Self-Induced Hair Loss

Trichotillomania

Some damage to the hair is self-inflicted through pulling of the hair and eyebrows. It is sometimes consciously or unconsciously done. It is a very puzzling and complex problem. At Allusions, we have found a few aids to help with this difficult problem.

Treatment for severe hair loss in this case is the Allusions Graduated Enhancement method or Cranial Prosthesis.

Photo (above): The pulling out of one's own hair. Characterised by poorly defined areas in which there are many short hairs. Usually occurs in children.

A Hair Loss Story of a Different Kind...

She used to make up excuses for the bald spots on the top of her head. Sometimes she said her shampoo caused it. Other times she made up stories about tragic car accidents. She knew people doubted her stories, but she couldn’t face telling them what was really happening. She’d been pulling her hair out since she was 12 years old. When her mother found out, she threatened to take her to a psychiatrist. This made her get more creative about hiding the damage she was doing to her- self. Ponytails, hats, barrettes, and when older, wigs. She avoided swimming and panicked on windy days.

She had no idea why she pulled her hair or why she couldn’t stop. Many times she did it without thinking. One thing for sure…she just knew she was the only one doing this “crazy” thing. That is until twenty-two years later when she read about someone else (in a “Dear Abby” column of all things) that was also doing this weird thing. To her amazement there was even a name for this condition and an organization that could help. And best of all, she wasn’t crazy.

Hi, my name is Susan, I am part of the Allusions team of hair loss professionals and that story is about me.

1. What is Trichotillomania?

A surprising common problem “trichotillomania”, (pronounced: trik- oh-till-oh-may-nee-ah) “trich” for short an impulse disorder that causes people to pull out the hair from their scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or other parts of the body, resulting in noticeable bald patches. It is a little talked about, but surprising behavior that affects 1 in 50 people.

2. Who gets Trichotillomania?

It is thought that 90% of those with tricotillomania (TTM) are women, but research is inconclusive and it may simply be the case that men are less likely to seek treatment and can more easily hide their symptoms. TTM seems to strike most frequently in the pre- or early adolescent years. The typical first-time hair puller is 12 years old, although TTM has affected people as young as one and as old as seventy.

It may be hard to understand why someone would pull their own hair or eyelashes, or why they wouldn’t stop. But “trich” isn’t just an ordinary habit that a person can easily stop. It’s a medical condition. Experts now think that behaviors like hair pulling may be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.

3. There’s help.

Regardless of the reason, we at Allusions understand your struggle with TTM and want to help. Susan, one of our hair loss specialists would be happy to go over your options and help you find the best solution.

There is also a support organization that can help with education…it is the Trichotillomania Learning Center (TLC) www.trich.org

Trich Truths:

• It is very common – up to 10 million people in the US are afflicted
• It is no different than nail biting – it just causes more problems with appearance
• Most people who pull their hair lead emotionally healthy lives – it does not mean that they are crazy
• Most people won’t talk about their “trich” – they are great at hiding it
• Seek help with professionals at Allusions who can help you with your hair loss.

Traction Alopecia

Traction Alopecia is usually caused by continuous and excessive pulling on the hair due to various types of hairstyling. Ponytails, buns, braiding, cornrows, dreadlocks, often result in a continuous pulling on the hair. This traction gradually results in hair loss. If this type of traction and hair loss continues for an excessively long period of time, then the hair loss may become permanent.

Photos (above): This occurs when the hair has been held under tension by such styles as braids or pontails, or the individual has slept in rollers. the baldness often takes 2 or 3 years to become apparent and it often occurs around the hairline.

Treatment for severe hair loss in this case is the Allusions Graduated Enhancement method or Cranial Prosthesis.