Ways to Cope: Trichotillomania and Anxiety

by Julian Miranda | Feb 3, 2025 | Episode

Episode 50

Ways to Cope: Trichotillomania and Anxiety

This week on HairPod, I spoke with Meg Weatherman about living with trichotillomania, a mental health disorder that caused her to start pulling out her own hair in the second grade. Listen in to hear how she manages this condition and how she has found hope through support and self-care.

Understanding Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a mental health condition classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. For Meg, it started as what seemed like a harmless habit—tugging at her eyelashes. However, as the behavior escalated, she began pulling her hair more frequently. Neither Meg nor her parents initially understood the condition, making it difficult to find effective interventions. Many people with trichotillomania struggle with self-blame, but research indicates that TTM is rooted in mental health, often linked to underlying conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder.

The Emotional Toll of Hair Loss

Hair loss, regardless of the cause, can be an emotionally challenging experience. It often leads to feelings of isolation and confusion, particularly for individuals who develop trichotillomania at a young age. Meg began experiencing noticeable hair loss at just eight years old, leading to additional struggles at school. The lack of awareness about trichotillomania contributed to bullying and name-calling from classmates, further increasing her anxiety and worsening her symptoms. This cycle continued until she sought help from mental health professionals. Meg encourages parents and educators to foster empathy among children, as people struggling with hair loss—especially due to mental health disorders—often face silent battles.

Solutions for Hair Loss: Trichotillomania

Finding the right hair loss solution for trichotillomania is a highly personal process, requiring trial and error. Meg experimented with various solutions before discovering what made her feel most confident. She prefers **hair toppers**, which provide the coverage she desires while allowing her to remove them as needed to care for her scalp. Beyond external solutions, self-care plays a crucial role in her journey. Prioritizing wellness, mental health support, and self-confidence-building activities have helped her manage her condition more effectively. While no single solution works for everyone, a combination of personalized hair restoration options and mental health treatment can make a significant difference.

Meg’s story sheds light on the challenges of living with trichotillomania and highlights the importance of awareness, support, and self-acceptance. With the right approach, individuals struggling with TTM can regain confidence and take meaningful steps toward healing.

Empowering Resources

Book a Complimentary HairClub Consultation Today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Episode.50 Transcript

Meg Weatherman [00:00:02]:

You are beautifully made. God has a plan for your life. I know it’s tough. I know what you’re going through is so hard. But you are going to come out on the other side. You are going to be used for a purpose, and you are going to be okay because he has a plan and you are going to be great. And whether you’re a Christian or not, I think encouraging, you are going to be okay. You are going to get through this.

Meg Weatherman [00:00:25]:

You, you are building character. We are going to help. We are here for you. All those things as well. That’s more of what I would have filled myself with.

Kevin Rolston [00:00:47]:

Welcome to HairPod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host, Kevin Rolston, and each week I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves and found a way to get their confidence and their hair back. This week on HairPod, we’re going to be hearing from Meg Weatherman. Meg has lived with trichotillomania, or TTM, since the second grade. For those who may not know, trichotillomania is a mental health condition characterized by a compulsive urge to pull out one’s own hair. This can sometimes lead to bald patches on the scalp, eyelashes, or eyebrows, which can have a big impact on a person’s confidence and self esteem. Trichotillomania is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed due to the social stigma that surrounds both the mental health and hair loss aspects of the condition.

Kevin Rolston [00:01:45]:

In today’s conversation, Meg will share her own personal journey, her challenges growing up with TTM, and advice she has for people going through this experience and those who love them.

Meg Weatherman [00:02:00]:

Trichotillomania is an OCD generalized anxiety disorder that results in you pulling your hair out. It is a form of release. And at the time, you know, second grade, I started on my eyelashes and I just figured, oh, it’s just a habit. And I used to tell my mom, it feels good. I don’t know why, but it feels good. And over the years, it moved to my eyebrows. And then it moved. Eventually, as life got more chaotic, it moved to my hair on my head.

Meg Weatherman [00:02:32]:

And, yeah, and being so young, you don’t know what it is. And I think at that time, a lot of people didn’t know what it was either. It was very, you know, even now, I think only 14% of people have it. It’s very rare. It’s not a well Known, well studied disorder. So being so young and having professionals not even really know what it is or how to treat it, it was very challenging at that time.

Kevin Rolston [00:03:01]:

Now, my question, you don’t have to get. I’m not asking you about exactly what was going on, but I am trying to find, did you have a childhood trauma? Did you have something else that was triggering this, or was it just that? Do you know what was causing the OCD and why it got to the point where you were pulling your own hair out?

Meg Weatherman [00:03:16]:

Well, in the second grade, no, you know, I think second to about fifth grade, I think. I don’t know how other kids would deal with just stress of school and maybe, you know, making friends and all that, but I think maybe that’s how my personal way of dealing with just stress of nervousness was 6th grade, my parents did get a divorce. That was kind of nasty. So all that kind of amped it all up and that’s when it kind of moved to my head and all that and the hair on my head and everything. So I can see that progression. But as from second grade to about fifth grade, I think it was just. I got nervous. I was just a nervous child with certain situations, and I think that’s how it came about.

Meg Weatherman [00:04:00]:

If you will tell me a little.

Kevin Rolston [00:04:02]:

Bit about how your parents handled it when they saw that something was going on. Because here you are, you’re doing this in an era where it’s. It’s not really heard of. And you’re probably wondering, why is. Why is my daughter doing this? Why is she. Did you start to get noticeable signs of it? Were you getting little bald spots? And sometimes what happens with trichotillomania.

Meg Weatherman [00:04:19]:

So from second to fifth grade, when we didn’t know what it was, I would pull my eyelashes. So I was having like, I had one eye and I focused on this one. I don’t know why, but that has zero eyelashes. And at the time, my mom was like. And my dad, they were like, why are you doing this? And I would say, well, it feels good. I don’t know why I’m doing it. And they’re like, well, we don’t do it. You know, we’re not going to do that.

Meg Weatherman [00:04:40]:

And them thinking it was just a nervous habit, you know, it was more of a, okay, well if you do this, we’re going to have to punish you or we’re going to take something away. And like, and I’m not blaming them for that. I think they were doing the best they could, was trying to help me. You Know, get to stop. Because they didn’t know how to handle it. They didn’t understand that it’s an actual chemical imbalance in the brain. You know, no one did.

Kevin Rolston [00:05:02]:

Yeah.

Meg Weatherman [00:05:02]:

So up until that point of the divorce, when they saw, okay, this is progressing into something bigger, like, she’s going to need to get some help, therapy, counseling. And they started hearing from professionals. She’s not doing this for attention. She’s not doing this just to do it. Like, she actually has a chemical imbalance in her brain. And it became more of a. Okay, well, how can I help relieve some of this stress? Why don’t we, you know, do something? Let’s try. Let’s go out, let’s talk, let’s see a therapist.

Meg Weatherman [00:05:31]:

Let’s do. Let’s try to train your brain in another way so you don’t do this as much. Let’s try to find, identify triggers, that kind of thing. So it was a growing process and a learning process for both of us. Right.

Kevin Rolston [00:05:44]:

So how long did this take to get to that point? Because I imagine you had to go through trial and error. You had to talk to a lot of specialists, and you had to get to the point where you got a diagnosis so you could try to pinpoint, to come up with a remedy for it. What was that journey like, and how long did it take?

Meg Weatherman [00:05:59]:

Oh, it took years. I’m still on the journey, honestly. Yeah.

Kevin Rolston [00:06:02]:

Really? Wow.

Meg Weatherman [00:06:03]:

I mean, I’m still. I still have tendencies to want to pull my hair out and I’ll still catch myself. Oh, yeah. And it’s. I think it’s just as I’ve gotten older, I’ve identified, you know, the triggers and things like that. And sometimes it is habitual. You really. You’ve done it for so long at this point.

Meg Weatherman [00:06:21]:

But back then I would say, oh, gosh, it took years because, like I said, even the professionals weren’t really sure about what it was. Or they would say, okay, well, she’s going through family’s going through divorce. Let’s focus on that in turn. Maybe that’ll help heal some of this that she’s dealing with as well. So it was definitely trial and error. And I actually didn’t get a real sense of help until I went to a doctor. She was just a family doctor. And she said, this is your anxiety.

Meg Weatherman [00:06:53]:

And I had never heard, you know, this is anxiety. This is your anxiety, and it is manifesting physically. That was something because you couldn’t see it. It was very foreign. Right. And I got on antidepressants, small dose and we began to see a really big help. And I’m not one that’s, you know, you should or shouldn’t. I think whatever works for you, you should do so.

Meg Weatherman [00:07:16]:

Over the years, it’s been, okay, you know, I’m in a really stressful section of, like, portion of my life. I’m going to be on these antidepressants, or I’m going to up my dose or, okay, you know what, things are kind of mellowing out. I’m going to, under doctor supervision, go down in my dosage. And that has helped me, along with, you know, physical activity, working out, eating right, those kind of things. But it has been over the course of 10, 15 years, trial and error and learning, as everybody else learns as well.

Kevin Rolston [00:07:49]:

Listening to Meg’s journey is a powerful reminder that dealing with a condition you don’t completely understand and that the people around you don’t understand can feel really isolating. It’s one thing to grapple with your own confusion and emotions, but it’s an entirely different challenge when others around you don’t understand it either. For many kids with trichotillomania, school becomes a tough environment, not just because of the condition itself, but because of how peers react to it. Unfortunately, Meg wasn’t immune to the cruelty of childhood bullies. In this next clip, she shares what it was like to deal with that and how it shaped her early experiences.

Meg Weatherman [00:08:33]:

Kids are so not all kids, but a lot of kids are mean, you know, and you see something that’s different. And I think as parents, we really have to. We like, I’m a kid, a parent. I’m not a parent. I have dogs, okay? I have dogs. Those are my kids.

Kevin Rolston [00:08:48]:

Wise choice.

Meg Weatherman [00:08:50]:

But, you know, I think for my past experience, I remember I would have bald spots and people would call me Patches. I would try to cover things up with makeup. And I did not know what I was doing. You know, I’m like 10 years old, and I’m like, okay, let’s draw on eyebrows today. Oh, they look like lines, right? And then I started wearing wigs and hair toppers and all these things. And I didn’t. But I didn’t have high quality things. But kids were very mean.

Meg Weatherman [00:09:19]:

And in turn, I was anxious about being out in public. So then that anxiety manifests and I do it more. So it was a lose, lose situation. But I definitely, for me, I feel like, in a way, I’m thankful for it because it’s given me. You don’t like a view. You don’t know what everybody’s going through. So no matter what someone looks like or what they are, how they are acting, it gives you the opportunity to show grace to them and to maybe be there for them in a way that nobody else is. But, you know, as parents, I think they have a responsibility to.

Meg Weatherman [00:09:51]:

If they see their kids maybe talking about somebody who at school is going through something similar or anything different at all to say, hey, you know, like, we don’t know what they’re going through. Why don’t you try being kind to them? Maybe you should try talking to them. And, you know, easier said than done, but it can make a really big impact, 100%.

