I have Trichotillomania. | Why my hair won't grow.

Opening up about my mental health and my journey and battle with trichotillomania. Hair loss is one thing, but hair destruction is quite another.
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[@marajones1828]

It’s sad when my dog is trained to stop me from picking. Every time I start pulling or picking hair my dog jumps up and starts licking my face and literally prevents me! I love that gremlin so much

[@FineNaturalHairROCKS]

LOL! Dogs are the very best! I've got a little Shorkie named Casper and I love him so much too 😍🥰

[@marleyhill34]

Amazing dog!! My landlord doesn't allow dogs.

[@HumbleDude46995]

She should start plucking hairs off of dog

[@missccarr89]

That's a great live distraction to have!

[@maryadedokun2405]

Woww, that's so nice, plus cute profile picture! 😄

[@Luba.Lukasa]

As a black woman who also has trich, your channel makes me so happy and fills me with a lot of hope

[@blinkpineapple7578]

Same here, I needed this vid

[@domtop1915]

Awe

[@MissWyatt]

Same here!

[@candacesimmons4453]

Same here since age 11

[@drapedingold723]

I used to also...didn’t know or realize that’s what I was doing. I started to keep my hair covered so that I can’t put my hands in it. Stress is something else. Ashwaganda helped me.

[@sevansnake369]

as an autistic person with a few compulsive behaviors, one of the best ways (in my experience) to redirect compulsions is to replace it with a similar action. if it's a texture thing, having a stuffed animal or fuzzy pillow available can help redirect. stim toys that you tangle/pull can help in that way too. it makes it feel more natural to transition the behavior away from your own hair. I used to pull at my hair during melt downs bc the pulling motion and sensation helped ground me. to replace that behavior i got a shag pillow that i can pull on instead so i don't hurt myself

[@ColdDiva]

Valuable comment. Thank you.

[@fruity3693]

Same and I have an eyelash pulling problem (I used to pick my hair and eyebrows too) and it’s just good sensory feeling

[@agm8464]

I'm the same way, and I've found that you can also pull on short pieces of yarn until it's just, like, a ball of fuzz, and then you can keep pulling on the fuzz. It feels similar, but it doesn't hurt you. I also crochet, which seems to have also helped. If you relate, please know that this isn't a reason for shame; it is your body and your mind doing what it thinks is best to help you self-regulate. When you are replacing that behavior, you are working with yourself, your mind, and your needs, not against yourself.

[@epic7224]

I have skin picking issues so I'm gonna try this

[@mixedviews3536]

I think that my ritual is too involved to try to replace it with something else, so I have to sit on my hands. When you have kinky hair and you like to feel the kinks between your fingernails as you run them over the hair shaft, a piece of yarn ain’t gonna cut it. Honestly playing PlayStation has helped because it uses both of my hands.

[@artofpaya7862]

i’m an autistic black girl with intense anxiety, and i also have trichotillomania. you’ve made me feel so seen, thank you so much for sharing your story

[@khazermashkes2316]

Hello Paya! Glad to see you here.

[@Radhaun]

I don't know if it would be helpful, but you might look at fidget jewelry. It's a really convenient way to stim that isn't as noticable so it's easy to do even in public.

[@spacedoodles]

Paya I relatable to you on everything you just said as an autistic black woman myself and I pick my hair too much with anxiety I have fast hair growth but I always pick it out :(

[@gorgeousiz1170]

Omg I’m a 4c natural women with this condition as well. Thank you so much for this video and making people aware of this. Its one of the main reasons I wear wigs. I have had it since a child as well.

[@gorgeousiz1170]

Talk therapy really helps with anxiety issues like this one.

[@bones2063]

Same here!

[@marleyhill34]

Hugs.

[@kaelahsmith5681]

I am a black girl with trichatillomania as well. It’s refreshing to see people finally speak and stop hiding it. ❤ I’ve had it since a child & it sucks because everyone always ask why don’t you just stop pulling your hair as if it’s that easy.

[@AwBurKnee]

On top of doing a plethora of other things to alleviate stress. I’ve found that doing my own nail extensions has helped me with my Trichotillomania tremendously. The act of doing my nails keeps me from subconsciously plucking because my hands are busy and once my nails are done, the length makes it difficult to get a satisfying pluck.

[@Emmanuella777]

I also love threading instead it’s helped me so much

[@marleyhill34]

painting my own nails even without extensions stops me from picking at my nails. It's not strong enough for a diagnosis but I am aware that I pull at my hair, face and nails occasionally in compulsion. I've had a lot of therapy so it's more manageable now.

[@emmajeanjumpinbean]

@@Emmanuella777 lol we have the same exact name and we probably both have 4c hair and trich!

[@yootoob2]

From one Danyelle to another Danielle, DON'T GIVE UP! I have alopecia and this last time I had to shave my hair, I cried. I mean I really cried this time. This time it fell out WITH the braids in my hair. It was literally just breaking/ falling out. Then I noticed the patches in the back 🙄 And I was like, here we go again. This time I didn't even bother to take the braids out, I just shaved my head with the braids in. Since I refuse to take anymore medicine that the VA shoves at me, I started researching and found that organic castor oil helps with hair growth. I started using it on my lashes and eyebrows first (alopecia don't discriminate) and I can say after a week, I have some eyebrows and lashes again! 😂 I had NO bottom lashes! I was used to caterpillar eyebrows and all of a sudden they took months to grow back. I've only used it on my hair once, therefore the jury is still out on that. But keep going girl! You've got this! Keep ya hands outcha hair! Meditate! Therapy! Whatever you need! Love you girly!

[@genetmelake]

I notices you said that you go to the va for medication so have you tried filing for disability? Given how strict the military tends to be with our hair a lot of people tend to be diagnosed with alopecia later in life. So if you haven't it wouldn't hurt to try

[@olorato9563]

hi. i have alopecia too, bald spots in the back of my head wont go away, any tips? im also off my meds.

