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Should I Shave My Head? Struggling with Trichotillomania

healthphie

462d

I think I want to shave my head. I have been struggling with trillotrichomania for years and it’s gotten so bad that my hair is shorter than it was in May and I havent had a haircut. I have always had thick and wavy beautiful hair that stylists love to play with and my mom tells me she wishes she had my hair. I hear all of this and know that my hair is beautiful but I cant stop picking no matter what meds I try and I feel like shaving my head would help. i’m scared though, scared of not liking how I look, scared of the in-between periods where my hair will be an awkward length, scared of not feeling beautiful or attractive.

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Anxiety (Including GAD)

Trichotillomania (TTM)

Depression

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    • cbebbs

      462d

      Not anxiety related but I have 2 people in my life who shaved their heads for different reasons after having such beautiful hair (1 straight, 1 very curly) and they both rock their new look! It's more about confidence and owning it than the actual look itself. And if it stops the disorder then that alone could boost your confidence. Maybe you could set a goal of growing it out again to donate it if you feel like that would help. You could also try raising money for a charity and if you reach an amount you will/won't shave it. Whatever you decide, you'll get through it ❤

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    • cbebbs

      462d

      Not anxiety related but I have 2 people in my life who shaved their heads for different reasons after having such beautiful hair (1 straight, 1 very curly) and they both rock their new look! It's more about confidence and owning it than the actual look itself. And if it stops the disorder then that alone could boost your confidence. Maybe you could set a goal of growing it out again to donate it if you feel like that would help. You could also try raising money for a charity and if you reach an amount you will/won't shave it. Whatever you decide, you'll get through it ❤

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      • healthphie

        462d

        @cbebbs I really like this idea, thank you!

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    • Gingeralamode

      462d

      Shaving your head so you can force your body to learn another coping skill is likely very helpful. I (unintentionally) did this with my eyebrows back when I used to have trichotillomania and not having eyebrows forced me to move to fidgets, and it actually stopped the disorder

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☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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