Story Time: Trichotillomania

[@faith49]

As someone who struggles from trich this helped sm tysm

[@jasminelittle98]

You’re so brave for talking about this. I’ve struggled with this since I was 7 years old and at one point I had to get special permission to wear a hat in school to cover my bald spots. It’s gotten better over the years and I’ve conditioned myself to pull only in places that are easier to cover up like behind my ear. I get the impulse to do it when my hands are free and I’m bored or anxious. I’m a bit insecure about my hair because I don’t have any volume anymore. I’m so sorry you have to deal with this! We can get through this together 💪🏼

[@DianaGisellLM]

Jasmine Little Girl same! It makes me so insecure because I get told my hair is very thin by many people without them knowing that I struggle with accepting my own hair and no longer having thick hair, but it really sucks when people point it out.

[@jasminelittle98]

DiANA GiSSELL it is really such a struggle! I’ve found that using biotin and collagen shampoos and conditioners overtime has helped to thicken my hair a bit but there’s only so much I can do having naturally thin hair on top of pulling a lot of it out 🤦🏻‍♀️ I’m so sorry people point it out! That’s very rude on their part. We shouldn’t have to be ashamed of having thin hair.

[@dannaselene]

Jasmine Little we got this! It’s something not a lot of people talk about nowadays

[@mariamandronikashvil]

@@dannaselene I don't think your husband, or anyone has the reason to get pissed about this. I don't know about your relationship and all, but the shaming part of it doesn't help the impulse. Just saying, not looking for the discussion.

[@SweetTee13]

teachings! Totally understand, sooooo much exactly to the T, your comment. Thansk so much.

[@ericaluna01]

I started doing this when I was about 8 years old. I honestly don’t know why I started doing it. My mom thought I was going bald. I’ve always had anxiety. Now I have to be careful not to do it because it’s hard to stop. It helps to relieve stress. Glad I’m not alone.

[@dannaselene]

Erica T yes it does relieve stress at the moment but then we realize what we did and that becomes more stressful and more pulling 😫 anxiety def has a lot to do with it. You got this though just need to slow it down and eventually stop

[@magnavitae4736]

Is your hair normal now?

[@ericaluna01]

Corona Vitae it is. I don’t do it anymore.

[@magnavitae4736]

@@ericaluna01I'm happy to hear that!:) I got a bald spot (it's not too bad but I care about it a lot) so I hope I can stop doing it too

[@Kirstenbergmannart]

Awe I’m so honoured people are coming on this platform and opening up about this. I am a hairdresser and I have clients sit in my chair and can kinda tell it’s trich the weird thing is they don’t know I have it too and I want to reach out to people and talk about it but I never want to over step. Mine isn’t visible I pull mine out on my ankles and lower legs I don’t remember when I started doing it but it can become really painful and it sucks not wearing shorts or being scared to have someone notice all the scaring and broken skin. I hope next time someone sits in my chair we can bond over something like this and help each other!

[@polestarc]

Try to put moisturizer like Alo vera gel after you pull your hair. I know it's difficult to resist. I can't even mine except that now, I immediately think about my Silver Sulfadiazine or Salicyclic acid the moment I realize I've pulled 5cm of hair.

[@jjamos4303]

Do you have something that can help my hair grow?

[@polestarc]

@@jjamos4303 For me, it takes sometime to regrow your hair. Try to use a keratin conditioner twice a week and then an alo vera gel moisturizer on your scalp after your bath. Alo vera gel can be put anywhere on your body and I put it on my hair too. Virgin coconut oil overnight is another alternative. Putting a band-aid on your two index fingers helps control the urge.

[@kikibite2043]

I have the exact same thing, in the exact same spot. I always pick around my calves/ankles and it’s super embarrassing not being able to wear shorts in public or when you do manage up the courage to do so, having people openly stare or ask questions about the scarring/broken skin. I don’t pick as often anymore, however the scars are still there and won’t go away. 🥺

[@spirit4878]

Please tell them! it would've meant the world to me knowing i had a hairdresser that TRULY understood

[@preciousmakama9882]

I keep crying watching this videos. I thought I was the only one going through this until I started to research. It's a struggle but I'm determined to stop and this is a promise to myself.

[@aprilmccrum7667]

So many people don't understand. It is so hard!! It's a disorder and more than just a bad habit. Proud of you talking about this.

[@Crunches_and_Munches]

Mine started at 6 and I'm 31 now. So, yeah, when they say life-long, it's no lie. I hate it. I love my hair but the anxiety of wanting to try new styles and can't brings me to freaking tears sometimes. I seriously appreciate this video. I completely feel like I'm not alone with this now.

[@tanyamudgal7485]

Can we cjat

[@chelseachang1105]

quarantine has hit my trich extra hard. thank you for making this. it means so much.

[@dannaselene]

Yes it def has made it worse! I need to make an updated video for the "during quarantine episodes" its been tough but we can get through this!

[@Alecexo]

I actually developed mine during quarantine I never had this issue before

[@Itsumi_Nyanko]

Indeed , mine got full blast during lock down... was fine for the past 20 years :( ( last big events was when I was 17 and 8 ...calm in between )

[@nessandguy]

Thank you for sharing. I struggle with eye lash pulling. It truly feels good. Nobody understands when I tell them.

[@thepoeticone9739]

Same I’m gona make a video about it eventually on my channel I never have really talked about it to anyone other than my mom and my doctor but it’s time to spread awareness

[@mexicanf4g]

I did this when I was in 3rd-5th grade. I tried to tell my mom that it felt good but she didn’t understand. I know how it feels. You’re not alone!! From one trichster to another ❤️

[@mexicanf4g]

@@thepoeticone9739 yes!! Let’s share our stories so more people understand it!

[@thepoeticone9739]

@@mexicanf4g I made a spoken word poem about Trichotillomania on my channel but I’ll eventually have a sit down and actually explain it more 💕I hope this pandemic isn’t stressing you out! My condition actually got a little worse after the pandemic but I’m staying strong!