[@SuperButterfly217]

Have you tried adding aloe vera gel and peppermint oil to your castor oil? Do you massage your scalp as well? I hope it gets better for you. I had really bad alopecia for 5 years and my mom helped me nourish my hair from the inside out and she helped care for my scalp. I also started eating more fruits and vegetables ect. Best wishes to you.

[@olorato9563]

@@SuperButterfly217 Hmm I've been using rosemary oil and castor oil, I'll give your mixture a try, AND start scalp massages as well. Your mom sounds so sweet. Thank you so much❤

[@lexilomax4986]

Sorry🥺 Ive had bouts of hair loss too but for me it seems related to an autoimmune disorder like Lupus...diagnosis pending...

[@tekiadoolittle4686]

I've dealt with this since I was a child it's sad that my family doesn't try to understand. This video shows me that I'm not alone

[@briaharris5368]

I haven’t even finished watching the entire video but I am so glad to hear you share this. I’m a Black woman therapist & I also have trichotillomania. I’ve had it since I was 11 or 12. Trich is so trichy (lol trich jokes) and you will find what works for you. Something I use is fidget toys. I also have a blanket that just really does it for me sensory wise & is super satisfying that I’m constantly pulling from. This blanket is TORN UP but it’s not my hair lol. Wishing you the best on your journey 💛

[@Luvliaa]

This is exactly what I had experienced 7 years ago. I’m currently 7 months free from pulling out my hair and I can see so much growth. I love this video so much because I always felt alone and not even my family understood what I was going through. I was so ashamed and often depressed about it. Love you♥️

[@TheDorreProject]

Please tell me how you stopped. I've been pulling my hair ever since I could remember. Do you have any words of advice?

[@Luvliaa]

@@TheDorreProject so I always wanted to grow out my hair and I was really jealous when I seen girls wearing out their natural hair and I couldn’t because of how short and patchy my hair looked. The goal was to grow out my hair because everytime I pulled out my hair it would grow back so it’s like what was the point. I always keep my hands busy wether it’s playing games, doing a hobby or working out. When u try to stop u will pull out your hair once or twice but don’t let that stop you because as the days pass u will totally forget that u even pull out your hair. Try not to think about it and if u feel ur hand go towards your head immediately try to stop yourself. It’s all about self discipline. I know it’s hard trust me but u will get through it someday❤️🥺

[@TheDorreProject]

@@Luvliaa Thank you! I will keep your words in mind.

[@Iggystar71]

As a recovering Trickster I felt all of this. ❤️❤️ I’ve struggled for decades, successful at being pull free for spells. Currently, it’s been about a year since I’ve picked. I had to give myself a mental shout of “NO!!!” when I reached for my favorite spot…right in front, smack dab above my forehead. No hiding it, looked like I had a inverted widow’s peak. Stress, boredom..all the usual triggers. We have to keep working, being mindful, using all the techniques..we got this!

[@creamycazz1]

Hey @Vicky Bagley, I’ve had it for decades too! Started when I was 8 and I just turned 38 and finally cured it. Crazy because the very first spot I remember pulling was the front of my head and just like you said, it was an inverted widow’s peak. Then I migrated to the back corners of my head.. as I got older and it became more severe I was doing right above my ear, area above my temples, and then eventually the entire back half of head was gone. 😢 It was BAD bad. But within the past year or so after doing some thorough research and reading through some medical journals, I found that it’s caused due to a Magnesium deficiency (& I suspect some other important minerals/amino acids too). NAC (an amino acid) apparently helps stop the craving too, so I started taking both and I kid you not, the cravings stopped! I’ve been pull-free since last year and my hair has grown in beautifully. It’s crazy I know 😆 I could not believe how quickly it stopped. It only took about 2 weeks.. tbh probably less! But look into it sis! Hope this helps ♥️

[@PossibleBat]

I understand. I do not suffer from trichotilomania, but I pick my skin (dermatilomania) I have very pale skin and my whole body is covered in red and brown spots from all my years of picking on my skin, and I’m just now (I’m 28) starting to just accept it and try to control it when I can, and nourish my skin back, I cannot get "perfect" skin but I can try to recover some of the damage I’ve done to myself

[@marleyhill34]

I have a few compulsions. When it started with my hair, I covered it is head scarves 24/7 to get me out of the habit. I also had to do other things as I have BPD/ EUPD and possible autistic traits to distract and stim. Occasionally I pick my skin and keep it covered and mositurised. I found those acne patches helpful for my face as I can really go ham picking my face. Even things like keeping my nails polished stops me picking at them.

[@PossibleBat]

@@marleyhill34 exactly, I do not like fake nails (I’m an artist I work with my hands…) but messing up my finger skin and nails was another one of my compulsions and getting fake nails kept me from biting my finger tips… it’s shitty but you gotta find helpful ways for you to deal with your compulsions, sometimes it’s something really easy to do and saves you so much head and heartache in the future… like people who grind their teeth chewing gum by day and getting a teeth mold for nighttime…

[@marleyhill34]

@@PossibleBat Yup I need to get a mouth guard at night too. cracked two of my fillings in 2020 from the stress!!

[@jazminewilliams9475]

Same

[@Riley42-03]

Same,same

[@amoryll36]

🇬🇧🙋🏾‍♀️ I chew my lips or the inside of my cheeks 🤦🏾‍♀️Took me years to stop biting my cheeks but my lips 👀the struggle is real!

