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What It’s Actually Like Having Trichotillomania

I was only 8 years old when I realised hair pulling had become a problem. I didn’t understand why I did it or what trichotillomania was.  All I knew was that I felt relaxed when my hands were tangled up in my hair. Living with a hair-pulling condition can make people feel alone and misunderstood, but be assured that there is help available. Here is what having trichotillomania is actually like:

Life Before Trichotillomania

My parents always told me how lucky I was to have such thick hair. I was always obsessed with my hair – I’m almost certain it’s the first thing I remember recognising in my reflection.

Even at a young age, I’d be making homemade natural remedies for my hair. It wouldn’t be a typical Sunday evening unless my hair was covered in mayonnaise or another bizarre ingredient. I was even particular about the way I had my hair cut and loved having my hair brushed and styled.

Finding out I Had a Hair Pulling Disorder

I remember being at school and looking down to the carpet where I could see my blonde hair scattered beneath me. I was embarrassed a hoped no one else in my class would notice. Luckily, I never experienced any bullying, even though some of my friends were aware of my condition. I was an outgoing child and would never have thought my condition could be linked to anxiety.

The compelling urge to pull out my hair was constant, and it didn’t take long until my parents found out. My parents were worried, but I continued to pull my hair, often I wouldn’t even realise I was doing it. Bald patches gradually emerged beneath the blonde veil of the hair I had left. I couldn’t hide my condition anymore; I needed to seek help before I lost all my hair.

Hair pulling

Understanding Trichotillomania and Moving on

Trichotillomania is complex and the causes can vary from person to person. Understanding the cause of my trichotillomania was the first step to preventing further hair loss. There are often underlying causes such as anxiety, stress or depression that can be treated separately.

If you’re suffering from trichotillomania, there are treatment methods available. I found wearing a scarf over my head and playing with worry beads useful in my recovery. Luckily, all my hair grew back, and this is the case for most people with trichotillomania. But if you’re finding that your hair Is growing back sparsely or not at all, there are non-surgical trichotillomania treatment in Bournemouth available. Simone Thomas are hair loss specialists and provide both synthetic wigs and human hair wigs in Bournemouth and Reading.

If you would like to discuss hair loss treatment at Simone Thomas hair loss clinic in Bournemouth or hair loss clinic in Reading, please get in touch with us on 01202 760003 or book an appointment with us today.

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