[@mexicanf4g]

@@thepoeticone9739 I’m so proud of you!! Tbh it’s been more stressful with school but I’m making progress! I haven’t had a bald spot on my eyelashes in almost 3 years. My hair is starting to grow back. It’s hard, but it’s definitely not impossible ❤️❤️

[@taongabanda2835]

So comforting to know that I’m not alone

[@Catherine-ho4mg]

Im 38 from the UK. The back of my scalp looks like yours 🙈 No one knows I have trich because I have my hair up all the time. I wish I could stop pulling. I feel like such an idiot for doing it but the urge to pull is so strong. Don't know why I do it...like you, I have had major stressful periods in my life, boredom, anxiety....urghh.

[@ryanduran7102]

Your hair is exactly what mine looks like now and I have the same spots on my head as you. The back is so hard for me to leave alone. I'm sad because my hair is already so thin. Thank you for your story and thank you for giving me hope that I can stop

[@kimstewart147]

Thank you for sharing. I can SO relate to all you said. I started when I was thirteen. I decided to stop biting my nails and starting pulling out my hair. I’m 44 now. Still struggling along. Thank goodness I have thick hair. During lockdown I’ve started something I call ‘hair love’ where once a week I massage my scalp and hair with coconut oil. It helps me reset each week. The process is self love and love for my hair. I feel it’s helping me, focusing on loving my hair and protecting it. Sending you love!

[@fajnymelon5314]

I'm struggling with this since I was like 6 years old, I'm proud of you all!

[@totopope0202]

Are you male? When you were 6yrs old that time, did you experienced falling hair? Coz right now im so worried with my son..he's 6yrs old..and he has falling hair everyday.. I've observed for 4months already..but there's no patches or baldness..but he scratches his hair everyday..

[@fajnymelon5314]

@@totopope0202 I am male but this sickness doesnt include falling hair! It must be something else and I recomend checking it out with doctor

[@totopope0202]

@@fajnymelon5314 ok sir..thank you..

[@mp_music898]

Everything you are describing i feel on a daily basis and I felt this so hard. Thank you so much for sharing all of this. This made me feel so much less alone. Sometimes you feel like people think your crazy for doing it and you don't even understand why you do it eather and its frustrating

[@jasminpareja2900]

Thank you for this video. I've had this issue since I was about 13 -- always been embarrassed about it esp since its gotten worse throughout the years, i'm 23 now and seeing the damage i've done has made me soo frustrated. I've been trying to find any way to break this habit and save my hair

[@dannaselene]

Jasmin Pareja yes it’s very hard to control and we don’t want the damage but we do it anyway! Best way is to tie it up atleast when you’re home! We got this :)

[@polestarc]

Use Silver Sulfadiazine cream. Alternatively, use Salicylic acid. I know it's difficult because I'm also struggling about it. Try also to write down what triggers your anxiety like people or situations.

[@rebeccamccready1135]

I’m almost 3 weeks of not pulling my eyes leashes which amazing for me it used to be really hard for me I used to pull them when I was tired or stressed I first started when my second uncle die un expected so you are so brave to tell your story about your hair pulling it will give so many people to flee better about their hair pulling because they are not alone ♥️I hope to be hair pulling free by the end of 2020😎

[@kelliet8772]

I can relate. This is hard but nobody will ever understand the feeling. This video helps so much, thank you for sharing

[@dannaselene]

Yes it is very hard for someone who doesnt know. It is a feeling that we can relate to because we all struggle and cope with is differently. Hope things get better for you :)

[@DianaGisellLM]

Little StoryTime, I play soccer and once I had my hair in a ponytail so it wouldn’t get in my face and the girls on my team were talking about the thickness of there hair and one of my friends came up to me and told me I had really thin hair, and during the whole practice all I was thinking about was what do people think of my hair? Is it really that thin? And it made me feel really bad about myself, although I know it wasn’t her intention to hurt me, it did.

[@dannaselene]

Yes sometimes we don’t pay attention to things like that and honestly it should affect us but it does we are human!! As long as we know we’re good people with a good heart nothing else should matter :) you’re beautiful either way!

[@jessicawatkins4348]

I started pulling from the top front of my hair when I was 16 (23) and in school still. It sucked so bad in school because by the end of class I would have this pile of hair on the floor next to my seat every class that I’d have to clean up. Nobody knew that I knew of but it was still so embarrassing. I was walking downstairs one night as my mom was coming upstairs and she worriedly confronted me about this big bald spot right smack on the front of my head. I told her it was nothing to worry about that I just pulled my hair out a little bit. My way of covering it was to put my hair color eye shadow on it and it worked well to conceal it. I finally was able to let it grow back by wearing beanies anytime I was in a position I knew I’d get lost in like laying in bed. It worked! I was able to stop pulling for 6m to a year before I started pulling again but I had this fabulous idea to pull from the back so I didn’t have a huge bald spot soon as I look in the mirror. Obviously that backfired cause nothing good will come from pulling out your hair, even if you can’t see it. Well I’m still pulling but in different spots here and there so there isn’t one giant bald spot. The problem I face now is that my hair, although at first glance you’d never know, has thinned so much and from my hot spot in the back my hair now has this split from it as if you were gonna split your hair for pig tails. I tried a few times cutting it to the length of my shorter hairs about to my shoulder to get it to look even but cutting your hair isn’t always a remedy for hair pulling 😔 I remember the first and only time I worked up the courage to talk to a hair dresser I walked in and simply asked the woman if she knew what trichotillomania was and she said no what is that? Me, already with a frog in my throat because even bringing it up when I never told a soul yet at that point was getting to me, simply said it’s a type of hair disorder, nvm and walked out !! It’s something a lot of people don’t understand and it truly sucks. Have a great day/evening/night to anyone reading this and good luck 🍀

[@dannaselene]

Thanks for sharing your story! It is very hard to get others to understand! Alot of people have noooo idea that others can go through something like this! and it is crazy how many years its the same thing over and over again and no change! Just different bald spots every year! Super hard to control and cover up! Hope things get better and enjoy your holidays!