[@EpicRealistTV]

I'm still chewing the inside of my mouth right now as I type this AND I have trich as well! But at least no one can see the mouth thing. lol

[@amoryll36]

@@EpicRealistTV Girllll I only need to see someone with their face contorted, and I'm searching the inside of my cheeks for a juicy part to chew on 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@maryannifeanacho4219]

@epic realist tv me too

[@come_on_barbie_123]

I used to do it too. Using peroxide heals it fast and makes it less tempting. I have braces now and that made me completely stop

[@yanna1993]

I can’t stop ripping my lips to shreds

[@liteblue1386]

I also suffer from trichotillomania and cant get my hair more than a half an inch so I just keep cycling between bleaching it and shaving my head because those are the only styles that look good on me. I want to grow my hair out and have been following your channel for a while now because you’re hair journey seemed so relatable and hearing this, knowing how you’ve progressed and succeeded, really gave me the boost I needed not to give up. ☺️ thank you for sharing your story Starpuppy. You truly are an inspiration

[@peepla7]

Switching to ion creme oil lightener and 20 volume developer, will lift hair up to 8 levels without bleach....much better for the hair.

[@newtnewt3491]

Keep inspiring ✨️ Star Puppy ! I've been dealing with Trich and diagnosed OCD since I was 7. I was diagnosed in my 30s. I've tried braids and shaving my head because my favorite spot is in the back. I'm a 4c girl so people never noticed. My psychiatrist made me accountable by having me place the pulled hair in an envelope and bring it to my sessions each week. That visual helped me bc I was genuinely shocked to see two fistfuls of hair. I'm 50 and still struggle but now I'm conscious and use other healthy means before pulling. I've been patch free for 2 years now woot woot. So thank you for the honesty.

[@tazzi2003]

Clinical counselor here :) your vulnerability is inspiring, good for you for talking about it. I can imagine how healing that is for you, and so many others.

[@LadyKane77]

I have had Trich for 31 years. I appreciate your vulnerability.

[@SenDaily9]

I know I am 2 years late but I’m 12 years old and I’ve had trich since I was 8, but I just wanted to ask if you have had any problems with hair growth?

[@LadyKane77]

@SenDaily9 Heyyy! In the spots that I pick from the most, it takes a few months to fill in. I try to keep my hair short to limit the picking, but it still takes a while.

[@curlynella1011]

I had it when I was 10 and lost my grandmother. Didn’t notice I was doing it until a doctor asked me was I stressing. I lost my grandmother and didn’t cry. I needed to release my emotions. Once I realized it and the cause, I stopped. I quit it cold turkey 💯

[@Passion84GodAlways]

I admire how you made a video that was so vulnerable yet also so helpful at the same time, Danielle! 🫂🥰👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Also, "HI SAM!" 🙋🏾‍♀️❤️🐶🐾

[@yootoob2]

My middle name is Danyelle and my grandfather called me Sam. Lol.

[@hufjgoiz]

I don’t pick my hair but I have a skin picking issue and I feel like this video is super helpful for that as well. Thanks a bunch!

[@justinejustice_league1857]

Dermatillomania my sister has it..she starts with her arms and eventually her face and legs

[@hufjgoiz]

@@justinejustice_league1857 yeah I don’t pick my legs so much but mostly my face and arms a little and back 😶

[@da1stamericus]

@@hufjgoiz i have the picking of body hairs, not head. I watch videos of waxing and especially Jada Kennedy. They have helped me Soo much.

[@kytticockroach2299]

Yes ❤️

[@dlilwon]

Yup this is my disease too, since childhood. I pick at scabs, i create scabs also to pick at. I enjoy picking at my pubic ingrown hair bumps, i have picked and peeled all the skin around all of my 10 nails and i soon as it recovers i pict it again. The back of my thighs also and I currently have no small toenail because of this. I have pulled it all out which also makes me ashamed to get pedicures. Sigh i need therapy 😅😩

[@sylviapugh7011]

I'm so proud of you sharing this!! I've been dealing with is since is was at least 5 and I'm about to turn 23 soon. But over time I've began to over come some of the struggles of pulling my hair, mainly eyelashes. It's nice to hear and see more people, especially of color, coming out and sharing their stories 💛

[@LaynieFingers]

Yes... Cognitive plasticity!!! Knowing that I can reframe things in my brain has helped me so much! You've got this! 💜💜💜

[@KW-up2ox]

Appreciate the vulnerability fam! I’m sure this is going to help so many people feel less alone in their struggle 💗

[@mikal9654]

I started when I was 13. I only do my eyebrows and eyelashes. I didn’t know anyone else who had this except for my sister so when I see videos like this it honestly feels relieving.

[@TheLadyAstrid]

I also only do my eyebrows and eyelashes. Used to get made fun of for my "alien eyebrows" and my lashes are still gappy

[@DramaticInk29]

I also do my eyebrows and eyelashes. I had serious bald patches in my brows during exam season 🙃

[@creamycazz1]

@@mayavox Sis those work but have you heard of it being caused by a Magnesium deficiency? I take Mag and NAC (an amino acid) and it cured my cravings! I’ve had Trich since I was 8, I’m now 38 and it was severe. So look into it! Hope this helps you & anyone else reading!

[@tcoleman6167]

I have the same issue! I was talking with my husband about it recently. It peaked in my mid 20s during high stress times and after my friend pointed out to me that I picked my edges out and begged me to stop, I started working towards stopping. The way you found coping mechanisms to deal with anxiety, I did too. Mine were exercise and has morphed into deep breathing... I haven't pulled in nearly 20 years now.

[@Buttergirla]

Praise God!

[@brittneer8940]

Same I picked the bottom left corner for yrs! In jr high my parents had me get a short cut I wore short hair until I was 23 because I picked so bad. At 23 I decided to change and over come! And I did my hair is the longest it’s ever been with no holes or broken patches from stress or picking

[@tcoleman6167]

@@brittneer8940 Good for you! We can do anything we set out to do! We are mighty!

[@Subjugatedhappywife]

Wow this is encouraging.

