How to cover bald spots and regrowth

People who suffer from trichotillomania struggle with more than a disorder that carries stigma. There is a lot of guilt and shame felt because of the disorder itself. Trich is not experienced by many and few people understand what it entails. All someone knows or sees is that someone pulls out their hair. In addition, the behaviors are magnified by the visual consequences of pulling out hair. Once the hair is out, it takes a long time to grow back. If it does, it will probably be weaker and look different from other hair. And sometimes it doesn’t grow back at all. Try explaining that to someone who doesn’t get it.  

We live in a culture that puts a lot of value on beauty, and people are not kind when it comes to respecting differences. Teens with trich are the subject of teasing or bullying, but adults aren’t much better. In addition to dealing with other people commenting on hair differences, self-judgment can be just as harsh.

In recovery, self-esteem and confidence help keep someone focused on getting better. Constant reminders and the additional stress of hiding the effects of trich can get in the way of that. Bald spots and weakened hair from regrowth areas are a constant reminder to someone suffering from trich that they have an often-misunderstood disorder. Every time they look in the mirror or get ready for the day, those spots seem to scream.

The good news is there are options available to hide, cover, or deal with bald spots and thinning hair in a way that can be fun and stylish. Tap into your creativity and the creative suggestions of others to turn something that makes you feel bad into something that makes you feel good.

Here are some tips and tricks to consider:

• Get your hair cut and styled in a way that blends bald or thin spots
• Style hair in a way that is friendly to regrowth that may be growing in a different direction
• Use products like Caboki to hide the appearance of bald spots
• Change hair color so bald spots aren’t as noticeable
• Use decorative hair clips to arrange hair to hide bald spots
• Hair extensions or hair pieces
• Use products designed to regrow or thicken that use keratin or biotin
• Wigs, either partial or full, can be fun
• Accessorize with scarves, turbans, and headbands
• Wear hats
• Go bald. Some women have decided to take the plunge and go completely bald and decorate with “henna crown” which turns a bald head into a beautiful work of art.

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