Kevin Rolston [00:10:09]:

So you had noticeable signs of trichotillomania when you were second, fifth, sixth grade? How long did that manifest itself? How long did you have those? And then what was it like afterwards? Because, you know, we’re. We’re kind of doing this like we’re talking about. Adults are nice, too, but there are adult bullies, you know, and you’ll have somebody that’s a. That should be all grown and should know a lot better that still is going to make a very unchoiced comment about your appearance that can still cut just like it did when you were a kid. So what was that journey like? And how did you start getting on top of your symptoms and the way you looked with the trichotillomania? And what was it like as you got older?

Meg Weatherman [00:10:46]:

I think because it hurt so bad, you know, As I was younger, I would carry those insecurities into my relationships as I got older. When I started dating, I was so nervous because I was like, oh, he’s not gonna like the way I look. He’s not gonna like me if, you know, he knows about this. I even had one guy look at me one time, literally look at my head and say, what is this? And your heart sinks because you’re like, oh, my. You know, and it’s like, it breaks your heart because you’re like. It’s actually my biggest insecurity. But thank you for pointing that out.

Kevin Rolston [00:11:19]:

Do you remember about what age you were when that happened?

Meg Weatherman [00:11:22]:

I was 20 when that happened.

Kevin Rolston [00:11:24]:

Oh, no.

Meg Weatherman [00:11:25]:

Yeah. And I also didn’t have the best choice in men back then, so.

Kevin Rolston [00:11:30]:

Well, that’s what you do at 20, right?

Meg Weatherman [00:11:32]:

You know, it’s okay. Thank God for Kyle.

Kevin Rolston [00:11:36]:

That’s right.

Meg Weatherman [00:11:37]:

But, you know, very much. Gosh, it carried over so much. And even still, you know, I’ll think, man, I wish I could look like this. I wish I could wear my hair like this. But I Feel like I’ve gotten to a place, and a lot of the. And I don’t mean to be preachy, but my faith plays a big part of this. I’m a Christian, so a lot of it plays into, God, please help me. Please fix this.

Meg Weatherman [00:11:57]:

You know, when I was little, I would pray, God, please let me wake up and have all my eyelashes. Right, Right. And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten to where I’m like, okay, well, if we’re not gonna take it away, help me use it for good. And I’ve gotten to a place where I accept it, and I’ve realized we all have stuff. We all have things we wish we could change, and we all have things that we struggle with.

Kevin Rolston [00:12:18]:

Right.

Meg Weatherman [00:12:19]:

Just because mine looks different than yours, it’s all relative. Right? So I found a lot of strength. I found a lot of strength in being open and honest with it and talking about it openly, because I’m like, if this can help people, why would I not? Right?

Kevin Rolston [00:12:34]:

Right.

Meg Weatherman [00:12:35]:

So that’s the way I’ve learned to view it.

Kevin Rolston [00:12:42]:

Bullying is an experience no child should have to face. But for those dealing with visible conditions like trichotillomania or other forms of hair loss, it’s an unfortunate reality. What’s truly inspiring, though, is how Meg has found strength in her story and the courage to open up about her struggles. It’s a reminder that speaking out, even when it’s hard, can create space for understanding and change. It’s a reminder that speaking out, even when it’s hard, can create space for understanding and change. Her journey also sheds light on an important topic. The important role parents play in supporting kids dealing with hair loss. Whether it’s due to trichotillomania, alopecia, medical treatments, or other causes, the emotional toll of hair loss can be difficult for anyone to handle.

Kevin Rolston [00:13:30]:

And especially for children trying to navigate school, friendships and self confidence, it’s normal for parents watching their kids struggle with this to find, feel helpless or unsure of what to do.

Meg Weatherman [00:13:46]:

I would say, as a parent, I would be reassuring and comforting, as in, it is, okay, you can try again. We’re gonna try again tomorrow. Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself. Those kind of things, that kind of encouragement, being encouraging, that is so simple, so big, because your child is already frustrated and disappointed in themselves for their own reasons. They don’t need to feel like, my parent is now disappointed and frustrated with me as well, because nine times out of 10, your child is already disappointed in themselves and they’re beating themselves up because of it. So I would say encouraging your child, taking them to get help, talking to their primary care physician about it, about the different things that they believe, doing your own research, being your child’s advocate, but never being angry at your child over something they physically cannot control. You know, I feel like those things combined really, really make for a lot of hope. And honestly, I say I’ll be there for your kid, but really be there for your kid.

Meg Weatherman [00:14:54]:

Talk to them, see what’s going on. Say, do you get, you know, ask the questions. Don’t just say, what’s wrong? Really think about the questions that you’re asking. Like, are you nervous about going to school today? Are you nervous people are going to make fun of you? Make detailed questions, not just a generalized question. Because a lot of times, at least for me, I could not pinpoint specifically what I was nervous about or what I was anxious about until somebody said, do you get nervous about this? Do you get anxious about this? How do you feel when you walk into a room and people start looking at you? Things like that?

Kevin Rolston [00:15:28]:

Right.

Meg Weatherman [00:15:29]:

It really is helpful. And then in turn, when they respond, you encourage them. And I feel like, for me personally, that’s what helped me.

Kevin Rolston [00:15:36]:

So that’s a little bit of the mental side of it. Now tell me a little bit about the physical side, because you had mentioned some things that you had done.

Meg Weatherman [00:15:43]:

Yes.

Kevin Rolston [00:15:43]:

So if we’re talking about the physical, what are some of the best ways to cover some of the signs of someone who has trichotillomania?

Meg Weatherman [00:15:50]:

So it was trial and error, let me tell you, so bad. I have some photos that I think we need to lock away forever. But I pull them out and I’m like, oh, my word. I left the house looking like that. Lord have mercy. But, you know, they have specialists now, like hair club, that can custom make pieces for your hair. I did wigs. I did.

Meg Weatherman [00:16:17]:

I had a comb over at one point because I had a lot of bending right here. I was like, right, rocking it. And I was like, those are the photos we don’t need to pull out after a kid.

Kevin Rolston [00:16:28]:

Right.

Meg Weatherman [00:16:29]:

But a wig. I used a wig. I wouldn’t recommend a wig unless you absolutely had to. I did get to a point where I was fed up and I just shaved my head and threw on a wig and was like, okay, we’re starting over. I was over it. I was about 18 when that happened, because I was just fed up. I was like, I look crazy. Let’s just.

Meg Weatherman [00:16:50]:

Blank canvas. Let’s start over. And I did.

Kevin Rolston [00:16:52]:

And how long did you do that for. Did that get you where you.

Meg Weatherman [00:16:55]:

It actually helped.

Kevin Rolston [00:16:56]:

Were you confident in your look?

Meg Weatherman [00:16:57]:

It helped a lot because, I mean, I didn’t like the wigs. The wigs were for me, it was not my preference, but it got me to where I could really get a hold of the pulling and my mental state. And your hair is shaved down. You can’t really pull it out. So it was really. I had to learn how to cope in a different way. So that helped me. But I don’t know that I would recommend that for everybody.

Meg Weatherman [00:17:21]:

But definitely a hair topper has been my go to. I’ve got this one from Hair Club. It’s great. You just snap it on. They custom match everything. You can take it off at night. And I would also invest in a lot of self care. I love doing things that I know are going to encourage hair growth.

Meg Weatherman [00:17:39]:

Scalp treatments, oils, all those kind of things. Because I feel like I’m being proactive with trying to help and encourage hair growth. So all those things have helped me over the course of this whole journey.

Kevin Rolston [00:17:52]:

How tied in is the physical to the mental? Because it sounds like as physically you started to feel more confident that mentally your trichotillomania subsided a bit.

Meg Weatherman [00:18:03]:

Oh, 100%.

Kevin Rolston [00:18:05]:

So there’s a definite connection between those two things.

Meg Weatherman [00:18:07]:

Oh yeah. Because you feel like, and I don’t, I don’t mean this in like a vain way, but you feel like, I don’t want to mess up. You know, I feel so good. I feel like I look decent now. I don’t, you know, people aren’t pointing, people aren’t looking and you know, saying things, it makes you feel like, okay, you know, I, I have, I want to have more self control. I think when you’re in a place where you’re just so not where you want to be physically, you feel like what’s the point? At some right points and you’re.

Kevin Rolston [00:18:35]:

And building your confidence is a big part of this whole process.

Meg Weatherman [00:18:38]:

Oh yeah, 100%. 100%.

Kevin Rolston [00:18:41]:

And then having the hair toppers or whatever you used is one of the ways that you got there.

Meg Weatherman [00:18:46]:

Oh yeah, 100%. My hair topper has been my saving grace because it’s great. It’s not like you have to wear it all the time. You can take it off, you’re able to see your hair growth, you’re able to cover if you mess up. But it’s not something that’s smothering your head like a wig might be, which I’m not against wigs, but at the same time, you don’t need one or you don’t really want one, you have another option which is really great.

Kevin Rolston [00:19:12]:

No matter what type of hair loss you’re experiencing, finding the right solution is usually a journey of trial and error, just like it was for Meg. It can be frustrating and it takes patience and resilience to keep searching until you find what works for you. Like any learning experience, it can be really challenging. And sometimes the greatest healing comes when you find ways to help others with the knowledge you’ve gained.

Kevin Rolston [00:19:43]:

So if you had to go back and talk to yourself when you were a third or a fourth grader and you have the signs of the trichotillomania and you’re confused and you’re being bullied and you don’t know how to get yourself looking good and maybe your parents don’t even understand you, somebody’s been through it. What do you say to them?

Meg Weatherman [00:20:00]:

Oh, my gosh, you’re gonna make me cry. Oh, my word. I would just. Well, first I would say, and again, I, this is me. So I’m, I’m a Christian. This is just what I would say. I would, you know, you are beautifully made. God has a plan for your life.

Meg Weatherman [00:20:18]:

I know it’s tough. I know what you’re going through is so hard. But you are going to come out on the other side. You are going to be used for a purpose and you are going to be okay because he has a plan and you are going to be great. And whether you’re a Christian or not, I think encouraging, you are going to be okay. You are going to get through this. You are building character. We are going to help.

Meg Weatherman [00:20:41]:

We are here for you. All those things as well. That’s more of what I would have filled myself with.

Kevin Rolston [00:20:49]:

Yeah.

Meg Weatherman [00:20:49]:

Back that age.

Kevin Rolston [00:20:50]:

And I think, you know, faith based or not, I think that people need to realize that sometimes you go through valleys. You don’t understand why you’re there, but sometimes when you come out on the other side, you don’t realize who is waiting in line that needs to hear from you and they need to understand your struggle. And you don’t have that same kind of impact if you haven’t been through it. I’m not going to listen to somebody that doesn’t relate to my own problems and how I feel. And now you’ve got girls out there that are going through Chicktown mania that it would be confusing. I mean, why am I pulling in my hair? Why am I having these issues? Why am I getting bullied worse than I was. And, you know, I think it’s amazing and I appreciate you coming on to talk to those people out there. And I’m hoping that we can connect with some, you know, little girls or boys that are going through this.

Kevin Rolston [00:21:35]:

They can realize that, hey, there’s a, there’s hope.

Meg Weatherman [00:21:37]:

And I, I even, you know, I lost my mom this past year to breast cancer. But this whole, her whole fight has been like a six year thing. And when she was first diagnosed, she looked at me and like, one of the first things she said because she’s, you know, fashionista, big blonde hair, all this stuff was, you gotta help me find a wig. So being able to go and do that and have fun while doing it, and the knowledge that I feel like I’ve acquired over time with hair pieces and lace fronts and toppers and all this stuff, I can see how that too was used for good during that season of our life as well. So it’s definitely, definitely been used for good.

