Trichotillomania: What It Is and How to Treat It

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a mental health disorder that specifically falls under the category of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). Research has shown that approximately 0.5 to 2% of people suffer from TTM. While it is most common in adolescents and young adults, it can occur at any age.

What Are Its Symptoms?

People with trichotillomania feel a persistent urge to pull out hair from some part of their body, an urge they feel they cannot control. Often this area is the scalp, but it can also affect other areas such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, and limbs.

Sometimes the thought and act of pulling occur consciously, with individuals experiencing increased tension until they give in and pull out the hair, after which they experience a sense of relief. Other times it occurs unconsciously, with the individual not realizing that they are performing the act at the time.

Often, the area from which the hair is removed is specific, resulting in thinning hair and bald patches. This can cause increased social anxiety and feelings of shame for the individual, who often tries to hide this behavior from those around them.

What Causes It?

The exact causes of trichotillomania are not entirely clear. However, for many people, this disorder is associated with increased anxiety and stress. It may also be related to genetic factors, hormonal changes, or even peculiarities in brain chemistry (similar to those in OCD). For others, it may resemble an “addiction,” with the feelings they experience during the act reinforcing the urge to repeat it.

How Can It Be Treated?

If you exhibit the symptoms we have mentioned, the most appropriate action is to consult a specialist, such as a psychologist or even a dermatologist. They will be able to diagnose whether this applies to you and guide you accordingly. Treatment usually involves “reverse habit training,” where the person replaces the particular harmful habit with another, non-harmful one.

Try to “catch” yourself every time you are about to pull out a hair so that you can consciously stop. As long as you refrain from pulling, chances are that the hair will grow back and the bald spots will slowly begin to fill in again. However, in some cases where the pulling is chronic, permanent damage can be caused to the hair follicles, leading to inflammation and possibly preventing hair from growing back in those spots.

The Products That Will Help You

If the affected area is the scalp, then CP Hair Oil Elixir and CP Hair Oil Shine oils are natural treatments that can help new hair grow healthy and strong. CP Hair Oil Elixir can promote new hair growth, as it contains ingredients such as castor oil, jojoba oil, and cedar oil, which are known to boost hair growth. CP Hair Oil Shine, with herbal oils such as thyme, lavender, and tea tree, provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties essential for maintaining scalp health and thereby supporting healthy hair growth. You can find these products together in the CP Mini Hair Oils bundle, available in small packaging ideal for a first try, or in their full-size version for longer use. Apply them alternately two to three times a week on the scalp and along the length of the hair, leaving them on for at least an hour before rinsing.

If the affected area includes your eyebrows and/or eyelashes, regular use of CP Mascara Oil Elixir, a herbal elixir for strengthening and growing new hair, is recommended. Apply it to clean eyebrows and lashes every night before bedtime to accelerate growth in these areas.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to remember that experiencing hair loss is not a cause for shame. With resolve and expert guidance, it’s a challenge that can be tackled successfully. We’re committed to supporting you on this journey. Our team is always ready to provide expert advice and assistance in the ways that we can. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us whenever you’re in need.

With love,

The CP Herbalist Team