Trichotillomania, a compulsive hair-pulling disorder, affects millions of people around the world. While the immediate consequences of this behavior are well-known, the potential for permanent hair damage often remains a concern. What is the relationship between trichotillomania and permanent hair damage?
Understanding Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania (TTM) is sometimes associated with mental health issues such as anxiety and sadness. While it may begin for different reasons, it is frequently cyclical. Treatments are designed to address the underlying emotions and behaviors.
We all deal with worry and stress differently. Trichotillomania is characterized by an intense desire to pull off one's own hair. Pulling hair out repeatedly over time might result in bald areas and even greater emotional distress.
It can affect individuals of all ages and genders, often manifesting as a coping mechanism for dealing with overwhelming emotions.
According to the Massachusetts General Hospital Trichotillomania Clinic, TTM affects 5-10 million Americans. According to one university study, 6 out of 1000 people will get TTM during their lives. Many more compulsive hair-pullers do not fit the diagnostic criteria.
Exploring the Causes of Trichotillomania
The exact cause of trichotillomania is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the possible causes or contributing factors of trichotillomania include:
Genetics: There is some evidence that trichotillomania may be inherited. People who have a family history of trichotillomania are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Brain chemistry: People with trichotillomania may have imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood, anxiety, and impulse control.
Stress: Stress can trigger or worsen trichotillomania. People with trichotillomania often report feeling stressed or anxious before they start pulling their hair.
Boredom: Some people with trichotillomania may pull their hair when they are bored or feeling restless.
Habit: Hair pulling can become a habit, especially if it is done to relieve stress or anxiety. Once the habit is established, it can be difficult to break.
OCD: Trichotillomania is sometimes associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). People with OCD may have intrusive thoughts about pulling their hair, and they may feel compelled to pull their hair in order to relieve the anxiety caused by these thoughts.
It is important to note that not everyone who experiences stress, boredom, or has a family history of trichotillomania will develop the condition. Trichotillomania is a complex disorder that is caused by a combination of factors.
Onset of Symptoms of Trichotillomania
According to a 2016 study, the symptoms typically occur between the ages of 10 and 13 years old. The symptoms usually begin with the person plucking out the hairs on their scalp, which helps them feel less nervous or agitated.
Many people are unaware that they are pulling their hair. The understanding that they are tearing out their hair can increase their fear and humiliation. This results in a loop of anxiety, hair pulling, momentary respite, anxiety, embarrassment, and hair pulling.
Hair Growth Cycle and Trichotillomania
The hair growth cycle has three main phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen.
Anagen is the growth phase. It lasts for 2 to 7 years for scalp hair. During this phase, the hair follicle is actively growing new hair.
Catagen is the transition phase. It lasts for 2 to 3 weeks. During this phase, the hair follicle stops growing and the hair shaft separates from the follicle.
Telogen is the resting phase. It lasts for 2 to 4 months. During this phase, the hair shaft is shed and a new hair follicle begins to grow.
Trichotillomania disrupts this cycle, as constant pulling can prematurely force hair into the resting phase. The hair that is pulled out is usually in the anagen phase, which is why trichotillomania can lead to hair loss.
The damage caused by trichotillomania can vary. Some people may only have a few bald patches, while others may have extensive hair loss. The hair loss can also be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the condition and the amount of damage that has been done to the hair follicles. The cumulative effect of this disruption can lead to significant hair thinning and damage over time.
Extent of Impact on Hair
The extent of hair loss caused by trichotillomania can vary. Some people may only have a few bald patches, while others may have extensive hair loss. The hair loss can also be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the condition and the amount of damage that has been done to the hair follicles.
The following are some of the impacts of trichotillomania on hair:
Bald patches: The most obvious impact of trichotillomania is bald patches. These patches can be small or large, and they can occur anywhere on the body where hair grows.
Thinning hair: Trichotillomania can also cause thinning hair. This is because the hair follicles can be damaged by the constant pulling.