Kevin Rolston [00:22:16]:

You were able to bond and what a great way to spend the time that you had left with your mom.

Meg Weatherman [00:22:21]:

100%.

Kevin Rolston [00:22:22]:

One thing I do want to touch on, Meg, is your relationship with your husband Kyle. And what I think would be interesting is dating and having these insecurities and vulnerabilities that you both, in a sense, you know, you had hair needs. And this is interesting that you have a couple that both has their own hair issues. How did you reveal that to one another? And then, because that’s one thing that you’re probably like, you want to put your best foot forward. At what point in your relationship did that come up? And what were those discussions like? And are you helping each other through your hair journeys now?

Meg Weatherman [00:22:58]:

I’m so excited to talk about this because I was so nervous about it, but as we dated and dated some more, I did think, I’m like, how am I going to tell this guy, you know, oh, snap, I really like him. How am I going to say, hey, by the way, your girl here is struggling with some things. And one day we were talking and he was like, I think he was looking in the mirror or something. And he was, you know, huffing and puffing. And I’m like, what? He said, my hair is thinning. And I just look at this. Like, I just hate this. And I was like, this is my moment, you know, oh, that’s great.

Meg Weatherman [00:23:29]:

I got one even better. I said, well, you don’t say. And then I told him and he was like, what? You know, And I’m like, yeah, yeah, you know, he was a guy, so I guess he. He is a guy. Not was a guy. He is a guy. And he just wasn’t paying that much attention. He’s like, I never would have known.

Meg Weatherman [00:23:49]:

And I’m like, yeah, so maybe we are meant to be.

Kevin Rolston [00:23:53]:

That’s so cool.

Meg Weatherman [00:23:54]:

That is so now he, like, we laughed about it, and we, you know, we would go. We’d go to. We went to Disney World, and he would say. I’d say, make sure my hair doesn’t blow off, you know, and make jokes about it.

Kevin Rolston [00:24:05]:

Right? Yeah.

Meg Weatherman [00:24:06]:

But at the same time, he would look at me and say, before he invested in a hairpiece from Hair Club, he would look at me and say, okay, if my. Like, we’d be on a boat or something. And he’d say, if my hair looks bad, like, fix it. Or after he would race, before he got his hairpiece, he would say, make sure you’re at my car with my hat, like always. Like, hey, but it was so nice to feel like you have somebody who has your back.

Kevin Rolston [00:24:29]:

Right.

Meg Weatherman [00:24:30]:

And is looking out for you. Because he would tell me, he’s like, please make sure my hair looks decent. I don’t want to be interviewed with it looking crazy or something.

Kevin Rolston [00:24:38]:

Yeah.

Meg Weatherman [00:24:38]:

And I’m thinking the same thing about me. Like, I don’t want to be out in public with it looking crazy. And it was just really great to have that person also.

Kevin Rolston [00:24:46]:

That’s so cool. That’s so cool. And I think it speaks to people. Don’t realize how many people are suffering from some form of hair loss or another. Whether it’s male pattern baldness or trichotillomania. This is just something that is out there for a lot of people. And you always feel like you’re alone in these journeys, and it’s so not the case. And that’s why it’s so great to talk to you, because you got a journey.

Kevin Rolston [00:25:08]:

It’s different than your husband, but together, you guys have this power and synergy together that is fantastic. You both have a great story.

Meg Weatherman [00:25:15]:

Yeah. And I feel like it might be different scenarios, but it’s the same insecurities, Right?

Kevin Rolston [00:25:20]:

It is. It is.

Meg Weatherman [00:25:21]:

So being able to encourage each other, but also be like, I’m making sure you don’t look how you don’t want to look, and you’re helping me out, and it’s just. It’s really, really great.

Kevin Rolston [00:25:31]:

That’s how you know it’s meant to be. I love it.

Meg Weatherman [00:25:32]:

I know. I’m like, we both don’t have hair. This is a match made in heaven.

Kevin Rolston [00:25:38]:

Well, you both look fantastic. I’ve talked to your husband. I love his hair journey as well. It’s radically different than yours. But what you said today, Meg, it’s just going to be so powerful. I’m excited to get all the comments that we get from people when they have a response to this show. And thank you for taking the time to come, come on and tell your story and be so vulnerable today.

Meg Weatherman [00:25:57]:

Yeah, thank you so much too, for speaking out about it. It means a lot.

Kevin Rolston [00:26:06]:

We want to thank Meg again for coming on the show and talking to us about her experience with trichotillomania. And we want to thank you for listening today. Meg’s courage, honesty and resilience remind us that no matter what challenges we face, whether it’s trichotillomania or other forms of hair loss or any personal struggles, the most important thing we can do is to support and learn from each other. For more inspirational stories and words of wisdom about hair loss, make sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening to another episode of hairpod. Check us out at Hair Club on Instagram or search HairPod on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing this episode, we would love it if you would share it with them. If you’re enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Kevin Rolston [00:26:59]:

We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcasts.hairclub.com we’re here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review and subscribe, subscribe, it helps us do just that. So thank you until next time.

DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT

Featured Guests

Heather Brooke
Nick Wilkins

New Episodes Weekly

Available Every Tuesday @ 9am

Want to Be a Guest?

Come on the Show!

Related Episodes

Hair System Care Vs. Regular Hair Care

Apr 8, 2025

HairClub stylist Rachel Rivera shares expert tips on caring for hair systems, scalp health, and avoiding damage from styling products in this helpful episode.

Fitness, Supplements, and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

Apr 15, 2025

Can your fitness routine lead to hair loss? HairPod explores the impact of supplements, testosterone, and stress on hair health this spring.

Listen & Subscribe

Listen to HairPod™ on various streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe and be the first to listen to new episodes.

Available now at:

What is Trichotillomania

by Oscar Camargo | Sep 30, 2024 | Episode

Episode 32

What is Trichotillomania?

In this episode of HairPod, we shine a light on trichotillomania—also known as trich or TTM—a condition that causes people to compulsively pull out their hair. To better understand this often misunderstood hair condition, we’re honored to welcome Heather Brooke, a licensed professional counselor and an individual with lived experience of TTM. Joining us to discuss her journey with TTM, Heather provides valuable insight for those living with the condition.

At HairClub, we offer more than just solutions for hair loss—we’ve created a hub of knowledge to help you understand every aspect of hair health and wellness. This episode is an essential listen for anyone looking to understand trichotillomania better, whether you or someone you love is affected by this disorder or you’re simply curious about it.

Join us as we explore trichotillomania through the lens of Heather’s experiences—her personal story, professional insight, and strategies for managing TTM.

What is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania is a hair-pulling disorder that leads individuals to uncontrollably (and sometimes unconsciously) pull out their hair. The disorder can manifest differently depending on the person—some may pull hair from their scalp, while others may focus on eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body hair. The intensity of the condition varies greatly; some individuals may experience mild episodes, while others may struggle with more severe, daily compulsions. There is also no single age of onset, though it often begins in childhood or adolescence.

Causes of Trichotillomania

The causes of trichotillomania are still not fully understood, and research into the condition is ongoing. However, many experts believe that a combination of factors—including genetics, trauma, anxiety, and stress—could contribute to its development. Heather Brooke believes that her own TTM was triggered by traumatic experiences in her early childhood. At just nine years old, Heather began pulling out her hair and relied on the adults in her life to notice and intervene. Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness and understanding about the disorder at the time, Heather did not receive the therapeutic help she needed right away.

Despite years of therapy and now being a licensed professional counselor herself, Heather still deals with the effects of trichotillomania. Her personal journey underscores the challenges many face: living with TTM is a continuous process of managing symptoms rather than a quick fix. However, this also means that even though a cure may not be available, there are ways to cope and live a full life despite the condition.

Trichotillomania is a medical condition characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one’s hair, often resulting in noticeable hair loss. It can affect hair all over the body:

Scalp
Eyebrows
Eyelashes
Other body hair

There is no single age of onset, but it often begins in childhood or adolescence. For Heather Brooke, it started at just nine years old. There is no clear-cut cause of trichotillomania, and research into the condition is still ongoing. However, experts believe that a combination of factors could cause it.

Biological Factors

Genetics may play a significant role in the development of trichotillomania. Other biological factors, such as changes in hormone levels during puberty, could also contribute.

Psychological Factors

Individuals who experience depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are more likely to show signs of TTM.

Environmental Influences

Highly stressful situations and traumatic events may trigger trichotillomania in some people. Heather believes traumatic experiences in early childhood triggered her own TTM.

Symptoms of Trichotillomania

Individuals with trichotillomania may feel an intense urge to pull their hair out. They may feel a growing tension that becomes harder and harder to ignore, with a sense of relief after pulling the hair out. People with TTM may have repeatedly tried to stop or minimize the hair-pulling behavior with no success.

Hair-Pulling Behaviors

Most people with TTM pull hair from their scalp, but some pull from other areas, such as eyebrows, eyelashes, genital hair, and beard or mustache hair. The resulting bald patches may have an unusual shape and affect one side of the head more than the other.

Emotional and Physical Consequences

Constant hair-pulling can cause severe damage to the skin and hair. From bald spots to scarring, this condition can damage the skin of your scalp and even permanently affect hair growth. As the hair loss becomes more and more visible, you may feel frustrated, ashamed, and embarrassed. If you can’t stop hair loss, you may feel like you’ve lost control. Over time, you may develop low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

Trichotillomania’s Impact on Daily Life

Trichotillomania can profoundly impact daily life, often making simple tasks seem more challenging. The urge to pull out hair can strike unexpectedly, especially during moments of stress or boredom. This can lead to noticeable hair loss, which in turn can affect self-esteem and body image. Individuals experiencing TTM may avoid social gatherings, work, or school out of fear of being judged or feeling embarrassed by their appearance. Despite years of therapy and now being a licensed professional counselor herself, Heather still deals with the effects of this hair-pulling condition. Her personal journey underscores the challenges many face: living with TTM is a continuous process of managing symptoms rather than a quick fix.

However, managing the condition is possible with the right strategies and support. HairClub’s expert consultation and lasting solutions for trichotillomania treatment offer the personalized strategies you need to reclaim your confidence and find balance in your everyday routines.

Coping with Trichotillomania

Currently, there is no known cure for trichotillomania. However, numerous tools and strategies can help you reduce its impact and manage its symptoms. For Heather, stress and anxiety are key factors that exacerbate her TTM. Like many people with the disorder, she has realized that finding ways to release stress is crucial for managing her compulsions. Regular exercise is one of her primary outlets, and she finds that going to the gym is a powerful way to channel her energy. However, even this form of stress relief might not be enough during particularly stressful times. It’s in these moments that having multiple coping strategies becomes essential. In addition to exercise, Heather emphasizes the importance of therapy. Working with a licensed professional, especially one with experience in TTM, can be incredibly beneficial. A therapist can help individuals identify the triggers that lead to hair-pulling episodes and develop personalized techniques to address them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and even medications may be recommended as part of a holistic approach to managing trichotillomania. Heather also advocates for self-compassion and patience. The path to managing TTM is not linear, and setbacks are part of the process. For those living with the disorder, it’s crucial to learn to forgive oneself and recognize that recovery is a journey.

