It might seem like pulling out hair is an odd habit, but the truth is that 1 of every 50 people are affected with this. This is a disorder otherwise known as trichotillomania or trich, and all it means is that you compulsively pull out hair.

Trich can have terrible effects, both physical and emotional, for those who suffer with it. Here are a few things to think about if you want to stop.

1) Discover the Cause:

There are many common causes of trichotillomania:

* A way to cope with stress, * Boredom, * Childhood trauma, * Diet, * Tiredness, And more.

The more that you are able to find out about the reasons for pulling your hair, then the easier it will ultimately be to improve things.

2) Finding Ways to Deal With Stress:

No matter what could be the underlying reason for your trich, learning to handle stress better will always help you to handle your pulling.

This might be easier said than done, but over time you will learn to recognise the stressful situations that trigger trichotillomania. Talk about them to your friends and family if possible, and consider counselling to help you work through underlying stress.

3) Medication:

Taking drugs is not going to magically cure your trich, unfortunately. So don't just rely on your doctor. He or she may not even understand the condition fully - and could even prescribe Prozac which is unlikely to work. Try to use the other methods mentioned here.

4) Hypnosis and Meditation:

These are just two examples of alternative therapies that can help you cure hair pulling. They help for a number of reasons:

* They can clear your mind of stress and worry, * They can help you to understand yourself, * They help you to relax, * They can prevent you from blaming yourself.

5) Accepting Trich: You can put yourself in the very best position to stop pulling out hair when you accept this as part of you, and that there are many other people who also do it.