The Hairdresser's Chair: How to Handle Trich at the Salon

Walking into a hair salon when you have trichotillomania, commonly known as hair pulling disorder, can feel like stepping onto a stage: the bright lights, the mirrors everywhere, someone's hands in your hair examining every strand. Just the very idea of seeing a hair stylist can leave you feeling vulnerable in a way that's hard to explain to people who haven't been there. 

The good news is, getting your hair done doesn't have to be anxiety-provoking or something that only “other people” do. With some preparation and the right approach, you can have a positive salon experience and find a stylist who understands. 

Before You Book: Finding the Right Stylist

People living with trich often note that not all salons and stylists are equal when it comes to understanding trich. One of the recommendations often mentioned is to look for salons that advertise experience with hair loss conditions, medical wigs, or hair solutions. These professionals have likely encountered trichotillomania before and are likely to be more knowledgeable about healthy hair options. 

Consider scheduling a consultation before your actual appointment. This gives you a chance to meet the stylist, gauge their reaction when you mention trich, and decide if you feel comfortable with them. A good stylist will listen without judgment and work with you to achieve your goals.

Another tip that has been mentioned is to consider a salon that offers online scheduling. There’s often a place to enter details about your upcoming visit which may make letting them know about your hair loss a little less uncomfortable. 

The Conversation: What to Say and When

Let’s be honest, your stylist is going to notice your hair loss whether you say anything or not. However, deciding whether or how much to disclose about your trichotillomania remains totally up to you. Some people may find that explaining upfront relieves anxiety and prevents awkward moments. Others prefer to keep it private and simply request certain styling services. 

If you choose to share, timing matters. Mentioning it when you book the appointment can help, but you might also wait until you're in the chair for a more private conversation. And a simple explanation is often sufficient: "I have trichotillomania, a hair pulling disorder. You might notice that I have some thinning or missing hair." Others have shared that they might simply say, “It’s an anxiety thing” or “I deal with bald spots and regrowth.” Remember, you can share as much or as little as you like. You're not obligated to go into detail about triggers, mental health, or your pulling history unless you want to.

Whatever you choose to share, knowing that hair loss is an issue can help your stylist better understand and can prevent assumptions, misunderstandings or those uncomfortable questions. 

And, not surprisingly, a lot of stylists are familiar with hair pulling and there has been an effort to bring trich to into the conversation. It might surprise you to know that some stylists are managing their own trich too! 

Dealing with The Mirror 

For some people, mirrors can be especially uncomfortable and amplify anxiety and self-consciousness. It's okay to ask your stylist if you can face away from the mirror or to request a chair that's not directly in front of a mirror. 

Distraction can be helpful too. Some people bring headphones and listen to music during their salon service. Others prefer to chat with their stylist throughout the appointment. Find what works for you and remember that your comfort matters to your stylist. 

Styling Solutions and Realistic Goals

Regardless of how much you choose to share, it’s important to be realistic and clear with your stylist about what you're hoping to achieve. A good stylist won't promise miracles or make you feel bad about your hair's current condition. Instead, they can suggest cuts, colors, or styling techniques that can work with your needs while giving you a fresh look and a boost of confidence. 

If you're in an active pulling phase, it’s ok to consider lower-maintenance options. Sometimes a simple trim and a style you can easily manage at home is better than an elaborate cut that requires constant attention.

Handling Awkward Moments

Even with the best preparation, awkward moments can happen. A stylist might make a comment like "What happened here?" or a fellow client might glance over. If you find yourself in one of those moments, stay calm. Having a simple response ready can help too: "I have a condition that affects my hair." A simple response usually suffices and sends the message that you're not interested in sharing more. 

An important note here: while most stylists are pros at making their clients feel comfortable, mismatches happen. If a stylist makes you uncomfortable or asks invasive questions, it’s ok to change the subject or even end the appointment. Stylists understand that not every fit is the right one, and honoring your boundaries is good self-care. 

Building a Long-Term Relationship

Once you find a stylist you trust, stick with them. Building a relationship over time creates trust  and will help them understand your hair's patterns, know what works, and provide a judgment-free space. Consistency can transform your salon visits from dreaded obligations into something affirming and nurturing. 

The Bottom Line

Having trich doesn’t have to dictate how you care for your hair and doesn’t exclude you from having an enjoyable salon experience. You deserve self-care and to feel good about your hair care. With a bit of planning and the right stylist, the hairdresser's chair can become a place of acceptance and yes, even healing.

Navigating everyday experiences when you have trich can be challenging but you don’t have to do it alone. At Trichstop, we have a team of expert therapists who can help you understand your hair pulling and find healthy ways to manage cope. And online therapy means that finding support is easier and more convenient than ever. At Trichstop, you’ll also find resources and support to help you in your journey to healing. 

References

1. https://www.reddit.com/r/trichotillomania/comments/14um6x5/terrified_of_going_to_a_hairdresser_27f/

2. 11 expert tips for finding trichotillomania hair stylists. (2025, September 29). Retrieved from https://salon-t.com.au/11-expert-tips-for-finding-trichotillomania-hair-stylists/ 

3. Guest blog: Helping hair stylists understand trichotillomania. (2024, April 23). Retrieved from https://www.nhbf.co.uk/news-and-blogs/blog/helping-hair-stylists-understand-trichotillomania/ 

4. My trichotillomania cure: From hair-puller to hairstylist. (2019, September 4). Retrieved from https://habitaware.com/blogs/habitaware-blog/my-trichotillomania-cure-hair-puller-to-hairstylist?