[@katherinescollection8425]

Thank you so much for talking about this issue. I've been struggling with trich for a year and a half now, and I'm grateful I'm not alone. The longest I've gone with out pulling my hair since I started in 2021 is one month. Hopefully you and I can break the cycle! Thanks for the tips on how to stop!

[@cheezy3181]

I never heard of someone twisting their hair like I do. Most people just pull strands or chunks. I’ve twisted my hair like you all my life. It’s really tough and embarrassing sometimes. Thanks for sharing.

[@lynetteangeline5465]

Thank you so much for this video. I really love the idea of keeping your hair nice and together. I'll have to try that. It sounds like a win-win bc your hair is nice and then you don't pull! I've been struggling with trich since I was 10. It started with my lashes, then eyebrows, and now my scalp. I don't pull my lashes or eyebrows anymore and I feel like I just grew out of it. I haven't pulled them in over 10 years. I just remember being so distracted that I forgot about pulling my hair. Then the habit returned for my scalp when I was about 16, and am now 26, really trying to confront it and stop it. I recently learned that this disorder is a lot more common than we would think, it's just hard for others to understand, and we feel a lot of shame around it. But I really appreciate you having the courage to make this video. You're very beautiful, and an inspiration ❤️

[@01chittock]

I’m 53, and I have done this for over 45 years, I come to the understand that I will have to live with it. This was all down to childhood abuse. But if I’m honest I enjoy the pain, when you look at it , it is self harming.

[@madisonhancock9224]

I’m so thankful for people coming out and sharing their stories... I went on a trip with my husband and he said when he cleaned his car out, he could’ve made a wig out of the hair I pulled out... I’m very embarrassed by the fact that I do this... I feel so off and I started going bald on top of my head and my sister took a pic and that was the most humiliating thing EVER!!!! Thank you for creating awareness!!!

[@dannaselene]

Yes! We dont even realize how much hair we are pulling out! Then we look back and were like wow really!! so much damage!!! Hope things get better!

[@tadaaaaa1366]

Getting acrylic nails that are a bit on the longer side helps me a lot since I can properly grab it

[@madisenravanelli6283]

God this video really made me feel better. I damaged my very healthy hair with bleach 7 months ago and during quarantine I began pulling out all the weirdly textured hairs and now I’m bald in very hard to cover places 😞. One side of my hair is so thin while the other side is pretty full and healthy..not even mentioning the pretty big bald spot in the middle back of my head. I’ve been pull free for a week and it’s so hard. I did it before when I was 12/13 but it was never super bad, fast forward to 17 years old I did it again a little worse. Now I’m 23 and it’s at its worst 😩😩. I usually feel the urge to pull once I damage my hair really badly.

[@polestarc]

It's anxiety that triggers trichotillomania. Some anxiety spans over 20 years or more. If yours is a recent episode, I hope you can overcome it.

[@dannaselene]

Totally feel you! Quarantine has made me switch up the way I pull my hair. One side is so nice and thick and the other side is balding and super thin hair. I have a big bald spot in the back of my head now that I pulled from my scalp so it feels like I have a scar back here. Anxiety def activates it! Super crazy. Hard to control.

[@templecatt]

Thank you for this inspirational video! I didn't know this was a thing, I thought I was just weird XD I hope we all overcome our trichotillomania soon

[@MLynn2242]

I’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember. I absolutely love watching your videos and can’t believe you go through this as well! I had a really bad episode yesterday and today. I must have pulled out two or three large amounts of hair and now I have three bald spots EXACTLY where you like to pull (that is my favorite spot as well). For me, It feels like pressure points around that area and when I pull the strands out I get like some relief. Probably sounds so weird but it’s the only way to describe it for me. I’m so mad at myself because I was doing good for so long. ☹️ I need to find new ways of putting my hair up or styling it. Thank you so much for the video!!!!❤️❤️

[@dannaselene]

Meranda Lynn22 I totally understand about having your favorite spot! That has been my go to! It’s not easy to stop but we have to try and keep trying so we can get over this !

[@micaelagonzalez5205]

I'm going through the same thing and i feel very uncomfortable to be out in public and I'm so happy that this video is educational because this is something that this needs to be taught

[@jassminortiz1731]

I love this story time ❤️ I struggle with something similar 🙃. Thank you for this video Danna!

[@dannaselene]

Jassmin Ortiz 😘🤍

[@madimakesmusica]

I just randomly stumbled across your page after watching a foundation video from 4 years ago, and I am SO happy I stayed to watch this. I have dermatollomania and scratch at my scalp mindlessly, to the point where my entire scalp is beyond infected with lesions and balding. It gives me a peace to know that others also have similar disorders and just as insecure about things we can’t control. :( Subscribed! Your personality, story, openness, and beauty is so evident.

[@dannaselene]

Thank you for sticking around! I def want to create a follow up video especially after this quarantine! It has been so difficult! Its a hard thing to control. I hope we can get through this!

[@lilycooling6827]

You have got some confidence talking about your personal experience on here. I’ve struggled with trich since i was 6 it all started when people would say that when you get a single eyelash you can make a wish so thats what i done (at the time i was struggling with extreme anxiety so i was wishing all my worries away), things lead to another. Then 6 years later i still pluck my eyelashes and eyebrows and continue to get picked on for that. Also can i just add that if you speak to somebody about it you might feel like it does nothing but you will feel better than before i can promise you X

[@shunterriamiller9061]

I started pulling due to my mom and dad always fighting one day I locked myself in the restroom took my hair down & started pulling and eating it . Thank you for understanding

[@daritzaesmeralda4719]

I first want to start off by saying I can feel your pain just by looking at your eyes. The minute you spoke up you looked sad and slowly as you continued to talk about it you started to show more confidence and I seriously just want to hug you. I’ve suffered with Trich since I was 11 and have yet to handle it well, but like you hide it well. Thank you for this video. I’m extremely proud of you for having the courage to speak about this disorder.

