This is an area of hair loss which is not discussed much. It is emotionally painful for those who struggle to overcome the condition and most of us cannot begin to understand it. It is equally painful for their loved ones.

Trichotillomania is a type of mental illness in which people have an irresistible urge to pull out their hair. Sometimes it’s from their scalp, their eyebrows, or other areas of their body. Hair pulling from the scalp often leaves them with patchy bald spots on their head. They will often go to great lengths to disguise these spots.

Although trichotillomania may seem like an obsession or compulsion, it’s classified as a type of impulse control disorder, where one cannot resist the temptation to perform an act that is harmful to them or others. There are behavior therapies which can help with an awareness of the disorder and teach the individual techniques to avoid pulling out the hair.

Some signs to look for would be: patchy bald spots on the scalp or other areas of the body; sparse or missing eyelashes or eyebrows; chewing pulled out hair; playing with pulled out hair; and rubbing pulled out hair against the face or lips. Most people with this disorder will pull the hair from their scalp. But, there are reports where the hair has been pulled from all areas such as the legs, arms, eyebrows and lashes as well as other areas of the body. Typically the pulling is done with the fingers, but sometimes tools are used such as brushes, combs and tweezers.

For some people, they are aware they are pulling their hair out while they are doing it, it is very focused and deliberate. For others, it is so automatic they may not even realize they are doing it.

Causes for this disorder are still being researched. Researchers think their may be a specific gene mutation thought to play a role in trichotillomania. Studies suggest that abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may play a role in the disorder. That being the case, nutrition and diet could certainly be a factor in this compulsive behavior.

If you or anyone you know is dealing with this disorder and it is affecting the quality of life, socially or otherwise, please call Fantasia. Most of the time there comes a point, if a person is pulling from the scalp, they can no longer continue to hide and disguise the bald spots. Our professional staff have experience dealing with this disorder just as with any other hair loss disorder. They will work with these clients in a discrete fashion and help them select an appropriate hair replacement system. Since hair is often associated with beauty and vitality, this can be one step in helping them regain control of their life. Remember, Fantasia offers no charge,no obligation consultations.