[@leeberklin6427]

I learned to stop messing with my hair from the natural hair community. DON'T TOUCH IT!!! Notice they always seemed to yell at me like that. I got sick recently with Iron Deficiency Anemia last year and my growing natural hair fell out in clumps. My doctor took me off most of my "old peoples" medications and put me on Collagen, Iron, B-Complex and every vitamin you could name. I also started a hair oil complex that Star Puppy recommended and a year later I have 4" of hair growth, where I was completely bald before. I still use my "old school" hair products, which also seem to keep me from touching my hair. I have to start using the hair growth product on my brows to grow them back, because I transfered my touching habit to my brows. It's a learning process for me again.

[@larissanicoleonpurpose]

In coaching, we refer to that sound you make and that fidgeting you do as "breaking state." These are both really powerful somatic practices. You are redirecting your reticular activating system. Soooo beautiful that you are doing the work to get to the root of your stress responses and what is triggering your stress. That's the only way we heal. Much love to you beautiful SiStar ✨ Your vulnerability is inspiring. I'm looking forward to seeing you grow that butt length cloud of hair!!

[@marleyhill34]

I need to have somatic therapy due to trauma. very interesting.

[@DanaConquersBoutique]

I’m glad that you’re sharing this, Danielle. Hang in there boo and keep talking to a professional to help develop healthy coping mechanisms! There are so many ppl that struggle with Trich and don’t know how common it is.

[@scribzscribbles]

I also have this same condition! i decided to loc my hair in hopes that i wont pick at it so much since my picking is related to anxiety/stress. I haven't even able to grow out my 4c hair on the sides because of this 🙃 Thank you so much for this video! Your hair and videos are amazing and inspiring ❤

[@PraiseLikeDavid]

Omg this is so on time. I just came to the realization that I struggle with this as well and I have to come up with a plan to replace the habit. Thank you for sharing this!

[@strudelh]

Idk if you have to be diagnosed with Trich, but I most certainly have it. I just started NOW learning how to control my hair pulling urges, only because my hair is in knotless braids rn. It makes me sad because my hair would be where I want it to be if I didn't mess with it. My dad yells at me to stop but it doesn't help, just makes me wanna pull more. Thankfully again that has slowed down. 😭

[@lgfuad4lyf]

Your dad yelling at you is probably the last thing he should be doing to help you stop :(

[@strudelh]

@Trinity M Its fine, everything you said is so true (abt the coping), and thank you so much! I wanna get diagnosed soon as I can.

[@strudelh]

@@lgfuad4lyf Yeah it doesn't help at all, makes it worse for me :((

[@creamycazz1]

@@strudelh hey luv, look into taking NAC supplements + Magnesium. I had Trich and I kid you not, it cured my 30-year cravings. Look into it!

[@fabulouslyfitfolks7260]

I am hopeful that you can deal with the disorder and recovery will grace your life. Thanks for sharing this, so others may not feel alone.

[@Aprilgirl_410]

I totally understand how you feel and what you're going through Dani, I suffer with dermatophagia where I bite the skin on my finger tips and inside my cheeks due to anxiety. I haven't really found a way to tame it yet, but I think it's so brave of you to openly talk about this. And it's so inspiring 💙

[@chelseyowens7709]

They have necklaces online with food safe silicone charms for stress chewing if you are interested! They are a kind of fidget jewelry made specifically for this. I hope this is helpful at all 💛

[@chabytemmie]

im so happy trichotillomania is getting more recognition. i am 16 and ive been struggling with picking out my eyelashes for as long as i can remember. im so happy we are ending the stigma of hair pulling. ive been on a recovery by putting castor oil on my eyelashes 24/7 since june :) much love to anyone else struggling. youre not alone

[@bricbrac28]

I wake up so embarrassed when I see myself in the mirror, but knowing there is other people who deal with this brings me so much relief!

[@chabytemmie]

@@bricbrac28 theres definitely no need to feel ashamed. youre struggling and i see you! trich isnt talked about enough and most people dont even know they have it. once i opened up about my trich to close people, most of my friends were like "you do that too? i thought i was going crazy!".some hide it really well. theres definitely more of us out there

[@bricbrac28]

@@chabytemmie thank you so much for this!!

[@steffie0510]

Haven’t told a soul . . . Thank you for sharing your experience as this is an issue I just wish I didn’t have but here I am. My other health issues keep people for asking so I guess I hide in that. Thank you for being transparent. Thank you for being you. Honestly you’re amazing.

[@naya4607]

I just went to the hospital to get help for this TODAY! (What a coincidence?), but I’m abroad so have to wait to see a psychiatrist when I get back to the States. I can’t control my brain when I’m pulling my hair and picking skin. It’s like it’s on a motor. It’s been going on for years (but my hair on my head is just thin from genetics, I pull my eyelashes and other body hairs).

[@naya4607]

And I lose sleep/lose track of time because of this. I’m averaging like 15 hrs of sleep a week…

[@elleinad579]

The pluck and look! I felt so seen 😂😂😂 my gf calls my eyelashes bald all the time when I have an anxious time. It’s always the left eye smh. as always thank you for sharing and just being so transparent! 💜💜💜

[@DrJudiC]

From a therapist perspective this was really great! I like that your shared some practical steps that you take you help you. An If/Then plan is very helpful- Like the way you wear lots of jewelry to have options for occupying your hands. Stress balls, playdough and yarn are good alternatives that my clients have used successfully. Since popper came on the market I have had some use them as well. Having a plan for down time is also help- fore example. a person who was pulling while waiting for her daughters at parent pick up using that time to respond to emails- which engages her brain and hands. If you have to wait 20 minutes for something what task can you do in 20 minutes so you aren't idle, it really helps to have thing in place while you address the "root" cause.

