A 24-year-old man from North Wales has spoken publicly about living with trichotillomania, a compulsive hair-pulling disorder that leads him to pull out his own eyebrows within hours. Ruben Chorlton-Owen, who has struggled with the condition since the age of 15, says the urge is often triggered by stress, tension, boredom, or even intense scenes in films.
Trichotillomania is a mental health condition characterised by an irresistible urge to pull out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other parts of the body, often resulting in noticeable hair loss. It affects approximately one in 50 people, making it relatively rare. Ruben describes the cycle as automatic: he often doesn't realise he is pulling until damage is done, followed by a sense of relief and then guilt.
At its worst, Ruben pulled out most of one eyebrow and felt compelled to avoid photos or wear caps to hide thinning patches. He would joke about shaving mishaps rather than admit the real reason. The condition primarily affects his eyebrows and beard, but he says it can affect any hair on the body, including eyelashes.
Ruben has used microblading to help restore his confidence while managing the urges. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can reduce stigma and let others know they are not alone. He notes that many assume the condition mainly affects women, but men struggle too. Speaking out has already led to messages from people thanking him for raising awareness.
The NHS advises anyone pulling their hair or noticing hair loss to see their GP, as the condition can lead to serious health issues if hair is eaten. Ruben's message is that the condition can be managed, and with the right help, confidence can be rebuilt.
