Hair Care And Hair-Focused Repetitive Behaviors: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

This study investigates the intersection of hair-focused repetitive behaviors (HFRBDs), such as trichotillomania, and hair care practices among 195 participants, predominantly female, with an average age of 32.4 years. It highlights that hair care activities like washing and conditioning can reduce hair-pulling urges for some individuals, with 54.1% noting a reduction after washing. Key triggers for pulling include hair texture and scalp sensations, with scalp conditions like rashes linked to increased head-touching behaviors. The study emphasizes the potential of hair care as a form of self-care and the need for better awareness among hair professionals to support individuals with HFRBDs. Limitations include self-selection bias and lack of formal clinical diagnoses, suggesting the need for further research with larger, diagnostically confirmed samples.