Supporting Someone with Trichotillomania

One of the most important themes of Heather’s conversation is compassion. For friends, family members, or partners of someone with trichotillomania, understanding and empathy are essential. It can be easy to suggest to someone with TTM to “just stop pulling your hair,” but this kind of response can be damaging. Hair-pulling is not a conscious decision, and the compulsions are often driven by deep-seated psychological factors that require understanding, not criticism.

Educate Yourself

If you’re supporting someone with TTM, start by educating yourself about the condition. Ask questions and listen without judgment. Remember that the person struggling with trichotillomania likely feels a great deal of shame or embarrassment about their behavior, so it’s vital to create a safe and supportive environment for open communication. Rather than focusing on the physical symptoms (like hair loss), show concern for their emotional well-being.

For children with TTM, Heather has written a children’s book called “Where Is My Hair? A Trichotillomania Story For Children.” This book helps kids understand what they’re going through and introduces the idea that they are not alone in their struggles. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or friend, this resource can help foster empathy and understanding for young ones dealing with the condition.

Recommend Resources

Additionally, if trauma or emotional distress seems to be at the root of someone’s TTM, it may be helpful to gently recommend counseling. Healing from trauma can be a key step toward reducing compulsive behaviors. However, it’s important to approach these conversations with care and avoid pushing someone before they are ready to seek help.

Resources for Managing Trichotillomania

If you or someone you know is living with trichotillomania, there are a number of resources available to support you on your journey:

Therapy

Seeking out a licensed professional counselor who specializes in TTM or related disorders can be incredibly helpful. Therapists can offer individualized treatment plans, coping strategies, and emotional support.

Stress-Relief Strategies

Identifying healthy outlets for managing stress is key. Whether it’s exercise, mindfulness, or creative activities, finding what works for you can make a significant difference.

Support Networks:

Connecting with others who have similar experiences can be a source of strength and validation. Consider joining a support group for people with TTM or participating in online forums to share your journey with others who understand.

Educational Materials

Books like “Where Is My Hair? A Trichotillomania Story For Children” by Heather Brooke provide an accessible way for younger audiences to understand the condition. It’s also a great tool for parents and caregivers to start conversations with children about their experience with TTM.

Trichotillomania: Understanding This Hair Pulling Disorder and Its Impact

We hope this episode of HairPod has offered a meaningful and compassionate look at trichotillomania. While living with TTM can be challenging, hearing from people like Heather Brooke reminds us that we can navigate life with this disorder through self-awareness, therapy, and the support of those around us.

If you’re struggling with the effects of trichotillomania, HairClub is here to help. With personalized hair restoration solutions and expert care, we can help you take a step toward regaining confidence and control over your life.
Book a Complimentary Consultation at HairClub Today!

Episode.32 Transcript

Rachel Rivera [00:00:02]:
Aside from building trust from day one, from that moment that my clients walk in and they sit in my chair, I always like to let them know that, hey, this process is for you and I. If there is something that you want to change, we have an open door policy. You let me know what you like, what you don’t like. And we work together in those kinds of things. I have a good reputation with my clients for that very reason.

Kevin Rolston [00:00:40]:
Welcome to Hairpod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host, Kevin Ralston. And each week I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves. And every once in a while, we get to talk to one of those incredible people who helps people with hair loss to get their hair back. Let’s be real for a moment. One of the scariest parts of going to a professional to talk about hair loss is the fear, the fear of being judged, the fear of feeling shame, wondering if they’ll understand what you’re going through. All those thoughts can feel so overwhelming.

Kevin Rolston [00:01:22]:
It might feel like it’s just better to suffer in silence. But thats why im excited about this episode. Today we get to hear from someone who truly understands hair loss and cares deeply about her clients and their hair journeys. And I can say this from my own personal experience because shes my hair loss stylist. You might remember her from episode 21 when we talked about my hair system. Her name is Rachel Rivera, and since I started going to hair club, she has been there with me every step of the way. Today, we’re going to talk to her about what it’s like to be the hero in someone’s hair loss journey and why she got into the hair loss replacement industry in the first place. Because like so many hair specialists, Rachel’s career began in a regular hair salon.

Rachel Rivera [00:02:10]:
So I have been doing hair in total for about 21 years now. I just like a lot of the hairstylists at hair club. I started out at a salon. Of course, I finished my career working as an independent contractor. I rented out my own salon booth. We were a little bit slow at the time, so I ended up just having a glance@indeed.com and trying to look for maybe options of other places to work. At that moment, I had found hair club and everything seemed really nice. I’m like, okay, you know, I didn’t know what I was getting into, but let me go ahead and apply.

Rachel Rivera [00:02:45]:
And it was then and there that I discovered what hair club was all about with it being non surgical hair restoration. It’s a combination of what we do. I work in hair restoration, and I’ve been with hair club now for 13 years.

Kevin Rolston [00:03:01]:
Wow. Now tell me what it is like making that transition and coming over. Because one of the reasons why we do the hair pod here is to talk about some of the stigmas that exist that people have, because it’s the unknown and people don’t really know what they’re getting into. And the eighties really brought a lot of bad stigmas when it comes to hair systems. And did you have reservations? Did you feel it was weird at first to get used to the concept of you’d always cut real human hair, and now you’re cutting real human hair that came from another person that’s on another person?

Rachel Rivera [00:03:37]:
Absolutely. I remember when I first went in for my interviews, and I’m looking at, you know, the little, you know, what your hair looks like when we do your hair. Seeing a bunch of those and sitting in the back room, and I’m like, oh, my God, what is this? So the process was very different for me. I almost took it like an acceptance of a challenge. I’m like, okay, this is different. I’m going to cut hair the same way that I normally do, but in this case, it’s going to be different. I’m going to add it and then cut it in completely. So I took it, you know, challenge accepted, and I started doing it from there.

Kevin Rolston [00:04:12]:
Yeah, because the one thing I would imagine if you had to compare the differences of when you are a stylist at a regular salon compared to what you’re doing at hair club. I know just from my own hair systems, I come in and every other time, two times, whatever, it might just be maintenance. You’re just kind of trimming up the sides. And then my previous hair system goes on. But that, you know, every third time that I might come in, it’s all brand new hair. And I can’t imagine as a regular stylist, you get a lot of opportunities to go from such a radically long head of hair, which I know that I have into what I have now. So I imagine it’s almost even more challenging. So a hairstylist, I would think, at hair club, has to be somebody that is okay with the challenge.

Kevin Rolston [00:04:59]:
I feel like that would be really daunting. I see the hair that I have. I’m like, how do you even get what is on my head right now? It’s hair that is going down below my ears, and you make it into a stylish, short guys haircut. Does that scare some people, would you say? Maybe the hair club’s not for every stylist for that reason?

Rachel Rivera [00:05:17]:
Sometimes, in all honesty, it’s not. I remember when I first got started working for hair club, and it was a little scary, you know, because it does come with, you know, it as simple as it looks, it does come with certain things that we can and cannot do. For example, we have to leave your own. The hair that we are putting on and blending in with your own hair is something that we have to leave just a little bit longer. Sometimes it’s a little uncomfortable, and it pulls you out of your comfort zone when you have to leave something a little bit longer and not blend it in. But we do it for the purpose of, as your own hair is growing out, all it does is create a more seamless look. You will not see that division in the hair. So, yes, it can be scary, and there are some times where it’s just not for everybody, where they.

Rachel Rivera [00:06:04]:
They’re just not used to cutting the hair. I’ve seen people come in full on wanting to do this in gung ho, and for some reason, they just get stumbled on. Just doesn’t work.

Kevin Rolston [00:06:15]:
Yeah, I could see that. Because, you know, when you are a regular hairstylist, how often are you not making that much of a change to somebody’s hair? Is a lot of it just trimming and maintenance and things like that? Where the hair club seems to be more of a daunting challenge to start from such a broad base and whittle it down to something that the person actually wants.

Rachel Rivera [00:06:35]:
Oh, yeah. I would say about 85% of the time, when you’re working in a salon, most of the clients that you see that are coming in, they don’t want to change their hair. It’s here, give me a trim. Let’s do the same color. Let’s do all of this. It’s very simple when you’re coming in and we’re cutting in a new head of hair, which is my favorite time, by the way, because I love new styles, but it can be a little bit scary.

Kevin Rolston [00:06:57]:
Yeah. I’m wondering how long it takes for you to get used to it, because with any new job, any new style, it takes a little bit of time to get used to it. Did you feel that there was kind of a ramping up period from when you went to a regular salon to going into hair club?

Rachel Rivera [00:07:11]:
Yeah, I think in total, what it did was it it took me about a year to really become efficient and comfortable with what I was doing, to get it done in the way that I was happy with. Mm hmm.

Kevin Rolston [00:07:22]:
And tell me about the knowledge that you had, because I imagine over 13 years, you know, when I talk to you, you’re just an expert inside and out of hair systems and how to do them, how to treat them, how to color them correctly so that they match up with the regular hair that somebody might have for sideburns or on the side of their head. Would you say that every single year that your knowledge grows? And at what point. How many years were you at hair club before you would say, okay, I am a true hair system expert?

Rachel Rivera [00:07:49]:
It’s a hard timeline. I feel like I am always learning something at some point in time, and whenever I see something that’s maybe different, I always pick it up and try to figure something out. But the years of experience that I have have taught me a lot of things which make me really good at what I do.

Kevin Rolston [00:08:14]:
As a client. I am grateful for Rachel and her expertise when it comes to hair replacement technology and how far it’s come in the past few decades. You want someone like Rachel, who is a lifelong learner, on your side. I know that as technology continues to change, I have a stylist who will be able to explain it all to me.

Kevin Rolston [00:08:33]:
As for me, that builds a foundation.

Kevin Rolston [00:08:35]:
Of trust, which is so important, between a stylist and a client, especially one who has experienced some hair loss. Losing your hair is an emotional experience already, and trusting someone to help you out can feel a little bit like putting your life into somebody’s hands. So I wanted to know just how Rachel establishes that rapport with her clients, starting with the time they sit in her chair.

Rachel Rivera [00:09:04]:
Well, aside from building trust from day one, from that moment that my clients walk in and they sit in my chair and getting to know them, I always like to let them know that, hey, this process is for you and I. If there is something that you want to change, we have an open door policy. You let me know what you like, what you don’t like, what you want to see, and we work together in those kinds of things. I have a good reputation with my clients for that very reason. You know, my clients and I, we work together. If there’s something you want, I will make sure that you get it.

Kevin Rolston [00:09:39]:
And do you say that when somebody sits in the chair and you put a hair system on somebody for the very first time, do they walk out immediately satisfied? Or does it maybe take a couple of hair systems before they kind of find their look and their groove. And how do you help a client find what their perfect look is? Because look, a lot of times they’re dealing with hair that they haven’t had in five or ten years, and now that they’ve aged, have no idea what hairstyle is even going to look good for them.

Rachel Rivera [00:10:06]:
So we always come together. We try to work on a style that’s going to suit the client and something that they’re going to be comfortable with. At the same time, for some people, I want to say the majority of the people leave and they absolutely love their hair. It’s always a comment where people are like, oh, my God, I should have come here years ago. And, you know, we love to hear that because it lets us know that they’re happy with what they have. There are your select clients that sometimes getting used to having hair and going through those processes, it is a little bit longer, and it takes them a little bit more time, one, to get comfortable with having something that they haven’t had in a long time and also trying to maintain and care for their hair.

