What is hair pulling?
Briefly introduce the topic. How common is it? Are some more complex than others? How serious can it be? How treatable can it be?
Trichotillomania, often known as “trich,” is a condition where you feel a strong urge to pull out your hair, which can lead to noticeable hair loss and distress. It usually begins during the teenage years, typically between ages 10 and 13. While it can feel isolating, it’s important to know that many people experience trichotillomania, and you are not alone.
Trichotillomania is not about self-harm; rather, it’s an overwhelming habit that can be difficult to control. For some, the urge is manageable, but for others, it can interfere with daily life and self-esteem. Stress often triggers and worsens the condition, making it harder to break the cycle.
Recognising that you’re not alone and finding support is the first step. Learning to manage stress and adopting helpful coping strategies can greatly improve your quality of life.
1%–2% of people experience trichotillomania
50% of sufferers never seek treatment
Trichotillomania is more common in females, with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 3:1
Trich usually starts between the ages of 10 and 13 years old
What causes it?
Trichotillomania is a complex condition with a mix of genetic, emotional, and environmental causes. It often starts in childhood or adolescence and can run in families. Triggers like stress, anxiety, or even skin irritations can make the urge to pull hair stronger.
Pulling hair can sometimes create a sense of relief or satisfaction because it releases feel-good chemicals in the brain, making it harder to stop. While more women tend to seek help for trichotillomania, it affects both men and women equally during childhood. Understanding these causes helps in finding ways to manage the condition.
What are the symptoms & effects?
Trichotillomania often occurs when you’re distracted, like when reading or watching TV. It might feel like an overwhelming itch that only pulling hair can relieve. However, this can result in visible signs, such as bald patches or thinning hair, which may impact your confidence, especially in social or work settings.
Emotional and Social Effects
Hair-pulling can lead to feelings of shame and low self-esteem. You might avoid social situations or wear hats and makeup to hide the effects, which can cause isolation and strain relationships.
Physical Health Concerns
In some cases, trichotillomania can lead to trichophagia (eating the pulled hair), which may cause serious digestive issues that require medical attention.
Recognising these symptoms is key to taking the first step towards seeking help and improving your quality of life.
How can it be managed?
If hair-pulling is affecting your self-esteem or daily life, there are effective ways to manage it, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Talking Therapies
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common treatment for trichotillomania. It helps you identify the triggers and replace hair-pulling with healthier habits. Therapy also supports you in managing the emotions that lead to pulling hair.
Keeping a Diary
Tracking when and why you feel the urge to pull hair in a diary can help you recognise patterns and avoid triggers. Substituting hair-pulling with other actions, like squeezing a stress ball, can also be helpful.
Emotional Support
Sharing your experience with trusted friends, family, or a support group can reduce feelings of isolation. Opening up can be a significant step towards healing.
Combining therapy with other treatments is often the most effective approach. Remember, you’re not alone, and seeking help is the first step towards managing trichotillomania.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Solution-focused hypnotherapy offers practical tools to help you regain control over hair-pulling by working with your subconscious mind.
How It Works
Hypnotherapy helps you develop healthier responses to stress and anxiety, breaking the cycle of hair-pulling. Through relaxation and visualisation techniques, you can learn to manage impulses more effectively and build new coping strategies.
Personalised Approach
Each hypnotherapy session is tailored to your specific needs. The aim is to replace negative habits with positive behaviours, improving both your mental health and well-being.
Progress and Empowerment
We’ll celebrate each small victory together. By keeping a positive, solution-focused mindset, you’ll work towards a future where hair-pulling no longer controls your life.
Hypnotherapy can offer lasting change and help you regain control. If you’re ready to take the first step, we can start this journey together towards a more fulfilling life.
Our Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania) Specialists
Benn Baker-Pollard
Sittingbourne
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Peter Ely
Islington
Victoria Anderson
Sunderland
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
