🎁FREE US Shipping 🎁

Community Spotlight: Barbara Lally & The Trichster Diaries

Community Spotlight: Barbara Lally & The Trichster Diaries

April 28, 2021

Barbara is an advocate for BFRB awareness and works to break down the stigma, as well as shame, around trichotillomania. She is a proud member of the BFRB community and was featured on our #IamHabitAware campaign and inspires us with her work!

Now, onto Barbara's story!

Hi! I’m Barbara Lally the author of The Trichster Diaries and host of Trich Talks!

Barbara Lally - Trichotillomania AuthorA little bit about me:
I was diagnosed trichotillomania when I was ten years old. I began by pulling out my eyebrows, which ultimately lead to me pulling out my eyelashes, and then the hair from my scalp. I was extremely insecure growing up, struggling to accept myself and a disorder I couldn’t change. Only recently, at age 28, I began my journey to self-acceptance. I realized that trichotillomania isn’t the worst thing about me, it is just a part of me.

The Trichster Diaries:
In 2018, I had a dream about writing a book about my life with trichotillomania. This came as a shock to me because I rarely ever spoke about it. Trichotillomania was like my “dirty little secret.” I hid it as best as I could, would lie if I was approached about it, and rarely ever acknowledged it. Why was I dreaming about writing a book about it? Was I crazy?

According to my closest friends and family, the only crazy thing would be if I didn’t publish this book. Their support and love helped me realize that my “dirty little secret” wasn’t meant to be kept a secret, it was meant to be shared. It was meant to open doors for other people with trichotillomania to share their story with the world. To be given that sense of freedom that I felt. Because sharing my story changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined, I wished that for others.

Trich Talks:
In January of 2021, I began an Instagram live series called Trich Talks where I interview other people with trichotillomania from all over the world. I have interviewed 19 people so far and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon! The episodes vary from around 30 minutes to over an hour. They’re extremely informative and a wonderful way to spread awareness of this disorder that is more common than we think!

Notable Trich Talks episodes:
Aneela - Co-founder of HabitAware Keen Bracelet


Anna - Model (photographed without eyelashes for a magazine!)


Dorin - Wig and Bonded Hair Specialist


Dahlya - Holistic Specialist


Leighanne - Celebrates One Year Pull-Free

* All episodes are on The Trichster Diaries Instagram page @TheTrichsterDiaries




Also in HabitAware Blog: Soul Fuel

Trichotillomania Research Opportunity: UK + US-based Student-Led Research
Trichotillomania Research Opportunity: UK + US-based Student-Led Research

March 27, 2023

Read More

Conquering with Keen: Jaclyn's Trichotillomania Recovery with Community Connection
Conquering with Keen: Jaclyn's Trichotillomania Recovery with Community Connection

February 28, 2023

...It was (my) conversation (with Ellen), and the safety I quickly felt, that planted a seed; from that moment on I knew it was only a matter of time before I'd muster up the courage to attend a BFRB support meeting. I also bought the Keen bracelet after we spoke, which proved to be a useful tool in heightening my awareness of trichotillomania and around automatic urges to pull. I appreciate the gentle reminder the bracelet provides, and I still use it from time to time when I anticipate being in higher stress or over-stimulating situations...

Read More

Student-led Trichotillomania Study
Student-led Trichotillomania Study

February 21, 2023

Read More

HabitAware Keen Sizing Guide

Not sure which size is right for you?

It's important that Keen has a snug fit on your wrist. Here's a quick guide to help you decide which bracelet size to order:


Keen2


Sporty Keen (original)