This episode is so close to my heart, and I think we need to talk about this issue WAY more. 

Today, I’m chatting with Laurel Guaderrama, a fellow hairstylist and business educator, about trichotillomania, which is the compulsive desire to pull out your hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes. 

Yes, that’s a real disorder, and it’s actually way more common than you might think. In fact, many people who have this don’t even know it’s a real mental disorder or that there are tons of other people going through the same thing. 

Both Laurel and I have struggled with this since we were preteens. I’ve posted about this on Instagram a few times, but I’m still pretty shy about it. I mean, I’m a hairstylist. And I struggle with this compulsion to pull out my own hair! 

So let’s talk about it! 

[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVJ2xpZk2Iw&w=854&h=480]

Here’s what we talk about in this episode: 

• What trichotillomania actually IS, what causes it, and how to know if you have it. 

• We get really honest about our vastly different experiences growing up with this disorder. 

• The stigma free-reason why self-harm is a thing. (There’s a good reason for it, and it’s not because you’re crazy.)

• Why shame is NOT a good way to create change or cure ANY mental disorder or compulsion. So you can stop beating yourself up right now!

• Our own triggers and tips for minimizing pulling and coping with trichotillomania. Vitamin E capsules and eyeliner are your best friends!

• Why it drives us NUTS when someone tells us to “just stop!” (Yeah, not really an option.)

• The unique struggle of having trichotillomania as a hairstylist. 

Maybe you know you struggle with trichotillomania. Or maybe you’ve never really understood why you have the urge to pull your hair and this is a total revelation to you. 

Either way, I hope this episode sheds some light on trichotillomania and alleviates some of the shame surrounding this surprisingly common compulsion. 

If you have trichotillomania, you’re sooooo not alone. But one of the best things you can do is talk about it and connect with someone else who gets it. You’re welcome to reach out to me or Laurel on Instagram! 

You can visit Laurel at @looksbylaurel DM and check out her business resources as well!

You can also listen and subscribe to The Anxious Creative on

iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.