I had always heard that washing could help you stop pulling out hair. In fact, it is commonly given out as advice in many of the trichotillomania support sites and forums that I’ve visited since finding out what trichotillomania was.
If you haven’t tried this you really should. There are a few reasons why I think it can help you stop pulling out hair:
- When you hair is clean, it is a lot more difficult to get a grip on.
- When hair is clean, it doesn’t feel so kinky and textured (and these are the kinds of hairs I usually like to pull).
- Washing your hair gives you a distraction, something else to do with your hair instead of pulling it.
That said, it’s important not to wash your hair too often as it can create a surplus of oil. But, if it’s a toss up between pulling it all out and it becoming oily, I think not pulling will probably come out most important.
After I wash my hair I try to dry it and tie it up in a ponytail. Tying it back really helps, but if I’m in the wrong mood I’ll still pull it anyway.
As you know, I’m not an expert – which is why this post is a little unorganised and just a collection on my thoughts to stop pulling out hair. Do you have any ideas you can share? Or does this method work for you?
I agree with your tip about tying hair up, but washing it? sometimes when it’s clean for me it’s a lot easier to pull out becasue the hairs are just so clean and squeaky! Also, if I have straightened my hair, then it goes back to being wavy after washing, it’s more “natural” so makes me want to pull the aliens more.
Plus, not very practical tip if you’re out and about or at work and want to pull – you can’t say “oh i’ll just go and wash my hair”!
Good blog, it’s come up on my trich google words thingie a few times.
x
Thanks for visiting and leaving your thoughts! It’s really interesting to read, since washing REALLY helps me pull less. I guess when the hairs are softer I don’t like them as much. We are all so different. I straighten my hair a lot too, and I guess I understand what you mean about the hairs becoming more wavy again. But it’s usually the day after washing that I really want to pull more again. Do you have any things you do to stop yourself pulling?
~Penny
If I have selected a hair and tugged it, if I can resist pulling, I will scratch my head all over so I can’t identify the pin point location of the original hair so I won’t be inclined to find it again. Do you ever do that?
That sounds like an interesting idea. I’ve never tried it, but I think I should because I know what you mean about knowing where that hair is you want to pull! Sometimes I’ll be rooting around, trying to get at that individual hair for ages when my fingers even start to hurt! Thanks for the tip
I’m a guy and generally have shorter hair, so washing my hair isn’t such a big thing, i do it every time i shower (everyday). But i feel that after ive washed it, i feel that it is a LOT easier to pull as they are drier and cleaner and i can get a good grip on the hairs easier than if it’s oily. However, if i don’t wash my hair, then the day after i feel a much bigger urge to pull as it all feels dirty and oily and i just want to get rid of it. Also the texture is good both clean and oily, so just wondering if anyone else still pulls no matter if its just washed or not.
Definitely going to try and change my pulling to scratching my head.
Yup I know what you mean Sev. I find that pulling urges are less when I’ve washed my hair, unless I’m just having one of those pulling days anyway. But when I haven’t washed it – well my hair just *bothers* me. I think it’s because I have so many split ends, and I can see them more when it’s not been washed so I want to pick at them too. Not to mention the texture of the dirty hair. It really is impossible sometimes!