Kevin Rolston [00:10:48]:
I assume you probably have some clients to sit down and they’re a little apprehensive, they’re a little nervous. What do you say to them to calm them as you’re getting ready to take clippers to the top of their head?

Rachel Rivera [00:10:57]:
I always like to make sure that I’m explaining to my clients everything that I do, and I always want to make sure that they know that they have the option, so they don’t always have to shave their hair all the way down. They can choose to leave it. And I’ll always go over the options and how the look is going to be, but I never want them to feel uncomfortable. So making sure that I’m looking at them in the face and looking at me and understanding that, hey, this is okay, we’re going to do this together, and I’m going to make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible throughout this whole process.

Kevin Rolston [00:11:29]:
Describe to me what is the look of somebody who needs a hair system? How much hair have they lost? Up top, what does a hair system really benefit? What does that person’s head look like?

Rachel Rivera [00:11:39]:
Usually what we are looking at is when a client, when I can see through a client’s scalp, you want to look. Scalp visibility is one of the biggest things. So when you are seeing more scalp than you are hair, that is usually when we are the option for non surgical hair restoration, they’ve usually exceeded the point where they can’t do any treatment. Usually at that point, we come in and we explain to them how the hair goes and everything, but usually that’s what we’re looking at. When you’re seeing more scalp than hair, when you’re seeing a lot of dead follicles and you’re seeing those little one strand hairs here and there, that’s when you know there’s time to do something.

Kevin Rolston [00:12:17]:
Yeah. Cause a lot of people are saying, hey, just, you know, you should always go with the hair transplant. But the one thing I discovered after finding out about hair transplants is that a lot of times, one procedure doesn’t cover all of the loss that you have. And so a hair system makes sense for people that may not want to spend a the money to get five, six, seven hair transplants. And is that what you’re saying? Is that if you notice that you’ve got more scalp than hair, that maybe the hair transplant isn’t the right thing for you, that hair system is a better call?

Rachel Rivera [00:12:50]:
Yeah, I believe, listen, I’m a big believer in instant gratification, and there’s some people that, unfortunately, when the hair loss is severe, yes, it is something that you. One transplant, one surgery will not give you that density of hair that people are looking for. So usually in our initial consultations, before we even get called to do any kinds of measurements for a client, for prospective client, we always make sure that we explain to them the situation and giving them the option to do surgery, as well as giving them the option to do non surgical hair restoration and letting them know the difference between the two. But, yes, in our cases, we’re giving you hair right away. We’re giving you hair all the, all the hair that you lost in all those years.

Kevin Rolston [00:13:39]:
A hair system was the right option for me.

Kevin Rolston [00:13:41]:
I was at the point with my.

Kevin Rolston [00:13:42]:
Hair loss, and I just wanted that instant gratification that Rachel talks about. I was ready to take the leap, but not everybody is at that point. And there are other options for folks who arent interested in getting a hair system. Even within the world of hair systems, there are a lot of options, and Rachel helps her clients navigate figuring out what’s right for their individual needs.

Rachel Rivera [00:14:09]:
So we have so many different types of technologies is what we call them. A lot of them that we use are very, it’s a very fine thin lace, and when we do your initial measurements for the first time, we usually mimic the skin. So what we do is we take the color swatches, and we usually match it to your own skin. So that really all you’re looking at is just the hair. So on the thin laces. And we also do have skin type systems that are almost mimic a contact lens. But with those hair systems, usually what we do is they knot the hair or they be loop the hair in it and then we put it on. All you’re seeing is the hair coming out of the scalp.

Rachel Rivera [00:14:50]:
You’re not seeing anything else.

Kevin Rolston [00:14:52]:
How do you match up different types of hair structure to other different types of hair? Let’s say I have really coarse hair or I have fine or thin hair. Are you able to match that up? And how do you wind up doing something like that?

Rachel Rivera [00:15:04]:
Yeah, usually what we do is we have hair club has a slew of different types of textures for hair. Anywhere between your afros, all the way down to your slick, straight heads of hair. Anything that we have to do, maybe in between, we can also do in house. So there really isn’t anything that we can’t customize.

Kevin Rolston [00:15:24]:
And tell me about coloring too, because the one thing that I think is such a great advancement and what you get with todays hair systems is how it blends in. Because for me, as an example, I still have all my natural hair on the side of my head. And then it just blends up perfectly with the same kind of texture and the same kind of color. How are you eyeballing that so that you match that up every single time?

Rachel Rivera [00:15:46]:
I always make sure that I know my clients first, but when we first get started, we always do the initial swatches to make sure we match color. But really knowing your client’s hair color and the different changes that we have to make as their hair maybe gets grayer or if they want to start adding color, it just depends on what you want to do. It’s always my job to pay attention and just make sure, and if not, always asking questions.

Kevin Rolston [00:16:11]:
Okay. And then there are so many different options that they have. At hair club, do you ever recommend to somebody and say, you know what, maybe a system is not great for you? Because I know that there’s a great selection of wigs and things like that as well. How do you know the difference between I’m a person that should do a hair system versus a person that should do a wig?

Rachel Rivera [00:16:28]:
Sometimes you’ll find people that are not comfortable with styling their hair every single day. It’s very different. When you’re wearing human hair, you’re waking up and you have to style it in the morning. There are some women that don’t want to style their hair every day. Sometimes that shake and go wig that already has that preset style is usually the best option for them. So it’s usually finding out what’s best for them.

Kevin Rolston [00:16:53]:
Tell me. As a hairstylist who has worked at regular salons compared to being at a place like hair club, I imagine that when you give that perfect cut, you just have the person that is in awe, and they’re so grateful, and they’re so happy. Is your level of satisfaction higher working at a place like hair club? Because to me, the transformation is so much greater that you’re making a massive difference more often than you do working at a regular salon.

Rachel Rivera [00:17:21]:
100%. It is such a good feeling. Sometimes I can’t even explain it, because what we do is so life changing. When I see somebody for the first time and I’ve given them back that hair, and they look in the mirror for that first time, and they’re like, oh, my God. And I just stand back, and I’m like, I can’t believe I just did that. You know? And it makes them so happy, and it’s this joy that you can’t have get anywhere else. I mean, I can do the same haircut, the same hairstyle on everyone, but every time when you’re creating something new, it’s just so different. I love what I do now.

Kevin Rolston [00:17:57]:
How do you find the perfect hairstyle? I got lucky. I got paired with you, and I said, this is enough. And I’m to the point where if something happens with you, if you’re sick, I am moving my entire life around to be like, I’m only seeing Rachel. Rachel is it. She gets me. She gets my hair perfect. So how does somebody walk into hair club and find their Rachel? And that often happened. They find the perfect person the first time, or can you rifle through different stylists? How does that happen?

Rachel Rivera [00:18:25]:
You can pick and choose different stylists. Initially, you can start off with somebody, and then what we try to do is we try to pair you up with different clients just to see if maybe they do something maybe different that you like. I’ve been very blessed, I can say, because I have a lot of clients. They love me. They love the work that I do. They come and see me consistently. I absolutely love it. But you always have the option, and usually when they’re coming in, my biggest thing is, hey, show me pictures of what you used to look like.

Rachel Rivera [00:18:54]:
Show me pictures of what you may want to look like. Are there any actors that you like? Is there anybody that you maybe want to. Whose hairstyle you want to mimic, Pinterest, YouTube, anything that they see that they may want to look like, which or look similar to. So that’s always what we go by.

Kevin Rolston [00:19:16]:
As you can clearly hear, Rachel is not just a knowledgeable stylist and someone I’m glad to have on my team. She’s an amazing person who genuinely loves her work and cares for every client who sits in her chair. And that’s so important when you’re on this journey to try to get your hair back or finding the right solution for you. You need to find the right professional, someone like you, someone you trust and who truly understands your vision. Someone who will be honest with you about what they can afford and guide you with compassion and expertise. Its not just about finding a stylist, its about finding the right stylist for you. And if youre lucky, like me, you might just find someone like Rachel. Thanks for listening to another episode of Hairpot.

Kevin Rolston [00:19:59]:
Check us out at hair club on Instagram or search hairpod on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing this episode, we would love it if you would share it with them. If you’re enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcast Dot hairclub.com. we’re here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review, and subscribe, it helps us do just that. So thank you.

Kevin Rolston [00:20:33]:
Until next time.

Download Transcript

Featured Guests

Heather Brooke
Nick Wilkins

New Episodes Weekly

Available Every Tuesday @ 9am

Want to Be a Guest?

Come on the Show!

Related Episodes

Hair System Care Vs. Regular Hair Care

Apr 8, 2025

HairClub stylist Rachel Rivera shares expert tips on caring for hair systems, scalp health, and avoiding damage from styling products in this helpful episode.

Fitness, Supplements, and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

Apr 15, 2025

Can your fitness routine lead to hair loss? HairPod explores the impact of supplements, testosterone, and stress on hair health this spring.

Listen & Subscribe

Listen to HairPod™ on various streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe and be the first to listen to new episodes.

Available now at:

Growing Up with Trichotillomania

by Oscar Camargo | Jun 25, 2024 | Episode

Episode 18

Growing Up with Trichotillomania

trichotillomania-solution-Heather-Brooke-018-blog

This week, I’m bringing back the amazing story of Heather Brooke, a beauty pageant winner, licensed counselor, and author of the children’s book, “Where Is My Hair? A Trichotillomania Story for Children”. Heather grew up with trichotillomania and now she treats patients who are dealing with this disorder. In this episode from the vault, Heather talks about how she came down with this condition, how it impacted her throughout her life, and how she learned to cope with it.

Understanding Trichotillomania: A Lesser-Known Cause of Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common issue that many people face, but not all hair loss is the same. Trichotillomania is a lesser-known disorder that causes individuals to compulsively pull out their own hair, often as a coping mechanism to deal with trauma or extreme stress. Unlike other forms of hair loss that may be due to medical conditions, hormonal changes, or genetics, trichotillomania is sometimes rooted in psychological distress. Heather, a beauty pageant competitor and therapist, shares her personal journey with trichotillomania stemming from childhood trauma.

Finding a Solution: Heather’s Journey to Recovery

For those dealing with trichotillomania, finding an effective solution can be a long and complicated process. Heather describes her journey through different types of treatment and medication, none of which provided a complete solution for her. Her preferred approach covers her bald spots, which also helps keep her from pulling her hair out in those spots as well so they have the opportunity to heal. This option not only concealed the effects of her trichotillomania but also instilled a newfound sense of confidence in Heather. She shares that seeing a full head of hair again was a transformative experience for her.

Coping with Hair Loss: A Message of Hope

Heather’s story is a beacon of hope for others dealing with hair loss, whether due to trichotillomania or other reasons. She emphasizes that no one is alone in this struggle and encourages people to seek out solutions that work for them. As Heather has shown, solutions like hers can significantly improve one’s quality of life by restoring both hair and confidence. Her journey underscores the importance of seeking help and exploring all available options. For those feeling lost and overwhelmed, Heather’s message is clear: there is hope, and effective solutions are within reach.

