Scalp picker for about 3 years, I've heard that this causes hairloss, will the hair I lost regrow?

Question

I've been losing hair and noticing my hair gets thinner.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing an expert to evaluate your hair loss and consider the best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like PRP/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Rae Lynne Kinler, MD · Answer

picking at your scalp or pulling your hair causes damage to the hair bulb, this will lead to hair loss that is permanent. You may also have an underlying hair loss pattern causing hair loss as well. Your best bet is to see a hair restoration surgeon who can evaluate your scalp and hair, as well as provide options to you.

Greg Williams, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

There are two separate entities - compulsive hair pulling or trichotillomania, and compulsive skin picking or dermatillomania. These are separate entities.Skin picking results in ulceration and destruction of the hair follicle so hair loss is permanent.Repetitive hair pulling results in reduced hair growth and eventually the affected hairs stop growing. Both can be treated by hair transplantation but this should only be considered several years after complete cessation of the compulsive habit, verified by friends and relatives, and on patients who are not on medication to control the behaviour.

Sara Wasserbauer, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

People who pull out their own hair compulsively will often end up with irreversible hair loss.  Do not attempt hair transplantation since this seems only to reactivate the urge to pull!  Psychotherapy and a drug called NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) may also help.

Good luck!

Brian Goertz, MD (retired) · Answer

Pulling hair out will eventually kill the growing part of the follicle and the hair will not grow back.

Scalp picker for about 3 years, I've heard that this causes hairloss, will the hair I lost regrow?

Answers (5)

Answer: Trichotillomania

Answer: Trichotillomania

Answer: Hair Pulling-Trichotillomania

Answer: Hair Pulling-Trichotillomania

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Scalp picker for about 3 years, I've heard that this causes hairloss, will the hair I lost regrow?

Answers (5)

Answer: Trichotillomania

Answer: Trichotillomania

Answer: Hair Pulling-Trichotillomania

Answer: Hair Pulling-Trichotillomania

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.