[@aaaaaayouuushiiiiiii]

I am 18 and this is the first time I actually had the courage to look it up on internet. I am from India and it's uncommon here , I have it since as long as I can remember and people around me look at me as if I am insane . Even my parents, but I don't blame them. When someone pulls a little hair ,theirs eyes tear up but I go around pulling bunches of 50 to 100 hairs. When I was in 5th grade I started pulling a lot and my parents took me to a doctor but he was clueless so they decided against medication as that would have hampered my studies. The meds bhi psychiatrists make u numb and dull so they bailed out. My mum was scared of that bald spot on my head so she got my head shaved in hope I would stop pulling when I dont have it and I will forget but that didn't happen. Kids in my school started calling ugly and teasing me. They started saying I was a boy pretending to be a girl and that I am fake and stuff that till this day makes me feel I look like a boy ans am ugly. But I grew my hair in 9th grade but the pulling didn't stop , I dont have bald spots but I still pull. I want to stop but I don't know how. I am really sad , I want long beautiful hair.......I really want to stop but my hands keep going back. Sometimes I sit in my room in dark and think why I have all the flaws, why God made me like this , i have so many hairs on my body , I have weird brows , sometimes I feel like scratching my skin and bleeding. It's really scary how I despise my self . Please can you help me in anyway, I want to get out of this. I have never talked about this with anyone, never and today after watching this video I felt like opening up.

[@aimeemericier67]

It's OK. I know how you feel. But don't worry you are beautiful. Don't beat yourself up about it. Everyone has something to deal with. We have Trich.

[@audreynhupham2877]

Thank you for sharing! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one fighting this disorder. I wish you the best and I hope you can overcome it. I hope I can too as well

[@sharsSafeSpace]

Girl I’m 37 and I’ve been suffering with this since I was 14. For a few years in my late teen and most of my twenties I stoped but now past few years I’m doing it again and it’s gotten significantly worse. Before I would only focus on one spot then flip my hair and part it another way to cover the area while it grew back . The part in my hair is what I obsess with by running my fingers along it and constant try to move hair over that first feel right and if the part isn’t perfectly straight. Then I end up twirling the hair and end up pulling it out trying to create the perfect part. Before I know it there’s a bald spot and now I gotta keep moving hair over trying to cover it so o can get a new perfectly straight part. Even the bald spots I don’t leave along cuz I’ll constantly keep feeling the patch and try to line it up with the rest of my hair so it parts correctly. Then I have strands that are kinky and frizzy or thick and of course they gotta go lol then I look down on the floor and all of a sudden these piles of strands that I’ve pulled. I hate the sensation of loose hair if it sticks to my clothing or my arm or fingers and I’ll keep trying to shake it off. I’ll feel so guilty that I’m doing this and it will scare me. But when I let it true even the regrowth bothers me because it’s thicker curlier chunk which separates from my normal hair so now I play with the new growth . It’s so bad to the point in the front across my hair line I have 3 separate bald sections where I pull from and now it’s hard to cover up because I can’t part my hair in anyway. I will try to pin my hair back in the front with a Bobby pin but then I play with the part now caused on either side of the piece held by the pin. The saddest thing is that this disorder is very real and traumatic for so many of us yet there is little to no knowledge about it

[@Tangentbordsblues]

Wonderful person and video, thanks for talking about this. I wanted to relate and find ways to be cured

[@jessicabey275]

Mine started when I was young 10-13. My mom put my hair up in pigtails all the time but one day I felt the little hairs move in the wind and I started to pull them out. And now I'm 32 and long curly hair and the crown of my head has a different texture then the rest. Its extremely dry, brittle and kinky but it very fuzzy. I also to the side of my head in just a line, the tops of my wrist where a watch would sit, my fingers (because I don't like hair there) tweezed my eye brows a ton when I was younger but since quarentine I let them grow in and any ingrown hair. I rarely wear my hair down because on the different hair texture Thank you for addressing it.

[@brendah4701]

The most stressful part is not able to do sit-down activities , I have pulled half of my hair since I started going back to school 😩

[@dannaselene]

YES like watching a movie or driving! That is when it wants to kick in and activate pulling mode! Not cool!

[@oluchiokoye6413]

@@dannaselene at all 😭

[@oliveburnham8318]

*This hit home.. this is EXACTLY me and my situation.* A major tip, is when your at home and you dont give a frick about what your look like, wear a hat that covers your whole head (like a beanie or stocking cap) this has helped me so much because it covers my head from my hands, so when I feel the urge I have something there to kind of stop me, and protect my hair from the damage of me pulling it out. *Even if it looks silly, it WORKSSS! (at least for me)*

[@aimeemericier67]

Gloves

[@ليلياليليا-ح2ن]

Every time I try to stop pulling my hair, I find myself pulling more to the point where I have bald spots in the front and back of my head. I am sad and devastated. Every person I relate to, I tell them about my hair, they leave me. I have lost hope in life.💔💔💔💔💔😭

[@elacurran4821]

I’ve been pulling since I was 9 years old. I’ve been going to therapy for a while but it hasn’t really helped. I always wonder why I have to have this problem, and if it’s ever going to go away. The urge to pull is just so strong and I find myself only stopping once there is already a big spot. Since I always pull on my part line, I’m always changing my part. My friends even started asking why since they don’t know I have trich. I somehow stumbled across this video and it really helps to know that there are other people who struggle with it too. Thank you and I hope everyone is doing well. ❤️

[@lifewithklau]

I love how open you were here 🤍 and just know we’re all going through something or have gone through something and your not alone 🙏🏼 this is the first time me hearing about this and I’m sorry your going through it. I don’t have a habit but I do have overactive bladder and it gives me really bad anxiety sometimes. Not sure if others can relate to that but I do feel alone sometimes in that aspect.

[@dannaselene]

Yes we all go through things and we never know what someone is going through! I just want to share positivity and want others to know that we can all be here for each other even if we dont know each other! Its a beautiful thing to spread kindness and nice words !

