Hair loss can take many forms and have different causes. Today we will look at trichotillomania, how it leads to hair loss and what can be done to stimulate hair growth.
What is trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder that involves compulsive hair pulling. It is a psychological condition in which a person is unable to refrain from performing a certain activity, in this case pulling out hair. Often triggered by stress and depression, trichotillomania often occurs in teenagers and can lead to bald patches on the scalp, lack of eyebrows, eyelashes or body hair.
Can trichotillomania be stopped?
Trichotillomania is a disorder, which means that most people can’t just stop pulling out their hair – it’s a process that can take time and effort to stop. The condition can not only affect the hair, but also cause negative emotions such as guilt, and is often associated with anxiety. Patients often stop pulling out their hair once they are removed from the stressful environment.
If you suffer from trichotillomania, it is recommended that you consult a therapist to help you stop pulling out your hair. If you manage to stop this habit in time, your hair should grow back normally. However, in more advanced cases or in people who have not sought help for a long time, there may be areas of hair loss that will require additional help to regenerate.
Can hair restoration after trichotillomania be helped?
As mentioned earlier, not everyone needs treatment or hair growth advice for trichotillomania. For some, if detected early enough and treated appropriately, hair pulling can be stopped and hair will grow back naturally and develop normally.
For a person with trichotillomania, it is important to maintain a routine that can help relieve anxiety, which can help reduce tension. Here are some steps that can support hair restoration:
- Supplementation: Taking skin and hair supplements, such as biotin, can stimulate growth, strengthening hair from the roots.
- Essential oils: Using essential oils, such as lavender, can help strengthen eyelashes and hair.
- Scalp massage: Massaging the scalp regularly can stimulate circulation and also help keep hands active, reducing the urge to pull hair out.
Bracelets or spinners can be helpful because they keep the hands busy and can alleviate the urge to pluck hair.
If you have already consulted a doctor and have been successful in stopping hair pulling, but still feel that hair growth has not started, you can schedule a free consultation. One of our hair loss specialists will assess the condition of your hair and develop a treatment plan. This can include everything from treating your hair loss to exploring restoration options such as a hair transplant.