Why Can’t I Stop Pulling Out My Hair? Understanding Trichotillomania
If you’ve ever found yourself repeatedly pulling out your hair—whether from your scalp, eyelashes, or eyebrows—you may have asked, “Why can’t I just stop?” For many people, hair-pulling isn’t simply a bad habit. It’s a mental health condition called Trichotillomania, also known as Hair-Pulling Disorder.
At Still Minds Psychology, we specialize in treating Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) like Trichotillomania, offering compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals across Florida.
What Is Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is a disorder that causes an irresistible urge to pull out one’s own hair. It’s part of a group of conditions called Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), which also includes skin picking (Excoriation Disorder) and nail biting.
The pulling often provides a temporary sense of relief or satisfaction—but it’s quickly followed by guilt, shame, or frustration. Many individuals try to hide bald spots or avoid social activities out of embarrassment.
Why Does Hair-Pulling Happen?
While the exact cause of Trichotillomania isn’t fully understood, research suggests that both emotional and neurological factors play a role.
Some common triggers include:
Stress or Anxiety: Pulling can serve as a coping mechanism to manage intense feelings.
Boredom or Fatigue: Some individuals pull when they’re idle, distracted, or tired.
Perfectionism or Sensory Sensitivity: A hair that “feels wrong” or uneven may trigger pulling.
Neurobiological Differences: Brain imaging studies show differences in impulse control and habit regulation.
Trichotillomania is not a sign of weakness or lack of willpower—it’s a condition rooted in how the brain processes stress, habits, and sensory experiences.
Signs You May Have Trichotillomania
You may be experiencing Trichotillomania if you:
Repeatedly pull hair from your scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other areas
Feel tension before pulling or relief afterward
Notice thinning hair, bald spots, or uneven lashes/brows
Try to stop but find it difficult or impossible
Feel embarrassed or hide signs of pulling with hats, makeup, or hairstyles
Treatment Options That Work
The most effective treatments for Trichotillomania are behavioral therapies that target both the emotional and physical aspects of the condition.
At Still Minds Psychology, we use evidence-based approaches such as:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps identify thoughts and emotions that lead to hair-pulling, replacing them with healthier coping mechanisms.
Habit Reversal Training (HRT)
Teaches awareness of urges and substitutes pulling with competing behaviors—like clenching fists, squeezing a stress ball, or touching textured objects.
Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Model
Explores sensory, emotional, and environmental triggers to design a personalized treatment plan.
Telehealth Therapy for Florida Residents
Therapy is available virtually, making treatment accessible and private from anywhere in Florida—from Ft. Lauderdale to Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and beyond.
Breaking the Cycle
It’s common to feel trapped by the cycle of hair-pulling and shame, but recovery is possible. With the right guidance, you can learn to manage urges, understand your triggers, and rebuild confidence in your appearance and self-control.
You don’t have to face it alone—help is available, and healing begins with understanding.
Get Support Today
If you’re ready to stop pulling and start healing, reach out to Still Minds Psychology for a confidential consultation.
We offer compassionate, research-backed treatment for Trichotillomania, OCD, Anxiety, and BFRBs—helping you find peace of mind and confidence again.
📍 Serving all of Florida via Telehealth
Specializing in Anxiety, OCD, and Hair-Pulling Disorder Treatment