[@MariaGomes-hx8ns]

I Never Knew I Had This Disorder, I just used to think I'm the only on weird person in this world whose doing this to myself, it just makes me cry, I started this around when I was 12-13 yrs old, and I feel I messed up everything thing about me by pulling hair...I really have bad anxiety since childhood...now I'm 21 yrs old and sometimes I still do this to me... I'll try my best to stop this Habit

[@Blackstreak8]

TYSM. You’re so brave. I’m 38 & I’ve done this since I was 13. For me, it’s anxiety driven. I do it because I’m addicted to the endorphins after the pain from pulling the strand of hair. I see it as a coping mechanism for my anxiety. It makes me sad that I struggle with this. I’m grateful that you have shared your story. I feel less alone. I hate having Trich.

[@kellyreneeadams-sowdon8624]

Thank you for sharing. I did this too. I had bald spots on my sides., close to my face. And I loved hair extensions but pulled out so much hair I couldn’t wear them. I didn’t even want to get out of bed. I’m Italian and almost all of my family and myself had & have amazing thick black hair

[@timelesstarot2951]

I empathize with you so much. I just recently in the past year or two started suffering from this as well. The texture of my hair has gone down hill so I find myself pulling out the thick coarse hairs. I have a lot now on the top back of my head and the under side of my hair. It’s actually getting worse and seems like all of my hair is like this. I hate it. I hate that I have pulled the under side so much that when its trying to grow back its short and when I put my hair up I have to clip it up. I also completely relate to you about your husband getting upset about finding your balls of hair. I have that same problem with my boyfriend, he hates it. I don’t even know why I save them. I just learned about the negative effects of hard water so I just recently bought a shower filter and chelating shampoo and conditioner so I hope that helps. I can’t stand my hair, I am so self conscious about it I don’t even like to go in public and I always just wear it up. I also didn’t go to hair salon because I was embarrassed about it and didn’t know how I would explain it.

[@mekhalam9365]

Thank you so much for this video 🥺🥺🥺🥺❤🌈 We will fight it and go pull free forever

[@dannaselene]

YES AMEN TO THAT !

[@faithaihie1703]

I have struggled with it since childhood and anytime I go to hairstylists to weave or braid my hair and they ask me about the bald areas......I just tell them my previous braids were too tight because I usually pull the front part of my hair....I didn't really know it was a thing let alone an OCD type disorder

[@surprinawestbrook935]

I eat the root of the strand I pull out. I’ve been pulling my hair for almost 24 years now. I shave my head but as soon as it grows in, it’s back to the bullshit. I’m tired at this point.

[@winnietschamler8342]

Thank you so much for your words! You bring it to the point. I feel completely the same…everything you say is so true…

[@dannaselene]

Yes its something we can relate to but not everyone understand it, you know!

[@michelleleo1545]

😩I have a bad habit of pulling my eyebrows and eyelashes! I never knew this was a actual disorder. Wow thanks for sharing your story!

[@dannaselene]

X O yes At first I had no idea either!! But it’s a real thing! Thank you for watching and we got this !! ❤️

[@ashleyallen5509]

Same here. my lashes and eyebrows. I’m in tears now because, I thought I was alone. I couldn’t explain why I was doing it. I’m 29 I been doing this since I was 18. I can only wear false eyelashes. I don’t know how to do my eyebrows. So I walk around with almost now eyebrows. It’s a big effect on my life and it’s embarrassing.

[@ms_u.c.loveth]

@@ashleyallen5509 same with me. I wear falsies everyday,I can't go out with natural face so sad.. if you have overcomed this, please let me know how you overcomed it. Help a sis..

[@ashleyallen5509]

@@ms_u.c.loveth nope still pulling them 😢

[@Alecexo]

I struggle with the back too in the same exact spot as you! And my dad gets mad at me for doing it just like your husband. I haven’t told my boyfriend about it yet and I’m so scared to And I wanna get wigs installed but I’m scared hair stylists will judge me. So I’m trying to learn to install one myself

[@ZetaLyra]

I had this BAD when I was younger. My mom thought I was going bald because she thought I was allergic to our dog. I never told her about it but now I realize how anxious I was as a little girl. Glad it's over 🖤

[@dannaselene]

Taylor thank God!! Some people do get it at a younger age I’m glad it’s over for you 🙌🏼

[@theresaguardianhomeext.6110]

How'd you get over it? It comes and goes for me. Longest time was two years.. I'm really struggling now and have noticed my 12 year old son doing it. I want to help him but I can't help myself. Any advice would be great. Danna you have inspired me not to be ashamed..

[@hannakim97]

Omg thank you so much for making this video. You remind me a lot like me, and it makes me feel good knowing I’m not struggling alone. I recently just made a big bald spot under my head, and it’s my wake up call. I’ve been so tempted to pull some out but I’m working on different methods to cope. I’ve been using Castro oil and rub it on my roots and bald spot. I’m 23 years old, and I’ve been embarrassed to tell others, only my immediate family knows. But wow I agree with you that it’s so addicting and feels so good.. buts it’s such a bad habit. Since I’m only addicted to pulling the bottom of my head, I noticed that doing low buns helps to not pull. I also started doing this thing where if I catch myself about to pull, Ill stop myself and just rub it, or rub it with Castro oil if it’s around. Thank you sharing.

[@dannaselene]

Thank you for sharing your tips as well! I should try to massage the area I want to pull! I also have castor oil but never tried it on my bald spots!

