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healthphie

Updated 9mo ago

Should I Shave My Head? Struggling with Trichotillomania

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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Gingeralamode

1y

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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cbebbs

1y

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

1y

I really like this idea, thank you!

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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