Universität zu Köln

Hollatz, Linda ORCID: 0009-0005-4468-0399 and Gerlach, Alexander L. ORCID: 0000-0001-6794-5349 (2026). The impact of mindfulness-based haircuts on individuals affected by trichotillomania and related hair-focused repetitive behavior disorders and their hair-pulling behavior: A pilot study. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 48. pp. 1-12. Elsevier. ISSN 2211-3649

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Abstract

[Artikel-Nr.: 100991] Individuals with Trichotillomania (TTM) or related hair-focused repetitive behaviors engage in recurrent hair pulling that negatively impacts their quality of life. At the same time, hair care remains a central part of their hygiene and beauty routines. This study examined the effects of a mindfulness-based haircut appointment, delivered by trained hair professionals, on pathological hair-pulling behavior. In an open-label intervention study, 43 adult females with TTM completed measures of hair-pulling behavior and maintained hair-pulling diaries for 14 days before and after the appointment. Results showed significant reductions in hair-pulling urges and time spent pulling hair post-appointment, with sustained improvements at 14, 30, and 60 days, as documented in diaries and the Massachusetts General Hospital Hairpulling Scale. Furthermore, participants were satisfied with the appointment, attributing this to the empathy and non-judgmental communication exhibited by the hair professionals. These findings suggest that haircut appointments administered with compassion and understanding may significantly reduce hair-pulling behaviors and improve overall well-being. The results underscore the importance of training hair professionals to provide informed, supportive services to individuals affected by TTM.

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:38-812134
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.jocrd.2025.100991
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
Volume:	48
Page Range:	pp. 1-12
Number of Pages:	12
Date:	January 2026
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	2211-3649
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Human Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Human Sciences > Department Psychologie
Subjects:	Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Body-focused repetitive behavior disorders ; Trichotillomania ; Hair-pulling disorder ; Hair care ; Haircutting appointment ; Mindfulness English
['eprint_fieldname_oa_funders' not defined]:	Publikationsfonds UzK
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/81213