[@lmtate671]

I've been suffering from this since 13 years of age and I am now 55 and still suffer from it... sometimes I stay up all night pulling my hair until I'm exhausted. I've grayed prematurely in the spots that I pull. If I wear hair extensions, it helps because I can't get to the hair

[@maystarflower]

I also have this compulsion. Did you thought about pulling your hair up in a ponytail or wearing a headband or a wig? For me a ponytail sometimes helps. Another advice is to do something with your hands when you get the urge.❤

[@leanneg9388]

Hi beautiful!! Thank you for your courage to share this. I have struggled with trich (my eyelashes) and it is so hard for others to understand why it’s so hard to stop. I know you can overcome this one day at a time! I think the biggest thing helping me is to take away the shame of it. We all have different issues to overcome and I appreciate you sharing 💕

[@maribelzavala6229]

Thank you for sharing! I struggle with lash pulling! It sucks i want to stop but cant 😣

[@sarahrobinson9450]

Hi, I’ve just watched your video. I can totally relate. I’ve just been diagnosed with Trich. I pull out the hair on my head it not just in one place it can be at the sides, at the top or the back. The sides are really short compared to the back. The hair is short on the top of head and I’m slowly getting a bald spot, I wear extensions to cover this but pick at them when wearing which means I have to buy more. I try to stop but like you said it’s so hard. I pick more when I can’t sleep at night. I run my hands through hair and I pick at the hair that is dry or has a textured feel to it. I tie it up and use a hair extension bobble again to cover shortness etc. it’s just sort hard to stop. It’s good to know that others are going through the same thing and I’m glad you posted your video. Thank you 😊 xx

[@dannaselene]

I totally feel you about pulling out the hair the has some texture to it. It’s something about it that makes you target it to pull. Especially when you cannot sleep! It is very hard some days when you just keep going back to that one spot. I hope you didn’t have a bad hair pulling day today!

[@alexislinehan9561]

I can’t stop doing it. I had my second child a year ago, so I told everyone it was postpartum hair loss. Now, I can’t blame it on that. It’s simply me pulling it out. I started in the front, and it got too noticeable so I moved to the back, like exactly where you showed your bald spot in the top/back of your head. I’ve never admitted it to anyone. Tomorrow I’m telling my husband that I’m struggling with this. I hope he can help me by reminding me if he sees me doing it. Thank you for sharing your story. I don’t feel so alone when I hear these stories from others.

[@dannaselene]

Hope today wasn’t a bad hair pulling day for you! It isn’t easy but there a lot of people out here who are going through it as well! Everyone’s story is so different but it is a struggle we face daily.

[@cathrinenolsen7595]

I have started pulling,tugging and continuously drag my fingers on mye hair on topp of scalp.And getting so manic on finding these course brittle hair. It feels so good but it is also causing stress as Ihave been doing this for the past 3 years and it is starting to really be noticeable. Good to hear people talking about it and learning about it and not feeling alone about it. x

[@florence1395]

You are so so brave, really brave. It’s actually due to stress as well. A friend of mind does it, though it can be a calming feeling or frustration it’s mainly stress as said…………the young lady I know literally couldn’t leave her hair alone & she was totally addicted to pulling & was self absorbed in herself whilst she said it calmed her.

[@Itz._.Ang1e12]

I love how you explained this I havent been dignosed with this but I have most symptoms. I started pulling my hair once 6th grade ended. It was never that bad in the beginning of 7th grade in till now... I wear a headband and now it's getting worse... People are starting to notice it with the headband. I want to explain it to them but im scared they wont understand. I hate going to school now cuz I hate the feeling of being talked about and when I do explain what it is and how I might have this I tend to get emotional. I dont notice me picking my hair. I put my hair in my mouth and then I notice ive been picking on my hair. I have a big bald spot on the top of my head, and theres a pattern that goes all around my head. I call it "The Headband" because I have a bald spot going all around my head forming a circle around my whole head. I can hide it, but only with a headband. My headband slip out sometimes and I fix it as fast as I can. But two boys in my class noticed it and in scared if they are going to tell everyone. I dont wanna get bullied... (I'm 12 btw) I hope you are successfully fighting through it. -sorry if this is to much to read. I feel like im more stressed because its effecting my social life. [Kinda just vented]

[@stereo4454]

i started a few months back and ive pulled so much that i have a clean and smooth bald spot on the top of my head and its been so hard trying to grow it back. Everytime my mom gives me my treatment i pull more and more. I still pull to this day

[@muddyotterspottery569]

Thank you so much. I suffer from this and excoriation disorder. Hearing this really makes me feel like I am not alone. 🤗

[@dannaselene]

You are definitely not alone! I read through all these comments when I get the chance and realize how many people actually go through this! Some haven’t even told people around them because they are embarrassed! We can all just vent here!

[@blessingsuh3749]

I feel u girl❤❤❤❤ Going through this so hard

[@jf8717]

I also started when I was bout 13 or 14 I stopped for many years I had no idea what I was doing or what it ment what I was doing.i started again about 7 years ago after I had my twins maybe 2 or 3 years after they were born I pull from my sides of my head the most I wear my hair the same all the time how I'm not completely bold beats me but but yes it is a real thing and it is hard to control at times we do damage to ourselves without noticing in just so little time I have bold spots where I pull the most. your beautiful and so is your hair i wish you well and hope you recover from this.my hope one day is that I can wear my hair down again it's been years since I have.i would love to see a follow up video on this topic thanks you for sharing your story.i tell myself I can stop its possible because I stopped for many years.to everyone who is going through this disorder I wish you well and hope you can over come this❣

[@dannaselene]

Thank you! Yes it is a very bad thing to do. Especially when we really tell ourselves that "this is it im not doing this anymore" it comes back again and we continue. The best way to get out of it is to try to "control" the urge . Super hard but I have hope for all of us!!

[@RelaxinBeauty]

Thank you for sharing this story. I have a same problem from my baby age. So terrible but now im understand im not alone with this

[@zman92630]

I feel for you! I just started researching Trich because I've noticed thinning of hair on my 13-year-old daughter's scalp. She has a bit of anxiety and lately, boredom as well. (I've never seen so much hair around the house in the past few months!) Anyway, I empathize with you and I'm hoping I can connect with my daughter to figure out how to change her habits.

[@fedoramcclaren4294]

I had to cut my locs four times because of hair pulling. I never knew there was a name for this until this year... I am glad that I am not alone, although it feels like I am. Thank you for sharing...

[@jolenenunez1228]

Omg. I'm on my loc journey for the first time and was trying to find someone with locs who suffered with this. It was less obvious when my hair was in a fro and now I'm faced with this issue full force. I really dont want to cut my locs so I'm trying to nip this in the butt early.

