Help for Trichotillomania Suffers
One of the most common forms of hair loss is called Trichotillomania. Trich is defined as a condition that makes the individual feel the need to pull out their own hair, mostly in large chunks. There are around 4,000,000 people nationwide who struggle with it.
Studies have shown that “trich” can begin as early as 9 years old, with ages 12-13 being the most prominent group to suffer with this, and ongoing through adulthood. Luckily, pre-teens can often outgrow trichotillomania, but sadly, adults usually require some professional therapy and counseling.
There are more consequences to trichotillomania than just permanent hair loss. Continually pulling your hair out can also lead to infection and even gastrointestinal issues if swallowed. Being inactive while reading, being on the computer, watching television or movies, or even talking on the phone are the most likely times for someone with trich to pull on their hair.
We can obviously see the physical repercussions that this condition can cause. Those can often be disguised with scarves, hats, or even quality women’s wigs. But something many people forget are the emotional and social repercussions something like this can cause. In many cases it can cause withdraw from family, friends, and coworkers. Trich can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression. If it leads to this, seeking a professional is the only way to truly help. They can help provide coping skills necessary to deal with stress or whatever causes the individual to feel the need to pull out their hair, and ultimately destroy the habit. Medications can also be prescribed to help, and would help lesson the stress.
Therapy can help bring whoever suffers from trichotillomania back to who they were, but when it comes to the hair they lost, that’s permanent. But our hair loss professionals can help with that. We can get a customized natural looking wig that can definitely help their self-confidence return. Essentially there are two kinds of wigs out there. There is the cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all wig that you buy right off the shelf. Or you can have a wig customized to your head and hair that is made of 100% natural human hair which will look like your natural hair and not a readily identifiable hair piece.
What Makes Up a Quality Women’s Wig?
Instead of the synthetic hair treated with harsh chemicals in the off-the-shelf wigs, human hair wigs are made with hair donated by people mainly in four countries. Research has shown that European hair tends to be more natural looking when it is made into a wig. This hair is donated in ponytails leaving all the cuticles going the same way, so when made into the wig, the directions are all the same looking as natural and real as possible. With the natural hair, it allows you to curl it, blow dry it, style it, whatever you want!
At Hairbuilders of Vermont, we are here to work with you to help you look and feel your absolute best. Please contact us to schedule free, private and confidential consultation so we can start discussing next steps and what the future holds!