[@Erica_America]

I’ve had trich since I was about 7 or 8 I was put on clonidine at 16 then stopped taking them. (I’m almost 22 now) I finally got back on it last summer but just became so inconsistent with it to the point I stopped taking them altogether. Just before your video popped up on my screen I decided to take it because it was super helpful for me in the past. I just want to say thank you for sharing your story because when I discovered that trich was a real thing, for so long I thought I was crazy and super ashamed and embarrassed about it. There weren’t many videos on KZbin about this topic and the women making the content weren’t black. Our hair is so deeply rooted for us and it really warms my heart to see more representation of people like me who go through similar yet specific hardships as I do. I really love your channel and I’d love for this to be a reoccurring topic on here. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sakura2004]

Thank you so much for this. I only recently told my husband about issues with stress and pulling hair. I never knew that this condition had a name. Thank you for speaking on this

[@TiaKenyatta]

I admire you for always being so transparent with us.

[@jemimamurphy6330]

i have dermatillomania which is another bfrb but where you scratch off/pick at ur skin and ive been subscribed for a while and its so reassuring to see other people with bfrbs!! u arent alone!

[@Bodybybabs]

I used to pull my edges out when I studied. It’s been a journey. Thanks for the help 🙏🏿

[@dr.100purrscent5]

This is a very difficult and intimate subject to speak about publicly. The policing of Black Women's Bodies is a constant factor of emotional pain since 1619. The line between Love & Hate for our beauty is very very thin. We are oggled and oodled for every limb and follicle we produce. The world wants permission to study you, sell you, abuse you, and admire you at the same time. The stress We feel is not only isolated to our group, but how it impacts us and how we get to process it with the resources we have available is not the same with other groups. I want ALL women to feel beautiful and safe, powerful and wonderful. It's the balance we need to see in the world. All we can do is begin with ourselves, one stress-less breath at a time. Take those breaths as often as you can, and Believe that you are worthy of your Abundance and Wellness. When you feel good, send a High Vibe in the air for another Soul Sista to catch. Infinite Love and Gratitude 🙏🏾💗

[@bones2063]

Thanks for this! I've never clicked on a video so fast. Trichotillomania comes with such a shame and it's so nice to feel seen.

[@bfrbguide-skinpickinghairp8242]

Thanks for making this so funny even though it's a distressing topic. 😆 Humor has helped me heal a LOT. Humor when it comes to anything, not just my BFRB.

[@sarahmhx]

It’s really nice to see an honest video of these issues, I recently got diagnosed with traction alopecia and CCCA and it feels very shitty. Feels like nothing works

[@ewsn3984]

I also have trich as a black girl it might not seem like it but videos like this make so many black girls feel seen, thank you!

[@MrsLaLaD]

Thanks for your transparency. I suffered from hair loss due to me pulling my hair out as well. Your story is very similar to mine. Thankfully, I no longer get satisfaction from pulling my hair. I pray that you will soon get past those things that causes you stress and anxiety. Peace and Blessings.

[@crescenta3528]

Love that you are so transparent and realistic about your hair.

[@diamondbrown79]

I've recently looked back on my hair journey and realized that so many of my setbacks (ball spots, patches, etc) were self inflicted. 😩 it took me sooooo long to realize that. I pulled and scratched the most when I felt ingrown hairs. Pictures, jounaling, and healthier haircare practices changed everything for me tho. Once I made the CONSCIOUS effort to keep my hands out of my head, I noticed a difference. I've been setting myself back for year's without knowing it. Not self diagnosing but I've suffered from the same symptoms too. It's crazy you've uploaded when you did bc, I JUST came to the realization that EYE’M the root of my hair problems 😂. My mental and physical health reflects in my hair significantly. After a decade, I'm finally understanding my follicles lol. We're almost there! I gave up individual twists/braids/etc for the year to confirm/deny the suspicion that they cause all my hair lost throughout the year...so far I'm proving myself right 🙃. Thanks for sharing girly! You keep me going! 💝

[@shrutfarms]

I love that you have triggered a very delicate conversation that I fail to share with my friends or my family

[@OceanEsthers]

I've struggled with this all my life, when I was at my worst I had bald patches in the back of my hair as a teen. Over the years it's gotten somewhat better but honestly I've just migrated to other parts of my body. My eyebrows are so thin and sparse from all the years of pulling but I'm getting better at it. It's super important to be self-aware and seek professional help if you can ❤️

[@FineNaturalHairROCKS]

lol, I love your dog sooo much! She's absolutely beautiful!!! 😍 As for your hair woes, I'm wishing you peace and blessings so that you can grow out your problem spots asap! You CAN and WILL do this! 💛

[@Ron-SA]

I've Really got so much love for you Danielle. You're not alone. Just know that.

[@TT-fn1xb]

I love how serious and yet light hearted this is. And I love that you're sharing ways of managing this condition. We all have our issues and ways of coping. I really hope you and we all find helpful not harmful ways of dealing with stress. You are such a treasure to humanity Danielle.

[@WhitneyDahlin]

Thank you for coming out to talk about this! I wonder if you can pick up a hobby that keeps your hands busy but also really relaxes you so by the time you're done with it you're relaxed enough to not have the urge. Perhaps something like sewing? Or knitting? Since you're really good at cosplay I feel like making your own costumes and working on your own costumes and learning to sew (if you don't already know how) could be really helpful! That's what I did when I was trying to quit smoking. It's whenever I wasn't busy and my hands weren't busy that the craving was the strongest. And I always wanted to learn to sew so I taught myself from KZbin videos but my niece is taking sewing lessons too. Just a thought I've never had Trichotillomania so I don't know but it seems almost like an addiction like smoking is. So I don't know if you've tried researching some techniques that therapists give addicts whenever they're having a strong craving and seeing if any of those could help? Good luck! You've made so much progress already by just being mindful! We're all so proud of you I'm sure it hasn't been easy ️ ❤️

[@jewelj7507]

You went deep today! Well done. Takes courage to be vulnerable like this. We’re here for cosplaying, blue hair and real conversations about mental health and our hair/bodies. Life is tough at the moment. Look after yourself star puppy and you can always be real with us. X

[@nelfairy723]

I suffer from anxiety and fidget rings and fidget jewelry has been super helpful. Fidget toys are also great too. I really like your content and honesty.

