Universität zu Köln

Hollatz, Linda ORCID: 0009-0005-4468-0399 and Gerlach, Alexander L. ORCID: 0000-0001-6794-5349 (2026). Hair Care and Hair‐Focused Repetitive Behaviors: A Descriptive Cross‐Sectional Study. Health Science Reports, 9 (1). pp. 1-17. Wiley. ISSN 2398-8835

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Abstract

[Artikel-Nr.: e71730] Background and Aims: Hair‐Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorders (HFRBDs), commonly associated with trichotillomania (TTM), including hair pulling, manipulation, or ingestion, can cause significant emotional, physical, and social distress. This study aimed to (1) identify hair care‐related behaviors among individuals with HFRBDs; (2) explore how these practices relate to hair‐pulling behaviors; and (3) examine the potential role of hair professionals in supporting affected individuals. Methods: An online survey was conducted with adult participants ( n = 195) who self‐identified as having HFRBDs involving scalp hair. The survey assessed hair‐pulling behavior, personal and professional hair care routines, and perceived effects of these practices. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. Results: Findings showed that constructive hair care practices often coexisted with hair‐pulling behaviors. Participants reported that washing (54.1%) and haircutting (34.1%) helped reduce pulling urges, while styling (8.7%) and combing/brushing (15.4%) had minimal effect. Notably, 27.7% stated that their own touch increased urges, while 9.8% found that another person's touch reduced them. Thematic analysis of 501 open responses revealed categories such as pre‐pulling routines, sensory responses to hair texture, and varied experiences with hair salons. Conclusion: The study highlights the complex relationship between hair care and HFRBDs. Tailored hair care strategies may offer meaningful support for individuals with HFRBDs and could be integrated into guidance provided by clinicians, dermatologists, and hair professionals. Personalized interventions may improve overall management of the condition.

Item Type:	Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Hollatz, Linda UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4468-0399 UNSPECIFIED Gerlach, Alexander L. UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6794-5349 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-801380
Identification Number:	10.1002/hsr2.71730
Journal or Publication Title:	Health Science Reports
Volume:	9
Number:	1
Page Range:	pp. 1-17
Number of Pages:	17
Date:	20 January 2026
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	2398-8835
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Human Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Human Sciences > Department Psychologie
Subjects:	Psychology
['eprint_fieldname_oa_funders' not defined]:	Publikationsfonds UzK
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/80138