Wearing a bonnet all the time at home was the best thing I did for my trich
Hello! I haven’t been on this sub in ages. I joined about four years ago when my hair was at its worst and whilst i definitely still pull my hair, and it is a habit I don’t think I will ever fully overcome, i have gotten to the point where no one would be able to tell i struggle with it.
Firstly recognising that for me, hair pulling is simply a need for stimulation ( trich or other stimulation seeking behaviours can be common in people with ASD/ADHD ) , was the first step to being able to make any progress. I still find myself pulling my hair without even thinking about it, while on my phone or doing any task that doesn’t require both hands and so creating a physical barrier helped a lot.
The first thing I did was getting obnoxiously long acrylic nails. Whilst it might sound stupid, it made it really hard to pull the hairs which were regrowing on the top of my head, which helped a lot but did not break the habit. However, the thing I did that I think helped the most, was wearing a bonnet WHENEVER I was at home. As soon as I would get into my house, I would put my bonnet on. This means that whilst I will still get the urge and bring my hand to my head, I feel the bonnet in the way and don’t bother. It does not take the habit away, but it helps to break it slowly.
I will put photos below of my hair at its worse, and my hair now. There is a four year difference between the photos. I want you to know that trich does not have to rule your life, and whilst it kept me depressed and in that cycle for years, finding something that is able to break it slowly is the most important thing.
I don’t know how it will work for anyone else, as I understand for lots of people it is a conscious urge that they cannot control, but I know a lot of people like me have a habit of feeling for wirey, different feeling hairs whenever they can and that is what can start it for a lot of people.
I never usually post, so sorry if this isn’t helpful, but I thought I would give some advice that helped me get out of the darkest place of my life!