[@sunshinelavender5889]

I am so grateful to see another Black woman with Trich. I have had it since late elementary/early junior high school. At my worst, I had pulled about 25% of my left side and about a half dollar piece out my crown (triggered from a sew in that pulled out my hair). I was able to basically stop pulling from my head, but eyebrows and eyelashes are now the main targets. Good news is I have been in therapy since last May and I have been able to grow my eyebrows☺️. Down to pulling maybe 1-3 a week is nothing short of a miracle. Now trying to make progress on my eyelashes. Thank you for sharing your story Danielle and it means a lot to not feel alone .

[@chelseyowens7709]

Thank you for making this video. I also have a BFRB, I have dermatillomania and I've also had some issues with hair pulling. I'm currently doing a lot better but it's always reassuring to know when you're not alone. Thank you for being so open with us. Keep being kind to yourself 💛

[@NytingGayle]

I pull my hair out...though, for me, it's my eyelashes, eyebrows and...ugh..body hair. Not much of the hair on my head though. I feel you. I have, like, one eyelash...LOL

[@tambrishaderrickson5741]

As a trichotillomaniac black woman with 4c/b hair. I too struggle. 🙌 not alone and thank you for sharing 🙏

[@cfoBROOK.]

I suffer from this too! 😩 I used to have quite a few bald spots as a child. Trich is the main reason why I hate dealing with my natural hair. To make things worse, box braids, which is my only protective style, does nothing to protect my hair anymore. So, I don’t have any other go-to protective style that’ll help me keep from pulling my hair out 😩. Lately, I’ve just been braiding my natural hair and putting a bonnet on whenever I’m in the house or wearing a scarf whenever I’m out in public. I’d really prefer to have my hair out, but I know after a while of having it “loose”, I’ll start picking at it 😩🤦🏾‍♀️

[@chanelletucker2236]

Thanks for sharing! Loc it up starpuppy! You would be able to have thicker strands, retain length, keep all of your shed hair so it’ll be thicker, somehow, fall more in love with self, play with it! Styles are so easy to create. Retwist if you want, or not. Less product use too! It’s so freeing. I too have fine hair. 2 years Loc’d tomorrow. Imma stay in your comments about this 😂 starter loc/retwist videos soon to come😭

[@fabelleous8796]

danielle, i really appreciated this video. as soon as i saw the title i knew i had to click on it. i deny having trich but it's been a problem of mine for as long as i can remember and i have those intense breakage spots too. there's so much sham associated with trich and to see a black girl that looks like me dealing with it too makes me feel that much less alone!

[@sophielouise1094]

Thank you !! I got help for skin picking (similar to hair pulling) by going to an OCD therapist with specialty in body focused repetitive behaviors (hair pulling, skin picking, etc) if u have access to that kind of therapy I’d rly recommend it for anyone who struggles

[@kimkillett4895]

Thanks for this video. You are helping a lot of people not feel so alone. Love you for making yourself very vulnerable to help others. 👍💯 OneLove🙏❤️✌️

[@dr-k1667]

Stress is a real BUGGER! I do hope that everyone who is going through things will never stop believing you can come through to your better days. It's a process and I hope everyone finds support, solutions, and victory!

[@andyfromearth]

I have dealt with Trich since 5th grade. I've cut my hair so many times to "start over". I don't have as much shame as I used to but it is still a difficult conversation when it's brought up. I didn't realize it happens in your sleep until very recently so you just affirmed me in so many ways. you are a beautiful being and so am I and I appreciate you so much for sharing your story ❤

[@LadybugLuv]

Wow! I think you are the most beautiful and BRAVE person I've come across. You are so real. Thank you for sharing you vulnerabilities with the world. I see you are helping some many people. I pray for all blessings to you. You really are amazing!

[@therecessionista6271]

I've been watching u since nearly the beginning of this channel, off and on. I know how much it took u to go from short sparse 4c hair to mlong medium density 4c hair. U remind me a bit myself when I was younger. I hope your hair fully recovers and u find a solution to all of this. Hang in there sweetie❤️

[@tiffanyjohnson6872]

As a mental health professional your story will help so many people. I’m proud of you.

[@peepla7]

I have a wig I wear...I call it an abuse wig. It takes the abuse so my hair doesn't have to.

[@bzzybrie8232]

I wanted to make a video about having 4C hair and trich because it's so hard to realise that it's such a problem and, even more so, how to alleviate it. My bald spot makes my hair look so totally lopsided that it makes me even more hyper aware of the condition, of the shame, of trying to "balance" by picking and picking and the condition, etc. You were and are and continue to always be the one natural hair KZbinr who really embodies how hair and health can have such major connections, even if and when we dont want them to, and I really love that. Thank you for sharing these tips and sending you love always. -×

[@apara2005]

Thank you for opening up and sharing this!!!!! A lot of people struggle with different forms of mental health (me including), it's refreshing to hear one is not alone 😊. P.S - love the doggie reveal. I hope it makes more appearances in your video 🥰. It's adorable.

[@savvivixen8490]

I don't know what to say. I suppose I could start with "Thank you for sharing your experience that I heavily relate to!" but that doesn't seem to do my feelings justice. I feel like I'm looking at a mutiverse version of myself when I watch your videos, and it's a bit scary for me... That aside: Love and peace to you. I see Sam sensed your anxiety and opted to stay closeby for your comfort. You got a cool little pardner there. May your journey leave you stronger and more resilient than the day before, and I hope you have a loving, reliable support system. As I continue to follow your channel, hopefully I can better identify (let alone verbalize) the emotions that well up inside me when I watch your vids. Serene somberness? Bittersweet uncanny valley? Relatable disjointedness and confusion? I don't know. But I feel like I'm picking up on a specific... something... It's hard to explain. But at least typing this comment keeps my fingers out my eyelashes for that much longer while my brain works overtime to get nowhere. Consider it a drop in the bucket for the algorithm, I suppose. Taliho, then. 🤟🏿

[@grenalien]

I've struggled with trich since the 4th grade, and it doesn't get any easier to deal with. my best advice is to keep the daily stress to a minimum if possible.

