How do I Grow Back Hair After Years of Pulling?

In some people, hair pulling is an unconscious disorder that can result in bald patches on the head as well as lost eyebrows, lashes and other body hair. This disorder is called trichotillomania and can continue for years if untreated. If you have been pulling your hair for years, it may seem like an impossible idea that you could grow your hair back after such a long period. Although it won't be easy, it is possible to grow your hair back under the right circumstances.

Instructions

Treat the Hair Pulling

• 1

  Make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss your hair pulling and potential treatments. Years of hair pulling is typically a result of a health condition that does not fully go away without treatment. If the underlying problem is not treated attempting to grow your hair back may be a futile effort if the pulling begins again during or after the growing process. Be open and honest when discussing the onset and frequency of the hair pulling with the doctor. This will enable him to set up an appropriate course of treatment to help prevent future episodes of hair pulling.

• 2

  Follow your doctor's treatment plan. This may consist of keeping a journal of your feelings and triggers which lead to hair pulling. The sooner that hair pulling is successfully under control, the sooner your hair may begin to grow back in. Take any medications, such as anti-depressants, as directed by your physician.

• 3

  Wear hats or scarves to prevent yourself from pulling visible hair. Keep your hands out of your unpulled hair and away from any bald patches as much as possible

Facilitate Hair Growth

• 4

  Keep your scalp clean and shampoo and condition any hair that is currently filled in or growing. Avoid using heavy oils that may clog the hair follicles. Most often when the pulling has discontinued the hair will grow back naturally as long as there has not been damage to the hair follicle or scarring.

• 5

  Apply Rogaine (Minoxidil) if your doctor agrees that there is no permanent damage to your hair roots. Rogaine can be useful in stimulating hair growth if you notice that the hair is coming in slowly or is excessively thin. Follow the instructions carefully when using.

• 6

  Eat a proper diet consisting of foods that are rich in protein. Other hair-growing foods are those that contain iron, B vitamins, Vitamin E, essential fatty acids and sulfur.

• 7

  Look into laser hair restoration as a possible means to regrow your hair. These low-energy lasers can be used in conjunction with Rogaine to stimulate hair growth. There are a diverse range of opinions when it comes to laser hair restoration and its effectiveness. Discuss this option at length with your dermatologist.