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Ruben Chorlton-Owen, a 24-year-old content creator from Abersoch, Gwynedd, has been open about his experience with trichotillomania, a compulsive hair-pulling disorder. This condition drives Ruben to repeatedly pull out hairs from his beard and eyebrows, particularly when he feels anxious or bored. Diagnosed a decade ago, Ruben recalls a time when he removed most of his eyebrow hairs, which caused him to avoid photos and wear a cap to conceal the thinning areas. Instead of revealing the truth behind his appearance, he often joked about accidental shaving mishaps.
Trichotillomania, also called trich or TTM, is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to pull out hair, frequently from the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. According to the NHS, it typically begins between the ages of 10 and 13 and falls under a broader category of disorders known as body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), including nail-biting and skin-picking. Clare Mackay, a professor of neuroscience at the University of Oxford who has lived with trichotillomania herself for 40 years, explains that while occasional hair-pulling can be normal grooming behavior, the condition can become severe enough for individuals to lose all their hair. She emphasizes that trichotillomania is a chronic issue but one that can be managed through therapy and self-help, especially by connecting with others who face the same challenges.
Ruben’s partner, Amber Phillips, noticed his compulsive behavior early on and has supported him through his journey. She highlights the frequency of his hair-pulling and expresses pride in Ruben’s decision to share his story publicly. “I think it’s really good that he’s spreading awareness,” Amber commented, celebrating his courage to discuss a personal and often hidden insecurity. Ruben himself encourages others dealing with trichotillomania not to feel embarrassed or ashamed. By openly discussing his condition and answering questions from followers, Ruben aims to help others realize they are not alone.
Various treatment options exist for trichotillomania, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Meryl Da Costa-Rohland from TrichStop explains that these therapies target the thought patterns and responses associated with the urge to pull hair, helping sufferers create distance from their impulses and react differently. Ruben has found that cosmetic solutions like eyebrow microblading, a semi-permanent tattooing technique, have helped reduce his urge to pull hair. Following a positive public response, including messages from others encouraged to seek help, Ruben plans to continue creating videos to raise awareness and provide support for those living with trichotillomania
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