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.
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.
BUT there are some shocking things to AVOID while regrowing your hair.
It's really 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
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. This can weaken your hair, making it prone to breakage.
3. 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.
4. Not Wearing Your Keen2 Bracelet
Did you know there's a smart bracelet that can help you stop pulling out your hair? Keen2 was invented by someone with Trichotillomania. It vibrates when you are hair pulling, acting as your self-care alarm and reminding you to take care of yourself.
Get a 90 day trial when you order Keen2.
5. Thinking You Are the Only One.
1 in 20 have Trichotillomania. You are not alone! Talking to people who get it, and are going through the same thing is a key part of the healing process.
Want support and strategies? Try our Virtual Peer Coaching.
6. Overusing Heat Styling Tools
Frequent use of heat-styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can cause dryness, split ends, and breakage.
7. Skipping Regular Trims
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.
8. 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!
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
This article was written with the help of Chat GPT
Header Image by Velizar Ivanov.
