If you're here, you probably know the feeling that comes after a hair pulling episode. For people with Trichotillomania, it can feel like our hands are out of control. So, when you end up with a bald spot and you know that it is going to take time to regrow... You're probably looking up what to do to help your hair grow faster. Encouraging hair growth is awesome, and we love that! But did you realize that there are some shocking things to AVOID while regrowing your hair, too? It's just as important to be aware of the things you shouldn't do. Here are ten common mistakes that can hinder your hair regrowth journey:
1. Neglecting Your Scalp Health
Your scalp is the foundation for hair growth, so neglecting it can have serious consequences. Skipping regular scalp care, such as cleaning, moisturizing, and massaging, can lead to clogged follicles, poor circulation, and ultimately, hair thinning or loss.
2. Using Harsh Hair Products
Many shampoos, conditioners, and styling products contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and alcohol that can strip your hair of its natural oils and damage the follicles. Over time, this can weaken your hair, making it more prone to breakage and stunting regrowth.
3. Overusing Heat Styling Tools
Frequent use of heat-styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can cause significant damage to your hair shaft. The excessive heat can lead to dryness, split ends, and breakage, making it difficult for your hair to regrow healthily.
4. Skipping Regular Trims
While it might seem counterintuitive, skipping trims won't help your hair grow faster. In fact, it can have the opposite effect. Regular trims help prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, which can cause more damage and make your hair appear thinner and weaker.
5. Tight Hairstyles
Constantly wearing tight hairstyles, such as ponytails, braids, or buns, can put a lot of strain on your hair follicles. This tension can lead to a condition known as traction alopecia, where hair is pulled out at the root, potentially leading to permanent hair loss. For people with Trichotillomania, ponytails can sometimes be a strategy to help us avoid pulling our hair. In those cases, aim to have your hair down when you know that both of your hands will be busy with a different task, and keep a hair binder handy!
6. Poor Diet
What you eat has a direct impact on your hair health. Diets that are low in essential nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, D, E, and minerals like zinc and iron, can lead to hair thinning and slow regrowth. Skipping meals or indulging in unhealthy eating habits can deprive your hair of the nutrients it needs to grow.
7. Ignoring Stress
Stress is one of the biggest contributors to hair loss. Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing more hair into the shedding phase. If you don't manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or therapy, it can be challenging for your hair to regrow. This is especially true for people who use their hair pulling as a way to soothe stress.
8. Smoking
Smoking is not just bad for your overall health but also for your hair. It reduces blood circulation to the scalp, depriving hair follicles of the oxygen and nutrients they need to thrive. Smoking can also lead to premature graying and thinning of hair.
9. Using the Wrong Hair Care Routine
One-size-fits-all hair care routines don't work for everyone. Using products or routines that are not suited to your hair type or condition can do more harm than good. It's essential to understand your hair type—whether it's oily, dry, curly, straight, or colored—and tailor your care accordingly.
10. Ignoring Your Mental Health
You might think of Trichotillomania as a hair condition, because it affects your hair. Remember that at it's core, Trichotillomania is a MENTAL HEALTH condition. That is where the most effective work is done. While your hair is regrowing, set aside time to take care of you. Manage your stress and your workload. Practice mindfulness by checking in with your body, maybe meditating for a couple of minutes a day. Work through unresolved emotions. All of this is hard work, but it's good work and you are worthy, deserving, and completely capable of creating a routine and environment where you can put your mental health as a priority.
11. Forgetting Your Keen2 Bracelet.
The first step to managing Trichotillomania is awareness. You likely pull throughout the day, and some of the times might surprise you. That's where Keen2 comes into play. It vibrates when you do your behavior, acting as your self-care alarm and prompting you to take care of yourself.
Order your Keen2 with a 90-day guarantee here.
12. Believing That You're Going Through This Alone.
One of the most important steps in attaining freedom from your Trichotillomania is realizing that you aren't weird because of this condition. The best way to do this is to talk to people who get it, and are going through the same thing. You can support each other, exchange tips, and learn and grow with guidance.
Want to talk to someone who gets it? Try our Virtual Peer Coaching.
This article was written with the help of Chat GPT
Header Image by Velizar Ivanov.
