Hair-Pulling Disorder: Creator Urges End to Shame

Ruben Chorlton-Owen, a 24-year-old online creator from Abersoch, Gwynedd, is openly discussing his battle with trichotillomania, a disorder characterized by compulsive hair pulling. Diagnosed a decade ago, Ruben aims to destigmatize the condition, encouraging those affected not to feel ashamed or embarrassed about their struggles with pulling hair from their beard or eyebrows.

With over a million followers on TikTok, Ruben shares his personal experiences, including a period where he lost most of his eyebrow hairs, leading him to avoid photos and sometimes wear a cap. He emphasizes that trichotillomania, believed to affect 1-2% of the population, is a genuine condition and promotes self-acceptance while suggesting resources like charities or personal connections for support.

Professor Clare Mackay, who has lived with trichotillomania for 40 years, explains it as a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) that, while sometimes severe, can be managed. She highlights the effectiveness of self-help strategies and connecting with others who have the condition. Therapists offer various treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), to help manage urges and behaviors associated with trichotillomania.