Episode.18 Transcript

Heather Brooke [00:00:05]:

When I was a kid, I was probably about five years old when I started competing in pageants. But when I was around nine or ten years old, I was sexually abused by an older cousin. And it wasn’t long after that I started developing a disorder called trichotillomania. So the person who has the disorder actually pulls out their own hair. And the best way that I can describe it is as a coping mechanism for all the trauma that was going through and experiencing.

Kevin Rolston [00:00:53]:

Welcome to Hairpod, the podcast where you get to hear real people talk about their hair journeys. I’m your host, Kevin Rolston. And each week I get to interview people from different walks of life whose lives have been touched by hair loss in some form or fashion. Many of our guests have experienced hair loss themselves and found a way to get their confidence and their hair back. This week, we’re bringing back one of the first episodes we ever released. It’s a story of trauma, triumph and transformation. When we were getting ready to launch hairpod, I got to interview Heather Brooke about trichotillomania, the condition that caused her to pull out her own hair. She is a beauty pageant winner, a counselor, and the author of where is my hair? A childrens book about trichotillomania.

Kevin Rolston [00:01:39]:

Were going to cover all that and more today. But before we do, I just want to let you know that Heather does briefly mention abuse and trauma in this episode. Its not graphic, and we dont dwell on the subject, but if thats not something that you want to hear about right now, maybe save this episode for another day. Now let’s get into Heather’s story of hope after hair loss.

Kevin Rolston [00:02:06]:

Hello, Heather.

Heather Brooke [00:02:07]:

Hi. How are you?

Kevin Rolston [00:02:09]:

I am doing great. Tell me a little bit about your hair journey, because you’re started in a different place than what most people do. You were doing beauty pageants as a child and you started having hair loss issues. Why was that?

Heather Brooke [00:02:27]:

Yeah. So actually, when I was a kid, I was probably about five years old when I started competing in pageants. But when I was around nine or ten years old, I experienced some trauma. I was sexually abused by an older cousin. And it wasn’t long after that that I started developing a disorder called trichotillomania. So unlike a lot of people with hair issues, hair loss issues, theirs are usually natural or medical or something. Trichotillomania is actually a hair pulling disorder. So the person who has the disorder actually pulls out their own hair.

Heather Brooke [00:03:07]:

And the best way that I can describe it is as a coping mechanism for all the trauma that I was going through. And experiencing.

Kevin Rolston [00:03:15]:

What did that look like? How noticeable was it, and how did your parents deal with this situation?

Heather Brooke [00:03:21]:

Yeah, so my journey, it started out, it wasn’t super noticeable super quick. I could actually remember the first time that I pulled, and my trickatilla mania began with my eyelashes, not from my head. And I was in the hallway at our house, and I had an eyelash that kept poking me in the eye. And I went to a mirror in our hall and was just trying to straighten out the lash. And as I was pulling on it to try to straighten it out, it came out. And when it came out, there was, like, this release. I’m a therapist as well, and so the one thing that I can compare it to is for people who do self harming and cut, there’s that release that people do get when that happens. And that was kind of what that felt like for me when I pulled that lash on accident.

Heather Brooke [00:04:15]:

Like, that wasn’t even intentional, but that sudden, like, release that came, it was like, for a brief moment, all of the stress and anxiety that I had been holding inside was gone. But it almost creates, like, endorphins, like a high, and. But like any high, you have to continue the behavior to continue to get it. And so, for me, that started with my lashes, and it took probably months before anybody ever noticed that. When that became noticeable, I moved to my eyebrows, thinking, oh, if I pull from somewhere else, then maybe I’ll stop pulling from there. That didn’t work. So my parents thought that I was shaving my eyebrows, and it probably wasn’t until three or four years after I actually started pulling that I developed enough bald patches on my head, because at that point, I had started pulling from my head that I had developed enough bald patches that it was noticeable.

Kevin Rolston [00:05:13]:

About what age were you at this time?

Heather Brooke [00:05:16]:

13 or 14.

Kevin Rolston [00:05:18]:

And was it your parents that stepped in and said something? Did you hear anything from kids in your school? How was it that it really kind of first came to light to them?

Heather Brooke [00:05:27]:

Yeah. So my grandmother, I believe, was actually the first person who noticed. I always had really long eyelashes, and I had, like, Brooke shields eyebrows as a kid. And so when my grandmother was, like, looking at me one day and she was like, what happened to your eyelashes? And I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t know why I was doing it and why I couldn’t stop. So I was just like, oh, I was trying to curl them with one of those eyelash things. So I, like, lied about what I was doing. And then when my parents, when I moved to my eyebrows, and my parents thought that I was shaving my eyebrows.

Heather Brooke [00:06:01]:

I just allowed that to continue because I didn’t know what I was doing. I felt so weird that I was doing this, and I couldn’t stop, and I didn’t know why. And so it was when I was 13 or 14, I was up really late one night watching a. It was like an infomercial or something that was on television, and it was about wigs. And as I was sitting there watching this infomercial, there was a woman on there who started talking about pulling her hair. And then she started talking about, like, these fake eyelashes and different things. But as she was talking, she said, trichotillomania. And a couple of days after that, my mom noticed a bald patch on my head in the pool.

Heather Brooke [00:06:55]:

We had been swimming, and I wore. At that point, I was wearing. I had always had super thick hair, and I think that’s one of the reasons that, other reasons that it took so long to notice that I’d always had super thick hair. And so I just got to the point where I was always wearing my hair in a ponytail. But this one specific day, she was coming out of the pool behind me, and my ponytail had moved enough that she could see the bald spot. And so when she said something to me about it, I was like, okay, I think I saw this commercial. I think this is what I have. And I told her, and she said, okay.

Heather Brooke [00:07:30]:

And so she scheduled an appointment with me to see the doctor that she worked for. And so I went in. He diagnosed me, and then he made a referral to a psychiatrist and put me on some medications, and that was kind of where the treatment for it started.

Kevin Rolston [00:07:50]:

Even though the trichotillomania was causing some ball patches on Heather’s scalp, she never let that stop her from competing in beauty pageants.

Heather Brooke [00:07:59]:

I competed off and on throughout high school, even with my trichotillomania. I competed some years with a wig, some years with glue in extensions or clip in extensions.

Kevin Rolston [00:08:14]:

In between pageants and trying to be a normal kid, Heather started to receive different treatments for trichotillomania. Trichotillomania isn’t one of those things you treat once and just move on from. It’s a chronic issue that Heather still deals with to this day.

Heather Brooke [00:08:28]:

Yeah, it was a lot. It’s still a lot because it’s still something that I struggle with because there’s so little research done on trichotillomania. So there’s still a lot to be learned about it. And I’ve actually been part of a couple of different studies that are looking at how genetics can be involved, how mental, other mental health issues can play into it, but there’s just so little known about it. So when I was diagnosed, I was put on an antidepressant. That didn’t help, just made me sick. Then there was points where when I was real under really high levels of stress, I would pull more. There would be times where I would pull subconsciously or unconsciously, like I would be pulling and not even be aware until after I had already been doing it, that I had done it.

Heather Brooke [00:09:13]:

Sometimes it was conscious, so there was a mixture of those, but I tried everything that I could to hide it. By the time I was a junior in high school, I was almost completely bald. I had to wear a wig. I’m wearing a wig in my senior pictures. But by the Christmas of my senior year, I was able to let my hair grow out enough that I had this short, cute pixie cut. And it’s been more manageable since that point. I still struggle with it. It’s still something I struggle with on a daily basis, but, and I’ve tried covering it up, like I said, with ponytails, doing ponytails, doing wigs, wearing extensions, all different kinds of things.

Heather Brooke [00:09:54]:

And when I got ready to compete for Miss woman Colorado, United States, I was looking for alternatives to help hide some of the spots that I had at the time. And I found hair club, and hair club was actually one of my sponsors. And so that’s kind of helped a lot with my journey.

Kevin Rolston [00:10:11]:

Oh, wow. That’s so cool. Tell me a little bit about that. Like, how did you exactly find them? Just the name popped up and you decided to go. And how did that all come about?

Heather Brooke [00:10:21]:

Yeah, I was just googling hair salons and that did extensions and looking for sponsors, and hair club popped up. At the time, I’d only heard of hair club for men, so I thought that it was just for men. But I did a little bit of research and found out that women used hair club as well. And so I just emailed them. The manager at the Denver location messaged me back, emailed me back, and we set up an appointment. I went in for a consultation, and then the next thing I knew, I was a hair club client, and they were one of my pageant sponsors. And it was awesome because once I won the pageant, right, I was going to compete for Miss woman Colorado. Whenever I got hair club as a sponsor.

Heather Brooke [00:11:12]:

And when I actually won the title for the state, I jokingly with my stylist, was like, I wish I could take you with me to nationals for you to do my hair at nationals. And so they were like, yeah, we’ll send her out there with you. So they actually sent her to Florida with me for nationals, and she did my hair for the competition.

Kevin Rolston [00:11:40]:

Now, tell me, with the x strands, how does that work with your trichotillomania that you still are trying to recover from? Do you pull out the x strands? Is there a desire to do that?

Heather Brooke [00:11:50]:

Yeah. No, actually, it’s really interesting because I have what I call trigger spots. So there’s specific areas that when I’m stressed or bored or not even paying attention that I pull from. And so what extras does is it covers the areas that are lacking hair, and then my own hair is still used in addition to that. So all of the edges I pull from the sides and the crown of my head, so all of the edges are my. Is my hair, and just the crown and the sides is a system that is glued to my scalp. And so I shave underneath the system so that the system, it fits snug on my scalp. That’s just a personal preference.

Heather Brooke [00:12:36]:

Some people don’t do that, but I choose to do that. But it covers those trigger spots for me, so I don’t typically have the desire to pull anymore.

Kevin Rolston [00:12:47]:

How about that? And tell me, how do you feel with your system on? When you look in the mirror and you see that you’ve got a full head of hair and you don’t have those, you know, bald spots that you had had before, what is that like for you?

Heather Brooke [00:13:01]:

Oh, it’s amazing. Like, I wanted to cry when I saw myself in the mirror for the first time when they did the reveal, because it had been so long since I had seen myself with a full head of hair. Right. So when I look at myself, like, I don’t see the clips from the extensions, and I don’t see, it’s really hard to tell where your hairline is at and where the extras is at. And so it just gives me so much confidence to know that I can do whatever I want to with it. If I want to curl it, I can curl it. If I want to straighten it, I can straighten it. If I want to cut it, dye it, like, whatever I want to do to it.

Heather Brooke [00:13:41]:

I have those options again. And I’m not just stuck with, like, one hairstyle or fixing it just a certain way because I have to worry about hiding the clips or the different things from the extensions. And so it’s just, it really gave me back a lot of my confidence.

Kevin Rolston [00:14:10]:

Listening to Heather today, its hard to imagine her lifelong battle with trichotillomania stemming from childhood trauma. Now, as a licensed professional counselor, Heather commits herself to assisting those grappling with mental health challenges. She’s even authored a children’s book on trichotillomania to help young clients facing the same struggle.

