The Compulsion That Sees Me Pull Out My Eyelashes… And How I Beat It

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 18, 2026

A 31-year-old woman from Hertfordshire has publicly shared her 18-year struggle with trichotillomania, a compulsive eyelash-pulling disorder worsened by stress and life challenges, including job loss and failed business ventures. Her viral TikTok video, viewed by two million people, aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage others affected by the disorder—estimated to impact over 800,000 people in the UK—to seek support and practice self-care.

At age 31, a woman from Hertfordshire has shared her long-term experience living with trichotillomania, a compulsive hair-pulling disorder, focusing primarily on her eyelashes. The condition, which she has managed for 18 years, manifests as an uncontrollable urge to pull out hair, often triggered by stress, fatigue, or boredom.

Her symptoms began at age 13 amid academic pressures and social challenges at school. Family members, aware of her behavior, encouraged her to seek help. By 14, she had engaged with a therapist who recommended coping strategies, including wearing an elastic band on her wrist to simulate the pulling sensation and help deter the habit.

Despite efforts to manage her trichotillomania, the condition has followed a cyclical pattern, easing after her GCSEs but intensifying again during her A-levels and university studies at the University of Nottingham. Though she has never completely lost all her eyelashes or experienced infections, she often feels self-conscious. To conceal the effects of her hair-pulling, she fills in gaps with makeup or false eyelashes and has historically kept the disorder private from most acquaintances.

In 2023, the woman faced one of her most severe episodes, triggered by financial and professional setbacks. After losing her job at a global accountancy firm during the COVID-19 pandemic and relocating back with her parents in Watford, she attempted to start a skincare brand from home. Initially successful amid pandemic-driven online shopping, the venture faltered as consumer behavior shifted post-pandemic. A significant advertising investment failed to generate returns, compounding financial strain and increasing her stress levels, which exacerbated her trichotillomania.

She publicly revealed her condition in a TikTok video explaining her business challenges and struggles with eyelash-pulling. The video garnered two million views and prompted messages from many women who also suffer from the disorder. Estimates suggest that over 800,000 people in the United Kingdom are affected by trichotillomania.

During this period, she attempted to use a commercial eyelash growth serum but developed a severe reaction, resulting in discoloration around her eyes. This experience inspired her to create a lash treatment with natural oils aimed at promoting healthier regrowth. Maintaining good eyelash health has become part of her strategy to discourage pulling.

While the condition remains chronic, she manages it by prioritizing mental well-being, including quitting alcohol in early 2024 after identifying hangovers as a trigger. Ensuring adequate sleep and minimizing stress also contribute to better control. She acknowledges that moments of vulnerability persist, citing a recent relapse during a flight to the Middle East when boredom and fatigue led to pulling.

By sharing her story openly on social media, she hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding trichotillomania and encourage others to seek support. The disorder, she notes, will remain a part of her life, but with greater awareness and self-care, she has achieved improved management.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.