Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania, often called “trich,” is more than just a bad habit—it’s a mental health condition that can be incredibly difficult to manage. Those affected often pull out their own hair to relieve anxiety or emotional distress, even when they want to stop. While it’s not talked about often, raising awareness is the first step to support and healing.

1. What Is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania is a mental disorder where a person feels a strong urge to pull out hair from their body—commonly the scalp, eyelashes, or eyebrows. This compulsion can offer momentary relief or satisfaction, even if the person wishes they could stop. Currently, there is no known cure.

2. Common Symptoms

Some symptoms of trich include:

• Repeatedly pulling out hair from areas like the scalp, lashes, or arms

• Feeling pleasure or relief when pulling

• Obsessing over certain hair textures or lengths

• Playing with or eating pulled hair

• Visible hair loss and bald patches

3. Who It Affects

• About 3.5% of the U.S. population experiences trich—roughly 5–10 million people

• It usually starts between ages 9–13

• Teen girls are disproportionately affected, with about 70–93% of adolescent cases being female

• There’s a 3:1 ratio of females to males among diagnosed individuals

4. How It Impacts Life

Trich can affect self-esteem and daily functioning. Individuals may experience:

• Embarrassment or shame

• Emotional distress and self-criticism

• Difficulty in public or social settings

• Constant effort to hide bald patches

• Long-term hair loss, sometimes permanent

  
  

5. Getting Help

Trich is treatable with the right support. Speaking to a mental health professional is a critical step. Treatment may include therapy, support groups, or tools to manage the compulsion. Each individual’s care plan should be personalized based on their needs.

6. Take the Test

If you think you may be dealing with trich but aren’t sure, there are online screening tools available. Start here: TrichStop Self-Test

Living with trichotillomania can be incredibly challenging, but you're not alone—and you don’t have to manage it by yourself. With support and understanding, things can get better.