Coping with Trichotillomania: How to Get Your Beauty Routine Back

Living with trichotillomania (trich) means a lot of things, but it shouldn’t mean giving up on your self-care and beauty routine. It can be intimidating or even scary to think about, but spending time caring for yourself is a good thing. In fact, learning some new styling tricks can be a great way to boost your self-confidence and gain new coping mechanisms.

Mastering Hairstyles That Prevent Pulling

If you struggle with hair pulling, you’ve probably thought about hairstyles that look good and are pull-proof too. Styling can seem difficult when you have a hair loss disease, but the trick is to start with a positive attitude and work with what you’ve got. Many styling strategies work for folks with trich (short for Trichotillomania), including:

• Pull your hair up in a messy-but-pretty bun to stay cool on hot days and hide bald patches.

• Change where you part your hair.A simple change in your part can conceal hair loss and protect delicate hair as it grows back.

• Go with a half-shaved style, but ask your stylist to leave some hair, so that it doesn’t itch and compel you to pull it as it grows out. Once considered punk, this look is now on-trend.

• Opt for a pixie cut or another short style that frames your face while hiding hair loss.

Sporting Wigs, Hats and Scarves

Hats and scarves are go-to classics for individuals who suffer from hair loss. Everything from slouchy beanies to cowboy hats to baseball caps can add a chic touch to your outfit while protecting your hair. Head scarves and wraps are a popular and fashionable daytime styling choice, but they also work well to help prevent pulling while you sleep.

Some trich sufferers who’ve lost a lot of hair choose to use wigs and non-surgical hair replacement systems. If you want to explore wigs, look for pieces with breathable caps that promote scalp and hair health. Many people don’t want others to know that they’re wearing wigs, and that’s okay. Just remember to choose a color and style similar to your natural hair if that’s your goal.

Crafting Beautiful Brows and Lashes

Some trich sufferers, such as actress and model Olivia Munn, struggle with pulling out their eyelashes or eyebrows. Munn has been open about her struggle with trich and says that wearing false eyelashes has helped her cope with the disorder. Fake lashes can help you look and feel great, and pulling them off at the end of the day can also help satisfy your urge to pull in a non-harmful way.

Using an eyebrow pencil is a good way to make your brows look great and conquer the fear of judgment that can accompany pulling. Choose a pencil in a color that’s one to two shades lighter than your hair color for a natural look. Finish your eyebrows with a special gel designed to keep hairs in place.

Getting Empowered with Jewelry

A lot of people with trich say they struggle hardest with pulling when their hands have nothing to do. Rings and accessories that keep your hands busy offer a great way to cope while upping your fashion profile. Pick up fun, chunky rings that you can play with or smaller bands that you can twist around your fingers. Necklaces with sliding beads and bangle bracelets are also great choices.Spending time in front of the mirror when you suffer from trich can be uncomfortable at first. If you feel overwhelmed, remember that taking care of yourself and your hair is an important step in your journey.

Projecting an outer image of confidence and style can help you feel better about who you are and let you enjoy your time at school, work and social outings. No matter the challenges, every day is a new opportunity to work on yourself and to get your beauty routine on track.

Trichotillomania and New Look Institute Hair Replacement

We work with Trichotillomania customers to offer solutions that will allow them to cover up bald spots and have the hair they had before pulling. Here at New Look Institute we invite you for a free visit to see all the hair replacement options that are available to you for your hair. Call us (408) 279-4247 or click here to make a private consultation.

Photo Credit: Lucy Fisher Via Flickr Creative Commons