[@quasar4472]

Thank you for opening up and sharing with us your vulnerability. I remember your early journey and I remembered loving your honest journey. It also shed a light on the moments during the stressful parts of your videos. However, I never judged you because like many...we as viewers are not sure what the youtubers are going through. In the end I always respect your honesty, it's good for your mental health! Awesome video, Danielle! Your puppy is so cute!

[@JAMlover55]

This was really great of you to share this with us 💜 Hi Sam 😊

[@jenjenval233]

Waaaw, one of my father's ex pull out the hairs in the middle of her head too when she's stressed. We thought about it as a bad habit. She's been doing OK in stopping herself. Hang in there!

[@kimaparks2592]

As a person who Pavlov’s her way to stopping sucking her thumb (got finger coverings & Invisalign) after 40+ years and gave a bit of the trich bug (eyelashes) I get the anxious responses/coping mechanisms we employ that can make us feel even more anxious because we’re now causing a new issue. Thank you for being vulnerable

[@creamycazz1]

Wow Danielle. I have had Trich for almost 30… yes you ready that right THIRTY YEARS!!! And I am soooo mad I’m just now seeing this video, as I live for your uploads and love you & I’m absolutely kicking myself that I didn’t see this 3 mos. ago. I hope you do read this sis-and everyone else who has Trich. THERE IS HOPE!!! After 30 yrs, I finally cured it by taking Magnesium!! Since I’ve had it for so long, as you can imagine, I’ve done so much research.. come to find out, Trich, skin-picking & nail biting are all in the same “family” and it’s due to a lack of Magnesium. If you come across any Trich forums and msg boards it looks like a lot of other ppl are catching on to this too! I watched this & those tips you gave are awesome. I literally used to pull out the whole back of my head, the very front above my forehead, and the area above my temples. I’d been doing it since I was 8 and I just turned 38 and finally cured myself of it last year.. so for a looonnngggg time. I’ll tell you my routine & hopefully this works for you & whoever reads this. So I take a combo of these supplements: + NAC (also known as N-acetyl-cysteine) 1000mg which is an amino acid. 1 first thing in the morning & 1 at night.. to me most effective taken on an empty stomach.. said to also help with Trich & helps with better absorption of Mg + Magnesium in the following forms: Glycinate, Taurate, Aspartate or L-Threonate are said to be the best for anxiety, 300-400 Mg.. 2-4 caps daily depending on how severe your pulling is. (Don’t buy Mg Citrate, that form is really only best for constipation.) + MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane).. this is also used for absorption of other vitamins and minerals and also helps with hair growth! So it’s a 2-in-1 that really helps with growing out the hair that’s gone. The trick with MSM tho is that your body gets used to it after a cpl of months and so you have to take breaks from taking it to get its maximum benefits. So I just do 2 months on then 2-3 months off. For the months I’m off of it, I just take a Hair, Skin, and Nails vitamin (b/c I also like to alternate taking breaks from biotin) *I should mention that in a lot of the Trich message boards, Silica is also mentioned as on of the things that helps b/c it contains diatomaceous earth (DE) which apparently helps with Trich. So the Magnesium pill that I take (CountryLife) already contains Silica & horsetail. In my case it’s always been severe and I started with 2 Mg caps a day, then worked my way up to 4. In about 2 wks, I noticed my cravings to pull were gone. I could not believe it.. something I’d been battling for decades finally gone with literally little to no effort! My mind is still blown. I knew it was the Mg b/c when I ran out of the pills and stopped taking them for a wk, the cravings came back. So I marched right back out to buy that Mg! After a few mos., I worked my way back down to just 2 caps a day again and I’ve been doing great ever since. I now keep extra bottles on hand so that I never run out again. Of course continue to consult with your MD. Most MDs will actually tell you how Magnesium is one of, if not the #1 nutrient Americans are missing from our diets. So they’ll prob encourage you to at least try it. It’s great for anxiety and relaxation overall. But I will say that I DEF had to increase my water intake to get my body ready and fully hydrated to take these supplements daily. So I hope you see this & I hope this helps ANYONE out there. If you have any questions feel free to reply here or DM me on IG @cthagoddess. Sry for the novel 😩 but thanks so much boo for sharing your story!! You’re helping so many Black 4c haired girls, you don’t even know!! God bless you & everyone out there just trying to heal 🙏🏾♥️

[@cage2825]

I used to always think that my hair type was somewhat similar to yours but I wasn’t too sure because I have 3a hair but after hearing this video it makes complete sense I think I have this type of stress/anxiety reaction bc I always find myself not just playing with my hair but pulling it out and I have noticed a huge decrease in thickness on my crown and sides of my hair. Literally the same as you I genuinely think you just gave me confirmation on what’s wrong with my hair bc I never took my bodies reaction to anxiety and stress into account thank you

[@emyraljohnson8634]

I started wearing acrylic nails constantly. It doesn’t stop me from going for it. It’s just a lot more difficult to get single hairs. I stop myself more often when I have time to notice what I’m doing. I don’t get the follicles either so it’s not as satisfying.

[@acp16sakuna]

The eyelid thing got me. I haven't had a full set of eyelashes since I was like 10 and I'm 26. I want to laugh and cry at the same time. Everyone I know just tells me to stop, but if it were that easy I would have done it a long time ago.

