroy was a great substitute for pulling, back when it was still a strong urge. I still got to find "bad hairs" and fix them, but in a healthy way.

That's a great idea! I've tried to try it but I still pull a lot, and more recently along the front of my middle part so it is very very obvious how thin my hair is, especially because I pull where the baby hairs are growing out from. I think i just need more will power, to be honest.

[GordonMurphella]

There is a thread on this, in the non-public section of the forum, already.

Some folks may, understandably, be reluctant to discuss mental health in this public area.

Pax!

[fieldsofflowers]

Oh whoops, I didn't realize that. I was very sleep deprived when I posted it, and I didn't think about how this section was public. If one of the mods want to move this thread, I wouldn't mind it :). Lack of sleep really messes with my memory :shudder:

[GordonMurphella]

Oh whoops, I didn't realize that. I was very sleep deprived when I posted it, and I didn't think about how this section was public. If one of the mods want to move this thread, I wouldn't mind it :). Lack of sleep really messes with my memory :shudder:

Don't beat yourself up about it :) and I hope you get some rest!

[fieldsofflowers]

Don't beat yourself up about it :) and I hope you get some rest! Aww thanks! I was able to get some rest this past night, thankfully> I have a busy week ahead of me though, so we'll see how long it lasts haha

[Ylva]

I merged it with the biggest trichotillomania thread I found, but this one is still in the Mane Forum. Could someone please link the members-only one for me if you have it at hand? It didn't show up in the search. :shrug:

[Larki]

https://i.ibb.co/HKGgxDm/20211123-152543-0.jpg

*sigh*

[Julie8844]

Trichotillomania could be caused by anxiety and stress. It can coexist with an anxiety disorder. However, psychiatrists consider it as a separate illness and not an anxiety disorder. It won't go away on its own. It is a mental health disorder that requires treatment. There is no cure for this disorder, but it can be successfully managed. Therapy by a qualified body-focused repetitive behavior practitioner would be the ideal method to deal with trichotillomania. My best friend suffers from it. I'll share this thread with her. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[keshkala]

Thanks for sharing. I'm sure it's not an easy thing to do. This thread is very useful and will help many people. Thanks again.

[Hedwig]

I've had a very light case of trich since I was a teenager but I didn't put 2+2 together and realized that it's actually trich until recently (maybe a year ago?). I don't pull very much but I'm always fidgeting with my hair and feeling for rough, kinky hairs. Sometimes I pull but never more than one hair at once. I've never had any bald spots or anything like that - very light case. But I'm always playing with my hair! I touch my hair probably 100 times per hour and become extra focused on it when I'm going through periods of high stress. It sucks.

[Julie8844]

I've had a very light case of trich since I was a teenager but I didn't put 2+2 together and realized that it's actually trich until recently (maybe a year ago?). I don't pull very much but I'm always fidgeting with my hair and feeling for rough, kinky hairs. Sometimes I pull but never more than one hair at once. I've never had any bald spots or anything like that - very light case. But I'm always playing with my hair! I touch my hair probably 100 times per hour and become extra focused on it when I'm going through periods of high stress. It sucks.

I'm sorry, you have this problem, but it is good that your case is very light. Have you tried therapy or anything else? I mentioned above that my friend suffers from trichotillomania. I looked through various online pharmacy sites and read much on the topic in the hope to help her. So, here is the list of things you can try yourself:
- squeeze a stress ball or something similar
- form a ball with your fist and tighten the muscles in that arm
- use a fidget toy
- wear a bandana or a tight-fitting hat, such as a beanie
- come up with a saying that you repeat out loud until the urge to pull passes.
Hopefully, you will find something helpful among these techniques.

[Larki]

Finally made some progress with the bald spots above my ears!! The crown is still incredibly thin but luckily that can masquerade as regular thinning and doesn't look as suspicious as above the ears.

https://imgur.com/a/OVYYs0t

[ETJ CURLS]

Finally made some progress with the bald spots above my ears!! The crown is still incredibly thin but luckily that can masquerade as regular thinning and doesn't look as suspicious as above the ears.

https://imgur.com/a/OVYYs0t

That's wonderful, Larki! Here's to your continued success!

I've never had a problem with pulling at my actual scalp hair, but my eyebrows and lashes have suffered. However I'm doing much better this year than I have in the past. (I blame The Rescuers for inciting this issue, as I watched it as small, impressionable child and didn't understand the villainess was removing false lashes, not pulling out her remaining three lashes. :oops:) But also, my lashes are very curly and flip around into my eyes, and the discomfort can trigger a pulling session.

Taking and posting selfies has honestly helped, because I hate seeing the gaps.

[aloewurly]

Mine is so bad lately. I fixate badly on my eyebrows, every bump from folliculitis on my scalp, and every bump from keratosis pilaris on my body. I always get the "other people have it worse" mindset, but it's deeply frustrating me lately that I can't afford a dermatologist and my scalp is perpetually getting worse (and flaring up my picking, which makes it worse...)

[ETJ CURLS]

Mine is so bad lately. I fixate badly on my eyebrows, every bump from folliculitis on my scalp, and every bump from keratosis pilaris on my body. I always get the "other people have it worse" mindset, but it's deeply frustrating me lately that I can't afford a dermatologist and my scalp is perpetually getting worse (and flaring up my picking, which makes it worse...)

Would it help to just shave your brows completely? That way you're not disturbing the actual follicle, and your brows can have time to heal. In the meantime there won't be anything for you to pick at until you're able to break the habit.

[lapushka]

Would it help to just shave your brows completely? That way you're not disturbing the actual follicle, and your brows can have time to heal. In the meantime there won't be anything for you to pick at until you're able to break the habit.

Kinda drastic, IMHO. But yeah, sometimes you have to be that way with things. :shrug: I am a nail biter (all my life) and it's super hard to break a habit like that!

[aloewurly]

Would it help to just shave your brows completely? That way you're not disturbing the actual follicle, and your brows can have time to heal. In the meantime there won't be anything for you to pick at until you're able to break the habit.

I have tried it before (for fashion, because why not) and it didn't make much of a difference. But I have shaved my body and it did help! I'm terrified ill have ingrowns but so far, so good. My scalp is my biggest problem, because the infection just keeps spreading if I pick. I'm trying to wear bandanas for now and make my hair less accessible.

[ETJ CURLS]

I have tried it before (for fashion, because why not) and it didn't make much of a difference. But I have shaved my body and it did help! I'm terrified ill have ingrowns but so far, so good. My scalp is my biggest problem, because the infection just keeps spreading if I pick. I'm trying to wear bandanas for now and make my hair less accessible.

Perhaps a hairstyling mannequin head would help? They're fairly cheap online, and you can pull out all its hair when you get the urge instead of your own.

Something that sometimes helps me when I start going in on the lashes and brows is to go and look at myself in mirror and ask if I really want to look crazy, perhaps forever because this could be the last time the follicle will ever regrow. And then putting some slippery facial cleanser over the brows because you can't pick them if you can't grip them.