Hair loss is more than just a physical change; it’s an emotional journey, one that can feel overwhelming and isolating. While hair loss can often be caused by autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata; trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is categorized as a mental health condition.
This is the daily reality for 5 to 10 million Americans living with trichotillomania, a condition that turns an internal battle into a visible one.1 That’s why recognizing Trichotillomania (TTM) Awareness Week, from October 1-7, is so crucial. It’s a time to stand with those affected by TTM and to shine a light on a condition that often stays hidden in the shadows. This week helps destigmatize trichotillomania, encouraging compassion and understanding for those who struggle with it daily.
To explore the real impact TTM has on people’s lives, plus resources for combatting the condition, we spoke with Helen and Jo Owens, owners of Her Secret Hair. Be sure to check out our previous articles featuring their inspiring, life-changing work in the hair loss & restoration community. Before we delve in, though, it’s paramount we understand:
What is TTM, Really?
Like we mentioned, trichotillomania isn’t like other types of hair loss, since it typically stems from a deeper, often misunderstood mental struggle. It’s a form of body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB), where the urge to pull out one’s own hair becomes an overwhelming compulsion, often triggered by stress, anxiety, or emotional pain.
Did you know?
TTM typically begins in childhood or adolescence, with the average onset being between the ages of 10 and 13. In adolescence and adulthood, trichotillomania is more commonly diagnosed in females than males. Some studies suggest that it’s up to 4 times more common in females during adulthood.2
In a recent TTM Awareness Week Instagram post (below), Helen shared how this behavior can cause lasting damage to someone’s scalp (though it’s nothing she can’t help with!) The repetitive hair-pulling doesn’t just affect a person’s appearance—it can lead to permanent hair loss and scarring. The impact is both emotional and physical, making it all the more important to understand that trichotillomania is not just a “bad habit.” It’s a difficult journey that requires the utmost empathy and support to help those affected find healing.
How to Support the TTM Community as a Beauty Professional
As a beauty industry professional, you’re likely one of the first people that someone might visit about their hair loss struggles. If you’re not particularly equipped to address a client’s hair loss concerns (which is okay!), simply being able to provide them with a safe space to communicate about their journey can make all the difference. You can also emphasize teaching your employees about TTM which helps foster empathy, while also offering private consultations or appointments that ensure your clients feel safe and comfortable. Gentle communication is the key here. By allowing clients to share their experiences on their own terms, you can help reduce the stigma around the condition in the first place.
Her Secret Hair personifies the golden standard of what it means to truly care for your clients’ physical AND mental wellbeing. Helen understands the emotional challenges of living with trichotillomania (TTM) and ensures her clients always feel fully supported. She emphasizes the importance of working alongside a therapist during the hair replacement journey, especially for those dealing with TTM, saying, “I don’t think one method can work without the other.” Beyond referrals, Helen also encourages beauty professionals to collaborate directly with mental health businesses or organizations so clients have psychological aid amidst their battle, too.
Bonus!
Be sure to check out our Safe Space Checklist found on our Alopecia Areata Awareness Month article for more tips on client empowerment.
Resources for Individuals with Trichotillomania
If you, a loved one, or any of your potential clients are affected, it’s important to know that you're not alone in this struggle. Many people experience trichotillomania, but due to the misunderstanding surrounding the disorder, it often goes undiscussed. Support is available, whether through mental health professionals, support groups, or specialized resources. Acknowledging the condition and reaching out for help is the first step toward managing it. Here are just of the few resources available:
Therapy & Counseling
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Habit Reversal Training (HRT), is a widely used and effective approach to managing trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). For individuals struggling with these behaviors, working with a therapist who specializes in BFRBs can provide crucial, personalized support.
These specialists help individuals identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and gradually regain control over their impulses in a compassionate, non-judgmental environment. Treatment is often empowering, reminding individuals that they’re not alone and that improvement is possible with the right guidance and tools.
Hair Restoration
Businesses like Her Secret Hair play a vital role in supporting individuals with trichotillomania by offering specially designed hair prosthetics. Unlike traditional wigs or hairpieces, Helen's specially-designed prosthetics provide stunning, aesthetic solutions that significantly reduce the urge to pull and contribute to the regrowth of the client's natural hair.
Businesses who understand the emotional and psychological challenges their clients face can provide customized options that make them feel understood, empowered, and beautiful.
Support Groups
Organizations like the Trichotillomania Learning Center (TLC Foundation for BFRBs) offer a safe and supportive space for individuals with trichotillomania through both online and in-person support groups. These communities allow people to connect with others who share similar experiences, creating an environment of understanding, compassion, and encouragement.
Whether it's through sharing stories, learning coping mechanisms, or simply feeling heard, these groups are essential for reducing the isolation that often accompanies body-focused repetitive behaviors. The TLC Foundation empowers individuals to seek help, knowing they’re not alone on their journey to healing.
Education & Awareness Materials
Websites like BFRB.org provide valuable, free resources to help educate those affected by trichotillomania, as well as their families and educators. These resources offer guidance on understanding the condition, recognizing its triggers, and developing effective coping strategies.
Whether it's learning about the latest treatment options or finding advice on managing daily challenges, BFRB.org serves as a crucial hub of information for anyone seeking to understand and navigate trichotillomania.
Trichotillomania Awareness Week is a powerful opportunity for us to come together and show our support for those navigating the challenges of this condition. For the millions living with TTM, each day can feel like a battle between self-acceptance and the urge to pull, often leaving them feeling desolate and misunderstood. Let’s commit to being allies in this journey, amplifying voices that need to be heard, and offering understanding to those who may feel alone. Together, we can empower individuals to embrace their stories and find the support they deserve.
"Relationships are often the gateway to discovering our best selves and a way to use our lives to fulfill completely ourselves and others." - Helen Owens, author, Finding Our She-Compass
Helen and Jo, thank you so much for imparting your knowledge, experience, and kindness with us once again as we acknowledge this special, and often unrecognized time. If you’re a business owner or beauty professional, be sure to connect with Her Secret Hair and visit Helen's Instagram to learn more about their mission, how you can refer clients experiencing hair loss, and what you can do as a hair professional to empower said clients as their stylist.
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