Heather Brooke [00:14:31]:

Yeah, so I wrote where’s my hair? A trichotillomania story for children in 2018. And I actually, I wrote it because where I was living at at the time, people got to know me as a therapist who worked with people with trichotillomania because of my own personal experience. And so I would get a lot of kids. And so I had this girl, young girl, come in. She was 13 or 14, and she was on the autism spectrum, and she was non verbal, and she started pulling her hair, and her stepmom brought her in to me, and she said, her occupational therapist says that she has trichotillomania. And she started giving me all of this information that the OT had given her about trichotillomania. And I looked at her, and I was like, the only thing that’s accurate about any of that is the name of the disorder. And so I use with kids a lot books to help them understand what they’re going through, what they’re experiencing, that they’re not alone.

Heather Brooke [00:15:36]:

And so I went online and started looking for a book that I could share with her in session, and I couldn’t find anything. There was stuff for professionals, there was stuff for adults, there was stuff for parents, but there was nothing specifically for children. So I sat down and wrote my book loosely based off of my own personal experience. And then I sent it to my mom and was like, I’m gonna write a book. I’m writing this children’s book. Here it is. And my mom likes to draw, and so I was like, will you illustrate it for me? So my mom got grabbed some pictures of my oldest daughter and some friends, and she sat down and she. She illustrated the stories for the story for me.

Kevin Rolston [00:16:22]:

Wow, that is so cool. What a great full circle story that you have to share with so many people. What an inspiration. And I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to us if you had to talk to any other women out there, for whatever reason, because hair loss, you know, your story is unique. I don’t know how many other people are going to say that they have what you do, but hair loss is something that so many men, and believe it or not, so many women are going through, and it’s hard to probably hear from another woman that’s got hair loss and is open about it. What would you say to them if they just feel kind of lost and they’re listening to this conversation saying, okay, what are my next steps? What do I do? How should I feel about this?

Heather Brooke [00:17:02]:

Yeah, I would definitely say that you are not alone. First of all, we all experience hair loss in some form or fashion and are going to at some point, whether it’s from hormone issues, medical issues, mental health issues, medications, all of these different things that we experience and deal with in life can create hair loss at some point. Doesn’t mean that you won’t get it back, but you know that. But we all struggle with something. And so the first thing would be that you’re not alone. The second thing would be that there is options, you know, and whether that is, you know, a treatment that hair club has that will help your hair regrow or you’re doing something like I am with, like, xtrands. Plus, there are options out there, and you just have to seek them out.

Kevin Rolston [00:18:09]:

We want to thank Heather for appearing on the show. It was great to talk to her about her resilience, despite the struggles she faced and how she transformed a painful past into a commitment to helping kids who are going through their own difficult journeys with mental and emotional health. We find her so inspiring, and we hope you do, too. If you know somebody who is currently dealing with trichotillomania or has a child with this condition and you’d like to pick up a copy of Heather’s book, we have a link to where is my hair? A trichotillomania story for children in our show notes. Thanks for listening to another episode of Hairpot. Check us out at Hair Club on Instagram or search Hairpot on Facebook to continue the conversation. If you know somebody who could benefit from hearing this episode, we would love it if youd share it with them. If youre enjoying the show, consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Kevin Rolston [00:19:01]:

We also have a website. Check it out by going to podcast dot hairclub.com. were here to build people up and share real stories so people experiencing hair loss feel a little bit less alone. And when you share, review, and subscribe, it helps us do just that. So thank you. Until next time.

Download Transcript

Empowering Resources
As the episode draws to a close, HairPod extends a generous offer of a complimentary hair loss consultation, providing a tangible step towards reclaiming confidence and control over one’s appearance.

Book a Free consultation with HairClub Today!

Featured Guests

Steve Barth
Nick Wilkins

New Episodes Weekly

Available Every Tuesday @ 9am

Want to Be a Guest?

Come on the Show!

Related Episodes

Hair System Care Vs. Regular Hair Care

Apr 8, 2025

HairClub stylist Rachel Rivera shares expert tips on caring for hair systems, scalp health, and avoiding damage from styling products in this helpful episode.

Fitness, Supplements, and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

Apr 15, 2025

Can your fitness routine lead to hair loss? HairPod explores the impact of supplements, testosterone, and stress on hair health this spring.

Listen & Subscribe

Listen to HairPod™ on various streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe and be the first to listen to new episodes.

Available now at:

Heather Brooke: Overcoming Trichotillomania

by adminhairpod | Mar 5, 2024 | Episode

Episode 02

Heather Brooke: Overcoming Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a hair loss problem that many face, most have never heard of. It may not be well-known but this hair loss issue transcends age and gender. It is a hair-pulling disorder, and involves frequent and irresistible urges to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body. At just nine years old, our guest, Heather, began experiencing the overwhelming urge to pull out her hair.

Join host Kevin Rolston as he engages in an enlightening conversation with Heather Brooke – a licensed professional counselor, beauty pageant champion, and the mind behind the children’s book, “Where’s My Hair? A Trichotillomania Story for Children.”

Effects of Trichotillomania

After experiencing a traumatic event at 9, Heather’s coping mechanism manifested as pulling out hairs—starting from her eyelashes, moving to eyebrows, and eventually her scalp. Because she had naturally long eyelashes and voluminous hair, the impact remained concealed from her family for a while. When her family began to take notice, Heather hid the truth – that she was pulling her hair out. A discernible bald patch on Heather’s head was the turning point, prompting her family to explore possible remedies.

Opening Up About Trichotillomania

Unfazed by her hair loss challenges, Heather Brooke courageously participated in beauty pageants throughout her life, from childhood and into her adult years. As a young contestant, wigs and clip-in extensions became her trusted companions to help cover the bald areas. In 2017, Heather competed in the Ms. Woman Colorado United States pageant. Her association with HairClub provided her with optimal hair solutions and she ended up taking home the crown!

Looking for Trichotillomania Solutions

Throughout her life, Heather has explored various treatments. It is an ongoing process, as she still struggles with trichotillomania today. Not much research has been done on Trichotillomania, though it is a recognized mental health disorder. Her hair system from Hair Club covers the “trigger points” caused by her Trichotillomania which reduces her urge to pull her hair out.

Where is My Hair? A Trichotillomania Story for Children

Heather is now a licensed professional counselor and has worked with kids who also have Trichotillomania! One of her young clients inspired her to write a children’s book that could help them understand Trichotillomania better.

Empowering Resources

As the episode draws to a close, HairPod extends a generous offer of a complimentary hair loss consultation, providing a tangible step towards reclaiming confidence and control over one’s appearance. Book a Free consultation with HairClub Today!

Connect with Us

We appreciate your interest in this episode of HairPod. To stay updated on future episodes and share your stories, follow us on Instagram: @HairClub.

For more information on Heather Brooke and her work, visit her official website: Heather Brooke, LPC.

Watch the Episode

For a more in-depth understanding of Heather’s journey, watch the full episode below:

Want more information on our guest? Pick up a copy of Heather’s book, “Where Is My Hair? A Trichotillomania Story for Children” on Amazon

Episode.02 Transcript

Heather [00:00:05]: When I was a kid. I was probably about five-years-old when I started competing in pageants. But when I was around nine- or ten-years-old, I was sexually abused by an older cousin. And it wasn’t long after that I started developing a disorder called trichotillomania. So the person who has the disorder actually pulls out their own hair. And the best way that I can describe it is as a coping mechanism for all the trauma that I was going through and experiencing.

Kevin Rolston [00:00:57]: Welcome back to HairPod, the podcast where we dive deep into the personal stories, the struggles and the ultimate transformations of those facing hair loss. I’m your host, Kevin Rolston, and we’re here to shed light on this experience so many people share and most importantly, the solutions that have brought confidence back into their lives. If you’re dealing with hair loss, remember, you’ve got a community right here. Follow us on Instagram, and if this is your first time listening, please subscribe to get notified whenever we have new, inspiring stories to share. Our guest for this episode is a beacon of hope for people facing hair loss due to trichotillomania, a disorder that causes individuals to pull out their own hair. Heather Brooke is a therapist, beauty pageant competitor, and children’s book author. So whether you’re going through your own hair loss journey or simply here to understand and support, we know you’re going to find Heather’s journey inspiring. Hello, Heather.

Heather [00:01:58]: Hi, how are you?

Kevin Rolston [00:02:00]: I am doing great. Tell me a little bit about your… Hair journey, because you’re started in a different place than what most people do. You were doing beauty pageants as a child and you started having hair loss issues. Why was that?

Heather [00:02:18]: Yeah, so actually, when I was a kid, I was probably about five-years-old when I started competing in pageants. But when I was around nine- or ten-years-old, I experienced some trauma. I was sexually abused by an older cousin, and it wasn’t long after that that I started developing a disorder called trichotillomania. So unlike a lot of people with hair issues, hair loss issues, theirs are usually natural or medical or something. Trichotillomania is actually a hair-pulling disorder. So the person who has the disorder actually pulls out their own hair. And the best way that I can describe it is as a coping mechanism for all the trauma that I was going through and experiencing.

Kevin Rolston [00:03:06]: What did that look like? How noticeable was it? How did your parents deal with this situation?

Heather [00:03:12]: Yeah, so my journey, it started out it wasn’t super noticeable, super quick. I could actually remember the first time that I pulled, and my trichotillomania began with my eyelashes, not from my head. And I was in the hallway at our house, and I had an eyelash that kept poking me in the eye. And I went to a mirror in our hall and was just trying to straighten out the lash and as I was pulling on it to try to straighten it out, it came out. And when it came out, there was like this release. I’m a therapist as well, and so the one thing that I can compare it to is for people who do self harming and cut. There’s that release that people get when that happens. And that was kind of what that felt like for me when I pulled that lash on accident.

Heather [00:04:06]: That wasn’t even intentional, but that sudden release that came, it was like, for a brief moment, all of the stress and anxiety that I had been holding inside was gone. And it almost creates, like, endorphins, like a high, but like any high, you have to continue the behavior to continue to get it. And so for me, that started with my lashes, and it took probably months before anybody ever noticed that. When that became noticeable, I moved to my eyebrows thinking, oh, if I pull from somewhere else, then maybe I’ll stop pulling from there. That didn’t work. So my parents thought that I was shaving my eyebrows. And it probably wasn’t until three or four years after I actually started pulling that I developed enough bald patches on my head, because at that point, I had started pulling from my head that I had developed enough bald patches that it was noticeable.

Kevin Rolston [00:05:04]: About what age were you at this time?

Heather [00:05:07]: 13 or 14.

Kevin Rolston [00:05:09]: And was it your parents that stepped in and said something? Did you hear anything from kids in your school? How was it that it really kind of first came to light to them?

Heather [00:05:18]: Yeah. So my grandmother, I believe, was actually the first person who noticed. I always had really long eyelashes, and I had, like, Brooke Shields eyebrows as a kid. And so when my grandmother was looking at me one day, and she was like, what happened to your eyelashes? And I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t know why I was doing it and why I couldn’t stop. So I was just like, oh, I was trying to curl them with one of those eyelash things. So I lied about what I was doing. And then when I moved to my eyebrows and my parents thought that I was shaving my eyebrows, I just allowed that to continue because I didn’t know what I was doing.

Heather [00:05:56]: I felt so weird that I was doing this, and I couldn’t stop, and I didn’t know why. And so it was when I was 13 or 14, I was up really late one night watching a, it was like an infomercial or something that was on television, and it was about wigs. And as I was sitting there watching this infomercial, there was a woman on there who started talking about pulling her hair, and then she started talking about these fake eyelashes and different things. But as she was talking, she said, trichotillomania. And a couple of days after that, my mom noticed a bald patch on my head in the pool. We had been swimming, and I wore at that point, I was wearing I had always had super thick hair, and I think that’s one of the reasons that other reasons that it took so long to notice. But I’d always had super thick hair, and so I just got to the point where I was always wearing my hair in a ponytail. But this one specific day, she was coming out of the pool behind me, and my ponytail had moved enough that she could see the bald spot.

