As part of a bold, innovative new Channel 4 documentary series called ‘First Cut’, a new programme is set to explore the causes of trichotillomania, commonly known as compulsive hair pulling.
This issue has been relatively unexplored until now, with the exception of a documentary film in 2003 called Bad Hair Life. Recent statistics show that around 2 per cent of the population suffers with trichotillomania, an impulse control disorder, although cases often go unrecorded as victims are ashamed of their compulsive hair-pulling behaviour.
The Channel 4 documentary ‘Girls on the Pull’ will examine the causes behind trichotillomania and the impact it can have on a person’s life. Female hair loss can have a devastating effect on a woman’s confidence and self-esteem, especially as today’s society sees hair as a symbol of femininity, health, sexuality and youth.
The documentary will therefore meet three women who currently live with this life-altering condition – in varying degrees of severity – and who are desperate to find a solution.
Two of these three women are currently undergoing hair loss treatment at Lucinda Ellery, industry specialists in female hair loss. Throughout the documentary, the consultancy will provide expert insights into trichotillomania, using their own experience as a clinic to discuss in detail the issues surrounding compulsive hair-pulling.
‘Girls on the Pull’ will be broadcast on Friday 16th July at 7.30pm on Channel 4.
Hi, I just wanted to thank you. I watched it today this morning as I was flicking through the channels, and I was shocked because I felt like I was the only one who suffered from this. I didn’t realise it was a real medical condition, and even though I know it’s my fault for tearing my own hair out, at least I know there’s support for it out there.
I’m 16 and I’ve had this problem from the age of 8. Unfortunately, I don’t know what triggered this, and no matter how hard I try, I just can’t stop, though I want to. I’ve tried setting myself tasks because I don’t want to be bald or patch-y by the time I’m 17.
But thank you for showing this all the same, thank you so much.