Why do I have the urge to pull out my pubic hair?

Author: Sigrid Koss  |  Last update: Friday, August 22, 2025

Most commonly, people with trichotillomania pull out hair from their scalp. They may also pull out their eyelashes, eyebrows, facial hair (like beards or mustaches), or armpit, leg, or pubic hair. Often, they pull when they're stressed or bored as a way to soothe themselves.

Is it normal to pull out your pubic hair?

Trichotillomania is an obsessive–compulsive related disorder characterized by irresistible urges to pull out hair, resulting in secondary alopecia and functional impairment. [1] Trichotillomania can affect any body area, although exclusive involvement of the pubic area is very infrequent.

Why do I feel the urge to pull my hair out?

Trichotillomania can be related to emotions, including: Negative feelings. Pulling out hair may be a way of dealing with negative or uncomfortable feelings, such as stress, anxiety, tension, boredom, loneliness, extreme tiredness or frustration. Positive feelings.

How common is pubic trichotillomania?

More common than we realise

One internet-based study found that from a sample of 860, 50.7% reported pulling pubic hair within the 2 week research period. This is in contrast to earlier reports from face-to-face data collection studies which suggest that pubic hair pulling is relatively uncommon.

Will hair grow back after trichotillomania?

Will my hair grow back? Generally, trichotillomania can be managed with certain treatments and, depending on the severity of each individual, reversed. Hannah reassured me: ``Hair regrowth is possible if follicles are not permanently damaged, typically taking three to six months, while skin can heal with proper care.''

Psychological Disorder Makes People Pull Out Their Own Hair

How to stop plucking pubic hair?

The most widely used type of therapy is called habit-reversal training (HRT). It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In this therapy, people meet with a therapist to learn skills to help them reverse the hair pulling habit. Habit reversal is based on the way the brain learns habits.

What is the permanent damage of trichotillomania?

This can range from a small reduction in the volume of hair re-growing, to chronic permanent damage where most or all of the hair is no longer re-growing in the area that has been pulled for normally many years.

What kind of trauma causes trichotillomania?

Recently, a strong relationship of family chaos during childhood and trichotillomania has also been reported, in which 86% of women with trichotillomania reported a history of violence—for example, sexual assault or rape—concurrent with the onset of trichotillomania.

Why do I shed pubic hair?

As we age, some pubic hair thinning, or loss, is normal. However, certain conditions like alopecia or an adrenal issue can also cause hair loss. If you have any concerns, it's best to contact your Axia Women's Health provider.

Is pubic hair a turn off?

More than 71% of male respondents say they've never been turned off by a partner's pubic or butt hair.

Do any celebrities have trichotillomania?

“Don't Look Up” actor Leonardo DiCaprio is believed to have trichotillomania due to openly sharing on multiple accounts of suffering from OCD. Leo has spoken about living with OCD throughout his childhood and adult life.

What not to say to someone with trichotillomania?

Don't say, “You need to learn to relax, and maybe the pulling will stop automatically.” Usually, this isn't true. My clients with trich have hairpulling on their mind constantly (which can be mentally exhausting) and have uncontrollable urges to pull.

Is trichotillomania linked to autism?

Although many variables have been examined as potentially contributing to the manifestation of trichotillomania (TTM), little research has focused on problems in social interactions. Hair pulling has many similarities to the stereotypies seen in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and is not uncommon in those with ASD.

Why do I like pulling my pubic hair out?

Most commonly, people with trichotillomania pull out hair from their scalp. They may also pull out their eyelashes, eyebrows, facial hair (like beards or mustaches), or armpit, leg, or pubic hair. Often, they pull when they're stressed or bored as a way to soothe themselves.

Does pubic hair grow back if you pull it out?

Much like shaving, your pubic hair will still grow back in a few days. Pubic hair removal creams are on the safer end of the hair removal spectrum, but you always want to test it on a patch of your skin to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction, said Dr.

Is it better to shave or pluck pubic hair?

Many people mix it up according to how they feel that day, the time they have and the result they want. But there are ways in which you can minimise discomfort, whether that's in a salon or at home. Overall, shaving remains the best way to get rid of pubic hair at home without pain.

At what age does pubic hair stop growing in a girl?

longer than 4 years to reach the adult genital development stage. no pubic hair by age 15 years.

What STD causes pubic hair loss?

While infections such as HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and herpes have treatments that often cause temporary hair loss due to STDs, syphilis is capable of causing hair loss as a direct symptom. This normally occurs during the secondary stage of syphilis and can be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin.

Why is pubic hair curly?

Going back to a time when most of us roamed around half-naked, it has been suggested our pubic hair is curly because it does a better job capturing and holding the pheromones that are produced by our sweat glands.

What are 3 symptoms of trichotillomania?

What are the symptoms of trichotillomania?
  • Repeated pulling out of hair that causes hair loss.
  • Trying multiple times to stop this behavior or do it less often.
  • Feeling that hair pulling negatively affects your life, especially your work and social life.

Will hair grow back after being pulled out in a fight?

In most cases, hair that is pulled from the scalp will grow back. However, repeated pulling or excessive pulling can cause scarring and permanent hair loss.

How do I stop pulling my hair out?

Here are some tips from people with trich that may help when you feel the urge to pull your hair:
  1. squeeze a stress ball or something similar.
  2. form a ball with your fist and tighten the muscles in that arm.
  3. use a fidget toy.
  4. wear a bandana or a tight-fitting hat, such as a beanie.

Will my hair ever grow back trichotillomania?

The good news is that trichotillomania hair loss typically isn't permanent, and there are plenty of ways to encourage new growth, from PRP therapy to topical medications.

What worsens trichotillomania?

Adults with trichotillomania frequently report that their pulling worsens during periods of heightened anxiety [9]. Alternatively, hair pulling for many adults leads to avoidance of social activities and results in anxiety during intimate situations [6], [10], [11].

What is the best haircut for trichotillomania?

Layered Bob, textured pixie cut, shoulder-length with bangs, short and tapered, long layers, buzz cut, and undercut are some of the best haircuts for managing trichotillomania.

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