Hair loss is a universal issue, transcending age and gender. From children to adults, many face the challenge of hair thinning or complete hair loss. At just nine years old, our guest, Heather, began experiencing the overwhelming urge to pull out her hair. By her early teenage years, she was diagnosed with trichotillomania. Join host Kevin Rolston as he engages in an enlightening conversation with Heather Brooke - a licensed professional counselor, beauty pageant champion, and the mind behind the children’s book, "Where’s My Hair? A Trichotillomania Story for Children."

“What Happened To Your Eyelashes?”

• After experiencing a traumatic event at 9, Heather's coping mechanism manifested as pulling out hairs—starting from her eyelashes, moving to eyebrows, and eventually her scalp.

• Because she had naturally long eyelashes and voluminous hair, the impact remained concealed from her family for a while.

• When her family began to take notice, Heather hid the truth – that she was pulling her hair out.

• A discernible bald patch on Heather’s head was the turning point, prompting her family to explore possible remedies.

Trichotillomania Couldn’t Hold Her Back

• Unfazed by her hair loss challenges, Heather Brooke courageously participated in beauty pageants throughout her life, from childhood and into her adult years.

• As a young contestant, wigs and clip-in extensions became her trusted companions to help cover the bald areas.

• In 2017, Heather competed in the Ms. Woman Colorado United States pageant. Her association with HairClub provided her with optimal hair solutions and she ended up taking home the crown!

Seeking Treatments

• Throughout her life, Heather has explored various treatments. It is an ongoing process, as she still struggles with trichotillomania today.

• Not much research has been done on trichotillomania, though it is a recognized mental health disorder.

• Her hair system from HairClub covers the “trigger points” caused by her trichotillomania which reduces her urge to pull her hair out. 

“Where Is My Hair? A Trichotillomania Story for Children”

• Heather is now a licensed professional counselor and has worked with kids who also have trichotillomania!

• One of her young clients inspired her to write a children’s book that could help them understand trichotillomania better.

Resources

Pick up a copy of Heather’s book, “Where Is My Hair? A Trichotillomania Story for Children” on Amazon

Thanks for listening to HAIRPOD™. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HAIRPOD™ is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.