Research for People with Hair-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Hair-Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorders & Hair Care

Experiences and Possibilities for Intervention

Dissertation Project at the University of Cologne

Studies 1 & 2 2020-2023

Evaluation & Article Writing Phase 2024

Article Submissions & Publications 2025

Deutsche Seite | German Page

D23 Study 1

Article 1 published with Hogrefe in the Zeitschrift für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie

We translated the Beliefs in Trichotillomania Scale (BiTS) into German and validated it with the sample of study 1.

Validation of the German Beliefs in Trichotillomania Scale (BiTS-D)

Article 2 accepted for publication with Wiley in Health
Science Reports

The aim of this online survey was documentation and learning. Gaining a better understanding of specific personal and professional hair care habits and needs may help develop hair care interventions that support individuals in coping with their hair-pulling behavior.
You can find out more about Study 1 here.

Hair care and hair-focused repetitive behaviors: A descriptive cross-sectional study

D23 Study 2

Article 3 published in the Journal of Obsessive and Compulsive and Related Disorders

For this experimental open-label study, I developed a mindfulness-based hair care treatment and a training for hair professionals. I recruited hair professionals and people with hair-pulling disorder through my personal, professional, and academic network, online communities, and social media.
This research project aimed to determine what experiences those affected by TTM have with a hair appointment explicitly designed for them, which influencing factors are at play, and whether this measure affects hair-pulling behavior and self-confidence.

The impact of mindfulness-based haircuts on individuals affected by trichotillomania and related hair-focused repetitive behavior disorders and their hair-pulling behavior: A pilot study

Happy New Year 2026!

I want to express my deep gratitude to the participants of the two studies.
Thank you for taking the time, for being supportive of BFRBD research, and for sharing a little bit about you.

Thank you, dear hair professionals, for being part of this research project, for your time, care, and positivity. In addition to the questionnaires, I have received over 40 emails from participants who expressed their gratitude for the experiences you provided.

Thanks to everyone who helped spread the word about the project through magazine articles, podcasts, emails, and word-of-mouth.

I am currently refining the manuscript and plan to submit the dissertation by the end of January 2026.

Linda

The first match is made

by LindaHollatzAdmins | Feb 8, 2022 | News

Study 2 has started and the first match between a person with hair pulling disorder and a qualified, trained, informed and compassionate professional hairdresser is made. The first out of 60!

Often people with HPD cover their hair or tie it together to hide bald spots. It takes trust to take these tools off and show themselves to another person. The hairdresser needs a cape, scissors and comb and of course a mindfulness, respectful attitude.

Der erste Termin mit einer Betroffenen und einer qualifizierten, ausgebildeten und informierten Friseurin fand statt. Weitere 59 folgen!

Oft bedecken Menschen mit Trichotillomanie ihre Haare oder binden sie zusammen, um die sichtbaren Auswirkungen des Verhaltens zu verbergen. Sie brauchen Vertrauen um sich ohne zu zeigen.
Die Friseurin braucht einen Haarschneideumhang, Schere, Kamm und eine achtsame, respektvolle Haltung.