Trichotillomania means pulling out your own hair, often without thinking about it in the moment. It is more common than most people think, and it is not something you choose. We regularly meet customers with trichotillomania, and we never need to know more than you yourself want to share.
What it usually looks like
Unlike most other forms of hair loss, the pattern is often uneven and concentrated in an area that is easy to reach - the parting, one side of the head, the hairline, and sometimes the eyebrows or eyelashes. The hairs may be different lengths because new ones are growing while others are being pulled out. The scalp may be sore or irritated at times.
Start with support, not with your hair
We are hairdressers and can help you with coverage and how it looks. The condition itself is something healthcare professionals can help you with, and there are treatments that work. Talk to your local health centre or a psychologist, or to the school health service if you are in school. Many people wait a long time because it feels embarrassing to talk about. It does not need to be.
What works for coverage
Hair topper. A hairpiece that covers a defined area of the head while the rest of your own hair remains visible. It is attached with clips and can be removed whenever you want. Since trichotillomania often affects a fairly specific area, this is often the solution that works best.
Wig. If the area is larger, or you want to stop thinking about it altogether, a wig provides full coverage. All our wigs are glueless and stay in place with adjustable bands, so nothing attaches to the scalp. Some people say that the wig also becomes a physical barrier that makes it easier to leave their hair alone - but it is not a treatment and does not resolve what lies behind the condition.
Mesh hair extensions. The mesh is attached without glue, tape or heat, and your own hair lies protected underneath. Suitable when the hair is sparse over a larger area rather than in one spot.
Turban or scarf. Simple and comfortable, especially at home or during periods when the scalp needs to be left alone. Many people alternate between a turban for everyday wear and a wig when they want to have hair.
Methods we advise against
Glue and tape directly against a scalp that is sore or has sores are not suitable. The same applies to methods that attach firmly to individual hairs in an area that is already under strain. We always examine the scalp first and will tell you if we think something needs to heal before we do anything.
When your hair grows back
The hair follicles usually recover, and new hairs grow in. During that time, a hair topper or wig is a way to avoid having every mirror remind you of it. We can help cut and adapt it as your own hair changes.
A prescription may be available
If your doctor determines that the need is medical, you may be able to receive a prescription that covers all or part of the cost of a wig or hair replacement. The rules and amounts vary between regions. See what applies in your region.
Welcome to us
The consultation is free of charge and always takes place in a private room with the door closed, in Stockholm at Odenplan or in Uppsala on Skolgatan. You decide what you want to share. If you do not want to come in, we can do it by video instead. Call 076 415 90 00 or book an appointment online.