So I wanted it post about an issue that's close to home for me and see if there are any other girls out there that suffer with this too. Even the most calm people can suffer from stress sometimes and of course, everyone has their own ways of dealing with it ..unfortunately mine happens to be a confidence killer called Trichotillomania.
Trichotillomania is a condition where a person has the overwhelming urge to pull out their hair, whether it be the hair on their head, eyebrows, eyelashes or pretty much any other area, the impulsive feeling to pull just builds tension until you give in to it.
My weakness happens to be my eyelashes, as I have practically no eyebrows (the joys of being blonde) and I have micro loop extensions which just about stops me pulling my hair out, and often even when I am only the slightest bit stressed I begin to tear my eyelashes out, sometimes without even realising, especially when I am asleep.
Can you imagine? Waking up with no eyelashes on one eye? Even the thought can be scary let alone the reality of it.
There are people out there who believe 'it's not even a big deal?' But thinking about it when you talk to people face to face eye contact is everything and knowing you have a naked eye can really affect how you communicate, constantly worrying if they can 'see how odd your eyes are'.
I was told by my doctor there isn't a necessary cure as all cases are different so I have to just manage it as it comes, there is no stopping it but I have found ways to hide the damage done until the eyelashes grow back again.
With a mixture of mascara, eyeliner and false eye lashes, feeling better about my condition has gotten easier, although nothing compares the real thing I don't have to worry about my eyes bald patches!
When stress kicks in and the pulling Starts I tend to aim for certain sections of eyelashes (subconsciously of course) where hiding the gaps can be difficult, usually from the corners to the middle where gaps become quite obvious, but for any of you girls suffering with this too all is not lost! I have found some beauty tricks that can hide any unwanted gaps and help you face the world without having to feel self conscious!
Depending on the size of a gap in my eyelashes I use a thick, dark mascara to almost fill in the gaps if they aren't too bad, I find volume sing mascara works best for this and my new favourite is the Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam extreme black mascara - although this is the product I would recommend it is thick and can clump easily so keep a thin mascara brush on hand to brush away all those clumps! Spider lashes are so 5 years ago...
For added lash gap camouflage add a thin line of eyeliner on your eyelid along you lash line - my favourite is the Scandaleyes wanted proof micro liner in black.
When gaps aren't as easy to disguise the best option is false eyelashes. A daunting idea for anyone not familiar or comfortable with wearing them. My advice would be to start small, possibly using Eylure glue on lashes in number 050. These are tiny, light weight and so easy to apply, perfect for any beginners or novice lash lovers. My personal favourites are Eylure number 116 lashes as these are super long and add volume while hiding those god awful gaps! These can be worn all day comfortably and usually will last all day without needing to reapply. Applying any eyelashes can be tricky at first but as the old saying goes ..practice makes perfect!
For my fellow Trichotillomaniacs (I don't even know if that's a word?) who experience this with their eyebrows, there so many products available now days for filling and drawing on eyebrows, that camouflaging any gaps you may have is easier than ever, from powder kits to pencils and stencils (pun not intended).
I would recommend the retractable sleek eyebrow pencil to anyone, whether you're a beginner or expert when it comes to eyebrows as it super easy to use, it has a thin tip making precise shaping simple and comes in all shades, even blonde!
Scandaleyes Retro Glam Black mascara: £6.99 Superdrug
Scandaleyes black waterproof micro liner: £5.49 Superdrug
Eylure lashes: £5 Superdrug
Sleek eyebrow pencil: £5.99 Superdrug
Hopefully this helps some of you other ladies suffering from this. Comments always appreciated 💌
I'm so sorry you have to go through this, I can't imagine having to do anything like this. I have a few little 'ticks' (for lack of better word!) for when I get stressed, but they're ones that I can hide fairly easily.
ReplyDeleteI was just wondering, have you ever considered using individual lashes? It means you don't have to worry about putting on a whole strip and you can just target specific gaps instead. However they might not look right if you don't have eyelashes to lay them on top of, so I'm not sure? Just thought I'd suggest it though!
Megan x meguana.blogspot.co.uk
Hi Megan :)
DeleteI have tried yes but it only seems to make me pull them out more, which is such a shame because they look so nice when they are first done! Thank you though maybe it's time I tried them again! Wearing false eyelashes every day gets boring! 🙊
Thank you
Nicola hearts xx
Awh Nicola I love this post. I've had Trich for the past 12 years and I wish there'd been more advice like this then, I hate lookibg back at old family photos of myself with no eye lashes or eye brows (or horribly drawn on thick black lines!) Xx
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