[@jaquelyncaiello4569]

omg I am joining the ranks of comments as an autisitic women with trich!! I've had it since I was a preteen and I have managed to go a year without a pull relapse (well, i have pulled a little here and there, but not nearly as much as the rest of my life) !! I am fortunate that I dont pull in my sleep, that sounds so frustrating. I do the exact same noise when I start to notice myself lean into the compulsion. I think it started bc of the intense anxiety that stopping myself from pulling would give me, kind of a natural reaction. One thing that has helped me a lot, is just keeping objects in my hands to fiddle with. I figure, if I'm holding something then my hands arent free to travel to my head when I'm not paying attention. Thanks for talking about this so openly. I think a lot of ppl who suffer from it are embarrassed and it's great to have it be more talked about.

[@IjeomaThePlantMama]

I REALLY appreciate you speaking about this. I've had trich since I was about 16 and have been struggling with it ever since (I'm 31 now). I was also going through a major stressful events that I've now learned that triggered it. The crown of my head was also my most picked at spot, something about the more crinkly texture... Anyway it's gotten better now, I try to prevent the wandering hand with a fidget toy (PRO-TIP!), but due to the damage done to the follicles on various parts of my head, my hair grows in quite thin at the crown and left side (my main pull side). It's been a struggle to come to grips with, but videos like yours help me feel a little less alone 💞

[@jessicab5448]

I used to pick the front of my scalp until it was a kind of dark black looking bald patch started in fourth grade around 10 years old and then about a couple of years ago I was cured and now I got hair there. What helped: prayers , accountability, being aware of the consequences, not shaming myself too much, having my hands occupied silly putty helped a lot! Hobbies and removing my self from stressful situations. Also my go to style was bangs (back when I had a relaxer, now natural) so I always wanted to wear my hair back , and now I can. Also my family helped, being aware when they would see me pulling, scratching at my head. So yeah it's not impossible to overcome. 🙏🏾💖 Thanks for sharing your journey with us Starpuppy !

[@EpicRealistTV]

GIRL! I am so glad you made this video! I am also a black woman with trich and I have made videos about it in the past. I am sort of lucky because I only pick out my eyebrows instead of the hair on my scalp... I wouldn't have any hair at all if that were the case. But I get it! I appreciate your vulnerability here! Tis cute. And so is the real StarPuppy! My root cause of mine is being molested as a child for 5 years straight... my trich was horrible then. :( All the fear and anxiety and depression. It is so much better now... I'm 35 and married with 5 kids. Now the trich is anxiety induced still, but not nearly as much. I can control it better, and I always have eyebrows on my face.

[@AziizaAbdulmalik6546]

I'm sorry that happened to you, glad you're doing better from the trauma and with trich.

[@EpicRealistTV]

@@AziizaAbdulmalik6546 Thanks so much! Yes, I have healed a ton. Making videos here helped more than I realized.

[@s.rogers5773]

I have the same condition...it started in elementary school. I recall times where I’d be studying or doing homework and I’d have tens of hair strands just lined up on my page from pulling. It’s definitely a neuroses type of condition...I typically only do it when I’m intently reading, working on my laptop, or something else that requires focus and concentration. I recently had to put my hair in jumbo knotless braids with one of the braids centered over the area where I pull to prevent myself from being able to access that part of my scalp. However, now that the braids have grown out, my fingers are finding their way in...lol. Other than mentally talking myself out of pulling, I haven’t developed any other tactics to stop...so thank you for these tips.

[@vennettegloud3128]

I had a cousin who used to pull her hair out in the back right side. Pretty sure it was stress. She sucked her thumb into puberty as well. The two sort of went together. The girls felt bad for her, and covered for her, the guys made fun…you know the drill…anyway, you and that baby are just too much cuteness!

[@marleyhill34]

I know people who suck their thumb as adults. It's a comfort thing when nothing or no one else would comfort them. I don't have children but If I do I would always hug them every day and tell them I love them every day so that they know that they are loved and can find comfort in my arms. I didn't have that growing up and I know many black people and other races who didn't get that.

[@misspuddin87]

Maaaaaaaam Trich sisterhood here 🙋🏾‍♀️. My hair grows so nicely and I would love to wear it out but I cant keep my hands out of it 🙃🙄. Everytime I go to salons I have to explain that I pull my hair out so I just do my own hair and keep it covered. I'm going to try your tips bc I started pulling at 8 and now I'm 35 and I want to wear my hair 😫.

[@shellyo.1725]

You should definitely try knitting or crochet! It keeps your hands busy, and you end up with something nice for yourself.😊 you can make a hat! 🧶

[@Happiheaded]

I have the same condition. I feel so seen and understood while watching your content.

[@angeliquesanders7802]

Hi Star puppy, I wanted to let you know I am currently going through something with my hair as well. I ended up having extreme hair loss on the sides of my head. I wear my hair in silk scarves now to cover it. It grows back super fast and then usually falls back out due to stress. Praying for our healing. You aren’t doing this journey alone

[@fitvesselstotalwellness4636]

This was so good. Special to me because of the vulnerability and powerful authenticity of sharing your story to impact and change lives. Well done.

[@veilsofviolets]

Thank you for sharing your vulnerability. As we already know, in the community, especially in black community we are informed that it is just a phase and that we should 'stop'. It is not easy to stop and I wish people were considerate and understanding. I've been watching your content prior before the pandemic and watching you grow and your hair grown has been an inspiration to me. Please keep creating beautiful, intriguing and funny content. Have a good day/evening everyone!! 🥰❤🥰

[@Crystalthe1st]

You are not alone. Thank you for talking about this. My trich was bothering me and no conditioning i tried was working. This was one of several motives that led me to shave my hair and keep it short. I’m loving it! No regrets! But I still have trich cuz I still have eyebrows, eyelashes, and stress lol. Therapy has been helping with stress management though