Long-Term Effects of Hair Pulling

Some individuals feel the impulsive or compulsive need to tug or pull on their hair. This action is called trichotillomania by the medical community, and is identified as any pulling of hair that leads to dysfunction in everyday life. Trichotillomania is believed to be either an impulse control disorder (ICD) or an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The long term of effects of hair pulling vary based on the individual, the duration that the hair has been pulled and the severity of the condition. Despite the variability of trichotillomania, all long-term hair pullers will experience some of the same effects.

Baldness

• Long-term hair pulling can result in baldness. A hair puller might create one bald spot or many. While small spots may be concealable, larger patches of baldness may be difficult to hide.

Depression

• A long-term hair puller may feel unhappiness or frustration at his condition. If he resists the urge to pull his hair, this could lead to feelings of discomfort, tension or frustration.

Embarrassment

• An long-term hair puller with visible bald spots or who cannot control his urges in public may feel embarrassment when in a social setting or public location.