Trichotillomania, shortened as TTM or trich, is a compulsive hair-pulling disorder that affects about 1% of the United States population. There is a spectrum of severity, a spectrum of causes, another spectrum for comorbid disorders, and so on. Hair is pulled from everywhere on the body, sometimes to an irreversible extent. Pulling can happen in sudden, frenzied bursts, or daily, little by little, and are often accompanied with feelings of great stress or anxiety. People suffering from TTM often feel a great shame surrounding it and the resulting appearance of bald spots, causing more stress and feeding into a vicious cycle.

To gain a deeper understanding of the various experiences of TTM, I contacted sufferers, family and friends, and therapists and asked for their insight. While most recognize the condition as a problem that should be addressed, some failed to recognize the lack of control on the sufferer’s part, and many felt helpless in finding a solution. Therapy is recommended for long-term results, but may seem “over-the-top” and is not always accessible.

One of the best ways to cut into the vicious cycle was to have some sort of physical barrier that discouraged pulling. Although there are habit-changing devices, they can be expensive. Evidence from the TTM sub-Reddit shows that sufferers are more likely to make do with everyday, readily accessible coping methods.

My design intervention proposes and demonstrates five short video tutorials for wrapping easy headscarf styles, providing a stylish way to cover the effects of hair-pulling while serving as a protective barrier to prevent further pulling. Headscarves allow for plenty of flexibility and fashions and ease of experimentation and creativity. With just a scarf cap, a length of fabric, and a few spare minutes, one can reclaim their confidence and prevent themselves from hurting themselves.