Heather [00:07:09]: And so when she said something to me about it, I was like, okay, I saw this commercial. I think this is what I have. And I told her, and she said, okay. And so she scheduled an appointment with me to see the doctor that she worked for. And so I went in, he diagnosed me, and then he made a referral to a psychiatrist and put me on some medications, and that was kind of where the treatment for it started.

Kevin Rolston [00:07:41]: Even though the trichotillomania was causing some bald patches on Heather’s scalp, she never let that stop her from competing in beauty pageants.

Heather [00:07:50]: I competed off and on throughout high school, even with my trichotillomania. I competed some years with a wig, some years with glue-in extensions or clip-in extensions.

Kevin Rolston [00:08:05]: In between pageants and trying to be a normal kid, Heather started to receive different treatments for trichotillomania. Trichotillomania isn’t one of those things you treat once and just move on from. It’s a chronic issue that Heather still deals with to this day.

Heather [00:08:18]: Yeah, it was a lot. It’s still a lot because it’s still something that I struggle with, because there’s so little research done on trichotillomania, so there’s still a lot to be learned about it. And I’ve actually been part of a couple of different studies that are looking at how genetics can be involved, how other mental health issues can play into it, but there’s just so little known about it. So when I was diagnosed, I was put on an antidepressant that didn’t help, just made me sick. Then there was points where when I was under really high levels of stress, I would pull more. There would be times where I would pull subconsciously or unconsciously, like I would be pulling and not even be aware until after I had already been doing it, that I had done it. Sometimes it was conscious, so there was a mixture of those, but I tried everything that I could to hide it. By the time I was a junior in high school, I was almost completely bald.

Heather [00:09:12]: I had to wear a wig, I’m wearing a wig in my senior pictures. But by the Christmas of my senior year, I was able to let my hair grow out enough that I had this short, cute pixie cut. And it’s been more manageable since that point. I still struggle with it, it’s still something I struggle with on a daily basis. And I’ve tried covering it up, like I said, with ponytails, doing ponytails, doing wigs, wearing extensions, all different kinds of things. And when I got ready to compete for Ms. Woman Colorado, United States, I was looking for alternatives to help hide some of the spots that I had at the time. And I found HairClub.

Heather [00:09:53]: And HairClub was actually one of my sponsors, and so that kind of helped a lot with my journey.

Kevin Rolston [00:09:59]: Oh, wow, that’s so cool. Tell me a little bit about that. How did you exactly find them? Just the name popped up and you decided to go. And how did that all come about?

Heather [00:10:08]: I was just Googling hair salons that did extensions and looking for sponsors and HairClub popped up. At the time, I’d only heard of HairClub for Men, so I thought that it was just for men. But I did a little bit of research and found out that women used HairClub as well. And so I just emailed them. The manager at the Denver location messaged me back, emailed me back. We set up an appointment. I went in for a consultation, and then the next thing I knew, I was a HairClub client, and they were one of my pageant sponsors. And it was awesome because once I won the pageant, right, I was going to compete for Ms. Woman Colorado whenever I got HairClub as a sponsor. And when I actually won the title for the state, I jokingly, with my stylist, was like, I wish I could take you with me to nationals for you to do my hair at nationals. And so they were like, yeah, we’ll send her out there with you. So they actually sent her to Florida with me for nationals, and she did my hair for the competition.

Kevin Rolston [00:11:31]: Now tell me, with the Xtrands, how does that work with your trichotillomania that you still are trying to recover from? Do you pull out the Xtrands? Is there a desire to do that?

Heather [00:11:41]: Yeah. No, actually it’s really interesting because I have what I call trigger spots. So there’s specific areas that when I’m stressed or bored or not even paying attention, that I pull from. And so what Xtrands does is it covers the areas that are lacking hair, and then my own hair is still used in addition to that. So all of the edges I pull from the sides and the crown of my head. So all of the edges is my hair, and just the crown and the sides is a system that is glued to my scalp. And so I shave underneath the system so that the system fits snug on my scalp. That’s just a personal preference. Some people don’t do that, but I choose to do that. But it covers those trigger spots for me. So I don’t typically have the desire to pull anymore.

Kevin Rolston [00:12:38]: How about that? And tell me how do you feel with your system when you look in the mirror and you see that you’ve got a full head of hair and you don’t have those bald spots that you had had before? What is that like for you?

Heather [00:12:52]: It’s amazing. I wanted to cry when I saw myself in the mirror for the first time when they did the reveal, because it had been so long since I had seen myself with a full head of hair. Right. So when I look at myself, like, I don’t see the clips from the extensions, and I don’t see it’s really hard to tell where your hairline is at and where the Xtrands is at. And so it just gives me so much confidence to know that I can do whatever I want to with it. If I want to curl it, I can curl it. If I want to straighten it, I can straighten it. If I want to cut it, dye it, like, whatever I want to do to it, I have those options again. And I’m not just stuck with one hairstyle or fixing it just a certain way, because I have to worry about hiding the clips or the different things from the extensions. And so it really gave me back a lot of my confidence.

Kevin Rolston [00:14:02]: Listening to Heather today, it’s hard to imagine her lifelong battle with trichotillomania stemming from childhood trauma. Now, as a licensed professional counselor, Heather commits herself to assisting those grappling with mental health challenges. She’s even authored a children’s book on trichotillomania to help young clients facing the same struggle.

Heather [00:14:22]: Yeah. So I wrote, “Where’s my Hair? A Trichotillomania Story for Children” in 2018. And actually, I wrote it because where I was living at the time, people got to know me as a therapist who worked with people with trichotillomania because of my own personal experience. And so I would get a lot of kids. And so I had this young girl come in, she was 13 or 14, and she was on the autism spectrum, and she was nonverbal, and she started pulling her hair, and her stepmom brought her into me, and she said her occupational therapist says that she has trichotillomania. And she started giving me all of this information that the OT had given her about trichotillomania. And I looked at her, and I was like, the only thing that’s accurate about any of that is the name of the disorder.

Heather [00:15:18]: And so I use, with kids a lot, books, to help them understand what they’re going through, what they’re experiencing, that they’re not alone. And so I went online and started looking for a book that I could share with her in session, and I couldn’t find anything. There was stuff for professionals, there was stuff for adults, there was stuff for parents, but there was nothing specifically for children. So I sat down and wrote my book loosely based off of my own personal experience, and then I sent it to my mom and was like, I’m going to write a book. I’m writing this children’s book. Here it is. And my mom likes to draw. And so I was like, will you illustrate it for me? So my mom grabbed some pictures of my oldest daughter and some friends and she sat down and she illustrated the story for me.

Kevin Rolston [00:16:13]: Wow. That is so cool. What a great full circle story that you have to share with so many people. What an inspiration. And I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to us. If you had to talk to any other women out there for whatever reason, because hair loss, your story is unique. I don’t know how many other people are going to say that they have what you do, but hair loss is something that so many men and believe it or not, so many women are going through. And it’s hard to probably hear from another woman that’s got hair loss and is open about it. What would you say to them if they just feel kind of lost and they’re listening to this conversation saying, okay, what are my next steps? What do I do? How should I feel about this?

Heather [00:16:53]: Yeah, I would definitely say that you are not alone, first of all. We all experience hair loss in some form or fashion and are going to at some point, whether it’s from hormone issues, medical issues, mental health issues, medications, all of these different things that we experience and deal with in life can create hair loss at some point. Doesn’t mean that you won’t get it back. But we all struggle with something. And so the first thing would be that you’re not alone. The second thing would be that there is options and whether that is a treatment that HairClub has that will help your hair regrow or you’re doing something like I am with like Xtrands+. There are options out there and you just have to seek them out.

Kevin Rolston [00:17:55]: We’re so lucky to have Heather on the show. Her resilience in the face of her own struggles and trauma and her commitment to supporting kids experiencing mental health issues is such an inspiring story for all of us here at HairPod. If you know a young person struggling with trichotillomania and you want to pick up a copy of Heather’s book, you can find a link to it in our show notes or search for “Where’s my Hair? A Trichotillomania Story for Children” on Amazon. Thanks so much for listening to Hairpod. If this episode made you think of someone you know who needs to hear this story, consider sharing it, for before and after photos of our guests and other announcements, check us out on Instagram. Until next time.

Download Transcript

Featured Guests

Jeff El Zenny
Joey Logano

New Episodes Weekly

Available Every Tuesday @ 9am

Want to Be a Guest?

Come on the Show!

Related Episodes

A Founding Father of HairClub: Steve Barth

Jun 11, 2024

In this episode, Steve Barth, a founding father of HairClub, shares his personal experience with early hair loss and those who supported him along the way.

Women’s Hormonal Hair Loss & What to Do

Jun 18, 2024

Listen to this episode as we dive into the compelling narrative of Lissette Davila’s experience with hair loss and how it affected her confidence. Learn how hormonal imbalance caused her hair loss and how hormone replacement therapy helped her find her way.

Listen & Subscribe

Listen to HairPod™ on various streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Subscribe and be the first to listen to new episodes.

Available now at:

Episode 50

Ways to Cope: Trichotillomania and Anxiety

Understanding Trichotillomania

The Emotional Toll of Hair Loss

Solutions for Hair Loss: Trichotillomania

Empowering Resources

Episode.50 Transcript

Featured Guests

New Episodes Weekly

Want to Be a Guest?

Related Episodes

just launched

Listen & Subscribe

Episode 32

What is Trichotillomania?

What is Trichotillomania?

Causes of Trichotillomania

Biological Factors

Psychological Factors

Environmental Influences

Symptoms of Trichotillomania

Hair-Pulling Behaviors

Emotional and Physical Consequences

Trichotillomania’s Impact on Daily Life

Coping with Trichotillomania

Supporting Someone with Trichotillomania

Educate Yourself

Recommend Resources

Resources for Managing Trichotillomania

Therapy

Stress-Relief Strategies

Support Networks:

Educational Materials

Trichotillomania: Understanding This Hair Pulling Disorder and Its Impact

Episode.32 Transcript

Featured Guests

New Episodes Weekly

Want to Be a Guest?

Related Episodes

just launched

Listen & Subscribe

Episode 18

Growing Up with Trichotillomania

Understanding Trichotillomania: A Lesser-Known Cause of Hair Loss

Finding a Solution: Heather’s Journey to Recovery

Coping with Hair Loss: A Message of Hope

Episode.18 Transcript

Featured Guests

New Episodes Weekly

Want to Be a Guest?

Related Episodes

just launched

Listen & Subscribe

Episode 02

Heather Brooke: Overcoming Trichotillomania

Effects of Trichotillomania

Opening Up About Trichotillomania

Looking for Trichotillomania Solutions

Where is My Hair? A Trichotillomania Story for Children

Empowering Resources

Connect with Us

Watch the Episode

Episode.02 Transcript

Featured Guests

New Episodes Weekly

Want to Be a Guest?

Related Episodes

just launched

Listen & Subscribe

Recent Posts

Recent Comments