Trichotillomania is a condition characterised by compulsive plucking of hair from an individuals own body. It can effect anyone of either sex and any age, but most commonly starts in the teenage years and effects three times as many women as men.
The condition can have a profound effect on a sufferers life, and the cause is unknown. Sometimes it’s seen as secondary to another condition, such as post traumatic stress disorder, but often there is no obvious trigger. There is ongoing research that suggests that there may be a genetic component to the condition.
Hair is mostly commonly pulled from the scalp but eyebrows and eyelashes are also very common sites. Many people describe feeling trapped in a cycle — pulling hair to relieve tension, then feeling anxious or guilty afterwards, which in turn triggers further pulling.
The exact cause of trichotillomania remains uncertain. Some people develop it following periods of stress or trauma, while others show a genetic or neurochemical predisposition. Research indicates that around 80 % of those affected pull “automatically,” without conscious decision, while others do so deliberately to reduce tension or obtain sensory relief.
The condition is chronic and often fluctuates over time. There is no known cure, but with appropriate therapy, many people achieve good control.
The primary treatment for trichotillomania is behavioural rather than pharmaceutical. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), particularly a type called Habit Reversal Training (HRT), remains the most effective approach. When medication is used, it is typically to support any underlying anxiety, depression, or obsessive–compulsive symptoms.
A recent review article from 2024 titled “From Tugs to Treatments: A Systematic Review on Pharmacological Interventions for Trichotillomania” by Ghani et al found that some agents such as N-acetylcysteine or certain antidepressants show promise, but there are still no medications that have demonstrated consistent curative benefit across large trials.
In most cases, the hair follicles remain viable and regrowth is possible once the pulling behaviour is controlled. However, recovery can take time, as the eyelash and eyebrow growth cycles are naturally short and slow – usually several weeks to months.
For some people, using a cosmetic lash or brow growth treatment provides visible encouragement during this period, helping reinforce positive change and adherence to therapy.
When anyone approaches us about using a growth serum for trichotillomania, we always recommend working with a GP or therapist first to develop behavioural strategies before considering cosmetic treatments.
Some of our clients have chosen to use bimatoprost-based eyelash treatments (known as Latisse in American) as part of their recovery journey . It does not act as a curative therapy but instead it supports regrowth once pulling has reduced.
“Our clients with trichotillomania have used lash and brow growth products to boost their natural regrowth and reinforce a desired change in behaviour. The idea is that seeing visible improvement can strengthen commitment to stop pulling. There is, of course, a risk that new hairs may be pulled again, but for some, the sight of longer, healthier lashes serves as positive motivation.”
Dr Tom Walker
Founder and director of Opti Laboratories
Published evidence remains limited. A notable case report titled “Clinical Management of Trichotillomania with Bimatoprost” by Peabody et al. from 2013 described successful regrowth of eyelashes using bimatoprost 0.03 % over four months, and studies continue to demonstrate that bimatoprost can improve hair density and thickness.
However, these results relate to cosmetic regrowth, not treatment of the underlying compulsion. The 2023 review “Impact and Management of Loss of Eyebrows and Eyelashes” notes that follicle-stimulating agents can aid appearance but do not address the behavioural core of trichotillomania.
It’s essential to stress that no growth treatment should be seen as curative for trichotillomania. The condition requires behavioural management and psychological support.
Growth serums may help restore cosmetic appearance and confidence, potentially improving adherence to therapy, but they do not stop the urge to pull.
At Opti Laboratories, our experience since 2007 has been positive in selected cases where clients used lash or brow serums alongside therapy. We have seen encouraging regrowth outcomes, but we emphasise transparency: results vary, and we cannot guarantee success.
• Trichotillomania is a behavioural condition with no definitive cure.
• Behavioural therapy (especially habit reversal training) remains the cornerstone of management.
• Bimatoprost may aid regrowth once pulling behaviour is reduced.
• Such treatments should always be viewed as adjunctive, not as replacements for therapy.
If you are looking to support the natural regrowth of your lashes or brows, Opti Laboratories can help your with treatments and serums that will complement your progress.
Trichotillomania is a behavioural condition in which a person experiences repeated urges to pull out their own hair. It can affect the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or other body hair and is often linked with stress or compulsive behaviours.
No. There is currently no curative treatment for trichotillomania. The mainstay of management is behavioural therapy such as Habit Reversal Training. Lash and brow serums can support cosmetic regrowth once pulling has stopped, but they do not address the underlying urge.
In most cases, yes. The follicles are usually intact, and regrowth occurs naturally over several weeks.
Evidence is limited. A 2013 case study reported successful eyelash regrowth using bimatoprost 0.03 %, but no large trials exist. More recent work on eyebrow hypotrichosis confirms that bimatoprost can improve density and thickness — though again, this supports appearance, not behaviour.
At Opti Laboratories, we focus on cosmetic support, helping clients rebuild lash and brow health while working with their GP or therapist to manage the behavioural side of trichotillomania. Our serums are to protect, condition, and encourage regrowth.