Scarring: In some cases, trichotillomania can cause scarring on the scalp or other areas where hair is pulled. This is due to the damage to the skin and hair follicles.
Infection: If the skin is broken, there is a risk of infection. This is especially true if the person with trichotillomania has a habit of picking at the skin or using dirty tools to pull out the hair.
Signs of Damaged Hair Follicle
Recognizing signs of hair follicle damage is crucial for seeking early intervention. Individuals affected by trichotillomania may notice patches of thinning hair, receding hairlines, and bald spots that resist regrowth.
Repeated damage to the hair follicle can slow down or even stop the growth of new hair. This is because the damage can damage the cells in the hair follicle that are responsible for hair growth. The damage can also scar the hair follicle, making it difficult for new hair to grow.
The amount of time it takes for new hair to grow back after a hair follicle has been damaged depends on the severity of the damage. If the damage is minor, it may only take a few months for new hair to grow back. However, if the damage is more severe, it may take 2 to 4 years for new hair to grow back.
It's important to differentiate between hair loss caused by trichotillomania and other factors to determine the appropriate course of action.
Permanent Hair Damage
If trichotillomania is not treated, it can cause permanent damage to the hair follicle. The damage may be so severe that subsequent hair development from an injured follicle may be difficult, if not impossible.
As a result, a person may be left with little patches of skin where hair should grow, or without eyelashes or brows if those hairs were pulled.
How Long Before Trichotillomania Causes Permanent Damage?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the amount of time it takes to cause permanent damage to a hair follicle by pulling it out can vary depending on a number of factors, including the individual's hair texture, the severity of the pulling, and the frequency of the pulling.
If you pull out a hair by its root repeatedly, over a long period of time, you can damage the hair follicle and make it difficult or even impossible for new hair to grow back. This is because the repeated pulling can damage the cells in the hair follicle that are responsible for hair growth. It can also scar the hair follicle, making it difficult for new hair to grow.
The exact amount of time it takes to cause permanent damage to a hair follicle is not known, but it is believed to be at least several months or even years. In some cases, it may only take a few weeks of repeated pulling to cause permanent damage.
Recovery and Treatment
The road to recovery from trichotillomania-related hair damage begins with seeking professional help. Mental health professionals, such as psychologists and therapists, can provide specialized interventions tailored to address the underlying triggers of the disorder. Behavioral therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and habit reversal training (HRT), has shown promise in helping individuals manage the urge to pull hair and regain control.
Hair Additions for Trichotillomania
Can hair extensions alone prevent hair pulling? Honestly, the answer is no. Even with hair extensions, the urge to pull is still there and as long as the affected individual has access to their hair, hair extensions won’t have much effect.
What we do is cover the bald spots with mesh integration before installing the hair extension or other hair additions. It involves using a fine, breathable mesh material that matches the individual's scalp color and texture. This mesh is strategically attached to the scalp, creating a foundation onto which hair extensions can be affixed.
Concealment: The mesh provides a natural-looking base that effectively conceals any bald spots or thinning areas caused by hair pulling. This helps individuals regain confidence in their appearance.
Barrier: The mesh acts as a barrier between the individual's fingers and their natural hair. Since the extensions are attached to the mesh rather than the individual's own hair, there's a physical obstacle that discourages the urge to pull.
Limited Access: Mesh integration allows for precise placement of hair extensions only in the areas that are prone to hair pulling. By focusing on these specific regions, the risk of damaging the natural hair is minimized.
Reduced Damage: Since the extensions are attached to the mesh and not the natural hair, there's less stress and strain on the existing hair, reducing the potential for further damage.
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It is important to note that hair extensions are not a cure for trichotillomania. They can help to manage the symptoms of the condition, but they will not stop you from pulling your hair altogether. If you have trichotillomania, it is important to seek treatment from a therapist or counselor.
Hair additions like mesh integrations also help deal with the bald spots while preventing further hair pulling. So if you’re looking for hair loss solutions for trichotillomania, schedule an appointment with Zoya Salon so we can discuss your options.