What is trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is a condition in which a person repeatedly pulls out their own hair, often unconsciously or in stressful situations.
It can affect the scalp, eyebrows, and other areas, causing noticeable, patchy thinning.
Common causes and triggers
The cause is often multifactorial and can vary between individuals.
- Stress and anxiety: Hard pulling can serve as a temporary stress reliever.
- Habitual and automatic behavior: This behavior can occur without you noticing, for example when concentrating or resting.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary but are often characterized by uneven hair loss.
Uneven bare areas
Patches with varying lengths of remaining hair.
Repeated hard pulling
Recurring urge to pull hair, often in periods.
Treatment and support
An effective plan may include both behavioral support and measures for scalp/hair regrowth.
What does the research say about treatment?
Trichotillomania is considered a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB) disorder and is a recognized psychological diagnosis, not just a cosmetic hair problem. The treatment that has the strongest scientific support is behavioral therapy, especially so-called habit-reversal training (HRT), often in combination with CBT.
Akacia Medical works hair-focused and can help you assess the scalp and give advice on regrowth, but we do not treat the psychological component itself. If trichotillomania is suspected, we therefore recommend that you also seek an assessment from a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can investigate and work with the behavior behind the hair pulling.
Treatments can be combined with a safe regrowth plan, and you can also see our Before & After Photos to understand what improvements may be possible over time.
Behavioral support
Helps you identify triggers and break negative patterns.
Personalized hair plan
Plan to promote regrowth and protect sensitive areas.
When should you seek help?
Seek help if hair pulling affects your well-being or leads to visible hair loss.
Early intervention improves the chances of stable improvement and regrowth.
Medically reviewed information
Our team assesses the cause of hair loss and recommends a safe, personalized plan.
Reviewed by Akacia Medical's specialist team
Sources: clinical experience and established medical knowledge
This information does not replace individual medical assessment.
