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Individuals with trichotillomania often have noticeable hair loss in their beards, scalps, eyelashes, or eyebrows due to a mild or overwhelming compulsion to pull out the strands. The disorder doesn’t simply cause aesthetic issues; pulling hair from the root can cause sores to form in the skin that could get infected. In addition to talking to a medical professional, use the advice below to help manage the condition. 

3 Ways to Fight the Desire to Pull Out Hair 

1. Keep Your Hands Busy

If your hands are preoccupied with other tasks, you can’t use them to pull out hair. To create a distraction, carry a fidget spinner with you or put one on your desk at work. Whenever you feel boredom, stress, or other feelings that trigger the compulsion, you can spin the toy instead. Stress balls, silly putty, and rubber bands may be used similarly. You can also tug on the strands in paintbrushes, as this will simulate the feeling of pulling hair. 

2. Reach Out to a Mental Health Professional

hair lossYour compulsion to pull out hair could stem from underlying issues that need to be addressed. With the help of a therapist, you might be able to stop trichotillomania. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help you identify and change the emotions driving the compulsion. Support groups are also often helpful, as your peers can share their tactics and ideas for combating the condition and attendant hair loss. 

3. Reward Yourself When You Succeed

Quelling the urge to pull out hair takes time. For incentive to put an end to hair loss, monitor how long you can go without tugging on the strands. Strive to go a set number of days without pulling out hair and reward yourself with a prize when you reach the goal, such as a pair of shoes you’ve had your eye on or equipment for your hobby. To keep track of your hair-pulling behavior, there are also apps you can install on your smartphone or tablet. 

 

If you’ve experienced hair loss caused by trichotillomania, contact the staff at New U in Rochester, NY, for help. Since 1987, the technicians have been providing Monroe County residents with laser hair therapy treatments to prompt new growth and nonsurgical hair replacement solutions to improve their self-image. To schedule a consultation, call (585) 272-7320. Visit the technicians online to learn more about the hair restoration services they provide and connect on Facebook to read client success stories. 

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