[@fedoramcclaren4294]

@@jolenenunez1228 I don't want to tell you it is easy. Even if you put your mind to it, for some, it is still extremely difficult. I truly hope you are more successful in your journey than I ever was!!! Even with my afro, it was difficult. I ended up putting extra braids in, just to not pull my hair...so far, I'm doing okay. I still pull the extra hairs which stick out, but I am doing better than previously with the locs...

[@fedoramcclaren4294]

@@jolenenunez1228 do you wear hats or wrap your hair to cover it?

[@jolenenunez1228]

@@fedoramcclaren4294 I know you are so right. I started off with trying to tell myself I was making myself bald out loud everytime I'd pick to practice self love, but I had quickly ditched that after only a few days even though it was starting to work. I was just getting so frustrated with wrestling with my mind. I just gave up caring until the bald spot on the top of my head started getting bigger and harder to cover with my stray hairs. Watching videos and talking to people who suffer with the same illness definitely helps a bit. I'm still figuring out how to trick my mind into making me stop. I'm not going to give up.

[@jolenenunez1228]

@@fedoramcclaren4294 both. Head scarves have proven to be the most useful so far. I use to wear wigs but now I'm on my loc journey I feel weird trying to purchase them. They feel like a waste of money anyway because I end up rarely wearing them

[@nataliiraheta941]

Thank you for sharing! ❤️ I heard of this for the first time recently in one of my classes. It’s nice to get a firsthand perspective!

[@charliemejia-correa568]

Thank you for saying this out loud - I’m with you xx

[@marierodriguez7798]

I've been ripping out my hair in that same spot in the back of my head since I was 12 and I'm 20 now. I have a bald spot too and I want to stop so bad but I literally can't 😭 It really does make me feel better that someone else knows exactly how this feels.

[@blackmaria_aa]

Bestie, I'm gonna shave my hair now because i have the same mental illness too. It's really making me mad because i keep pulling them when it's itchy. Be brave!✨💕

[@ku308]

I’ve struggled with trich since I was 2 years old. It’s always been my biggest insecurity. I never knew that it was actually a known disorder and always thought I was the only one who struggled with this ‘problem’. I only discovered what it was a year ago when I was 14. My whole life people always used to ask me why I had patches in my eyebrows and people in my family used to ask me why I do it and the worst part was I didn’t know. I never knew what to say and never understood why I did it. Ever since lockdown last year I feel like it's gotten so much worse due to stress, anxiety and loneliness. I have hope that I will overcome it eventually now that I am aware what it is and how I’ve seen other people beat it, I know I can too. You're so brave and strong for speaking out about it publicly, I’ve never told anyone how I feel about it because I’m so scared that they’ll think I’m some weirdo. I hope one day I can have that same confidence xx

[@rebeccamccready1135]

I have been pulling my eyes leashes since my uncle got killed in a Sky dive accident in 2013 and I known your pian

[@nanaloka3056]

I started when I was 17 & I never knew the name of it until 2 years now, I stopped for a whole year and I got back into it cause it’s more easier i have a huge bald spot on the back of my head i feel very depressed, it feels really good so much better but I try my best not to touch it. I feel horrible about myself I’ve also gained weight that’s amazing how you can talk about your journey!! thank you!

[@oluchiokoye6413]

I'm trying my best not to touch my bald spot too, I've had this for 10years I'm helpless and hopeless.

[@chaylagood1757]

Literally same bro. What helped me was shaving my head. But I pulled out 1 to 5 strands and play with them, like I would wrap them around my fingers and break the strands. I do it when I to was either just sitting there doing nothing, driving, watching a movie, etc. I'm thankful I didn't stick to one spot, I kinda danced around my head.

[@deborahdownie8039]

You are very courageous. It’s a hard thing to talk about.

[@beautifulstoryteller8105]

Thanks you SO MUCH FOR SHARING WITH US, I've been struggling with depression my whole life.. ive had a bit of a rocky life growing up, but I know it could have been worse. I'm in my 20s on a life long journey to become the best me. I'm always learning more about myself an how to handle what ever life tosses at me. I'm currently on depression medication, talking to a therapist, and began hair pulling this November...it was the most random thing. Never done this ever before that I'm aware..an now I've come to the realization this is what I have. I hardly have any eye brows..and all my top eye lashes are gone. Withing one month I did this much damage to myself, its truly embarrassing 😳 I'm kinda ashamed of myself. 😔 But it's my truth and I'm looking of ways to cop with this so I can stop this self harm. Thanks again for sharing, it helps make me feel a little normal knowing others have the same random thoughts an feelings. We can over come this together! ❤

[@katekilgannon404]

Thank you so much for sharing and making the rest of know we are not alone!

[@dannaselene]

def not alone! I realized now with all these comments that there are alot of us going through it! We can get through this!

[@jocelynr2228]

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I know words don’t help because it isn’t easy when you’re the one experiencing it but maybe trying psychotherapy or Psychoanalysis Therapy can help? Hope this helps. xo

[@maryjanelanese5831]

You are a beautiful, inspirational woman. Thank you for sharing. I have the urges for the same reasons and for me, watching TV or movies is a sure fire way for me to run my fingers through my hair as if my fingers are a comb and I catch little knots in my hair with my fingers. You are beautiful.

[@mildredclaros5548]

First of all LOVED this vid, second , Oh my goodness !! I would have never thought !! You have BEAUTIFULL HAIR GIRL , I’m one of those people who have very very VERY thin hair and dream about having hair like yours, or like anyone who has thick hair 🥺❤️ , but you can do this! 💪🏼💪🏼 beat the habit ! Im rooting for you! #dreamsofahairdresser

[@dannaselene]

Mildred Claros awww thank you girl!!!

[@abassmousa5581]

Me to that’s my favorite area which is crazy I feel so good I shave my head so I can stop and I actually did stop for 2 years and I’m Bolling it again more than before I just wanna stop

[@oliviapeterson5454]

As someone with trich thank you so much for this. I pull the underneath of my hair near my ears so it's pretty easy to cover but my hair is so thin now and it makes me so insecure. Thanks for making me not feel so alone in this ❤️ best wishes!

