Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is a challenging condition that compels individuals to pull out their own hair—often from the eyebrows, beard, mustache, or scalp. For many, this habit intensifies during periods of stress, boredom, or deep concentration, especially while sitting at a desk. If you find yourself unconsciously pulling facial hair during work or study, you're not alone—and there are effective ways to regain control.

Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder characterized by recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from various parts of the body. While it can affect the scalp, many people struggle with pulling facial hair, such as eyebrows, eyelashes, mustache, or beard. This behavior often leads to visible hair loss, skin irritation, and emotional distress.

Why Does It Happen—Especially at Your Desk?

Desk work can be a major trigger for trichotillomania. The combination of stress, monotony, and long periods of sitting still can make it easy to lose awareness of your hands. Many people report that they start pulling facial hair while reading, coding, or attending virtual meetings—often without realizing it until the damage is done.

Common triggers include:

• Stress and anxiety: Tight deadlines, high workloads, or social pressure during video calls.
• Boredom or fatigue: Repetitive tasks or long hours at the computer.
• Deep concentration: Getting lost in thought or problem-solving, leading to automatic hand movements.

• Habit Reversal Training (HRT): This evidence-based therapy helps you become aware of your triggers and teaches you to substitute hair-pulling with a less harmful action, like squeezing a stress ball.
• Mindfulness and CBT: Mindfulness techniques and cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you recognize urges and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• Environmental changes: Keeping your hands busy, using fidget tools, or wearing gloves during high-risk periods.

While these strategies can be effective, they often require a high level of self-awareness—which is difficult when hair-pulling happens unconsciously.

LYFA is a privacy-first web app that uses your webcam to help you become more aware of your hand movements near your face in real time. Here's how LYFA supports people with trichotillomania, especially those struggling with facial hair pulling at their desk:

• Real-Time Awareness: LYFA can alert you instantly when your hand approaches your facial hair (eyebrows, mustache, beard), helping you catch the urge before it turns into action.
• Customizable Detection: You can select which facial areas to monitor, so LYFA focuses on your personal triggers (e.g., only alerting for hand movements near your eyebrows or beard).
• Gentle Feedback: LYFA provides audio cues, gently interrupting the automatic habit loop and giving you a chance to choose a healthier response.
• Privacy by Design: All video processing happens on your device—no images or data are sent to any server.

1. Set Up Your Camera for Success: Position your webcam so your face and hands are clearly visible. Good lighting improves detection accuracy.
2. Choose Your Target Areas: In LYFA, select the facial regions where you tend to pull hair most often.
3. Work in Focused Sessions: Use LYFA during your most vulnerable times—like long work sessions, study periods, or virtual meetings.
4. Pair with Other Strategies: Combine LYFA's real-time feedback with habit reversal techniques or mindfulness exercises for best results.
5. Track Your Progress: Use LYFA's statistics to monitor reductions in hair-pulling incidents and celebrate your wins.

Trichotillomania can feel isolating, but with the right tools and support, you can break the cycle. LYFA empowers you to build awareness, interrupt the habit, and reclaim your confidence—right at your desk.

Ready to try LYFA? Get started now and take the first step toward healthier habits and happier skin.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or psychological advice. If you're experiencing severe emotional distress or other significant issues, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. LYFA is intended as a supportive tool, not as a replacement for professional therapy.