[@cherri1021]

I'm literally crying while watching this because I, too, suffer from this. And lately (I want to say within the past week or two) it's gotten worse. I don't know how to stop myself. I actually say out loud to myself "STOP" but it doesn't really help because the urge is still there and I feel like I have to keep going. Idk what to do. I've joined a couple of groups on Facebook and other members have been really kind, but it seems that no matter how much support is available, it doesn't actually help.

[@dannaselene]

it is SO DIFFICULT to stop. It’s something we want to do and wish it can be completely gone instantly. Yes the support doesn’t really help, at least not for me either. I try to find ways to style the hair differently especially when I am home relaxing or watching tv. We just have to hope for the best and learn how to cope with it. Some days aren’t as bad as others.

[@polestarc]

I use Silver Sulfadiazine if my scalp feels itchy. Alternatively, I use pure Salicylic acid. Anxiety really triggers the trich but let's hope that we can control the urge and identify the people/situations that triggers it. Don't grow your nails too long.

[@honeybee8493]

I'm sorry ..and we are sooooooooooproud of you because it tooks a looooot of courage just to came out and admit that we pull our hair I'm literally crying i have trch since i was 12 years old im 27 now and it comes and go and i don't need to explainedit because u did the full job ..we can beat this🤲🥰♥️

[@dannaselene]

yes its very very hard!! we got this though!!

[@ljsubliminals5147]

I have trichotillomania, and once i went to the hairdresser (This was at the beginning) and the hairdresser Got worried that i had a disease or something, but i didn’t know there was something called trichotillomania, so i didnt want to tell her i was pulling it out myself (i was 14 at the time). Now im 15 and have recently stoppes pulling, by using an app called “days since” as a motivation to stop. Everytime you pull you have to reset it so it makes you want to keep beating your records and Now im at 17 days fred of pulling and i am so happy!!!

[@xSuperdogx]

I’ll be self-conscious but I’ll still wear a French braid 😂❤️🥺 fidgets of similar textures hairstyles when hair is my out of sight, and MINDFULNESS have help tremendously along with this video ❤️

[@annakluzsnik5282]

Thank you, you're super brave to share it! We're not alone nd we can fix it day by day, little by little... Fingers cross for everyone with this! ( fingers crossing is one of my tools by the way, try it out guys 😄🤞🏻) Thanks again 🥰

[@goldpineintegratedservices2359]

Just fix acrylic nails

[@toninoname6638]

oh my god, yea, the back is the most satisfying part, i struggle with this a lot and my friends always remind me to not pull out my damn hair, but they don't know the urge i have and that i don't have the control over it. the one thing that helps me to stop are like little 'balls' made of plastic with a structure and I just like roll them between my fingers. i really need them, always otherwise i would pull, and the hair with this special structure is the most triggering it's so good to hear someone talking about it, i just recently found out about it that this is a thing

[@iShyne239]

Thank you so much, you are so amazing for sharing what i wanted to but couldn't.

[@aliciathompson9975]

Wow that’s crazy I’ve never seen someone have the same thing I had/have. I don’t do it as much but every once in awhile I find myself bored watching a movie or something pulling my hair out. It all started when I was 13 (now 20) and we were about to move from NJ to SC. I was sooo stressed with the thought of having to leave all my friends and packing and just a whole new world. I didn’t even realize I was doing it the first time it happened. I was laying on the floor of my empty room on my tablet and a good amount of time passed and my sister who is 4 years older than me gasped really loud and said “OMG ALICIA LOOK” and I looked next to me and saw just the biggest pile of hair I’d ever seen. It scared me sooo bad 😭I didn’t want anyone to see my scalp. It was literally almost all the way bald smack dab in the middle of my head. We wear head coverings a lot in my religion, so I was glad about that but I was still sooo ashamed. I’m just so glad and thankful it grew back. You will get through this and there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay strong!🙏🏾💕💕

[@dannaselene]

Alicia Thompson wow Alicia! Yes it’s something that just happens and I feel like stress has a lot to do with it. Almost like a relief. Glad you’re doing better! ❤️

[@Shivash554]

Hey @alicia.. I have lot of baby hair grown. Will these baby hair ever grow in length at least below ear??

[@aliciathompson9975]

@@Shivash554 it should if you stop picking it. I never picked my baby hairs so I don’t know for sure...but there are a lot of people on KZbin who post videos on how to grow baby hairs back.

[@Shivash554]

@@aliciathompson9975 as u said u grew them back... Did your baby hair which grew on your bald spot grew back to normal length???thanku for your response 😘

[@aliciathompson9975]

@@Shivash554 there’s baby hairs on other parts of our scalp? Lol totally didn’t know that. If so then yeah I guess I would say they did. It’s normal length now.

[@kaylaburke7658]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@unluckyuce5802]

So weird didn't know there was other people out there like me and I didn't even know it had a name. It was bad for me as a kid but as I got older I started pulling less and less. I think now when I'm really stressed out I just start pulling my hair out it's weird. So glad I came across this

[@dianelazo3121]

I loved this video babe! Very relatable for people who suffer from any disorder! ❤️

[@dannaselene]

Diane Cabrera thank you for watching I appreciate the support. ❤️❤️

[@LilahRichardson]

Trich and I have been friends since I was 9. I personally target my brows, lashes, and even my armpit and pubic hair. Thank you for making this video, it's not something that a lot of people know about! I could relate so hard to the way you described the urge to pull, and how the different hairs are triggering. I also bit my nails as a child. I'm wondering, do you like popping pimples/blackheads? I'm willing to bet we all like the weird body things haha!

[@dannaselene]

That is very young! My friends son is starting to pull his hair and he’s about 10 years old I’m hoping he doesn’t start pulling his hair. I used to bite my nails as well for so many years! Black heads yes I try not to but I do randomly find myself doing it when I start to tweeze my brows and see the black heads 😨

[@cindygarcia6497]

I hear you, girl! It’s frustrating!