News
August 31, 2025
She spent 12 years hiding under wigs and bandanas. Now, she's learning to love herself with or without hair
Since the age of 17, Ms Lynette Kua has grappled with a hair-pulling disorder. She tells CNA TODAY how it's given her a new outlook on beauty and identity.
Lynette Kua, now in her late twenties, spent over a decade concealing her hair loss with wigs and bandanas, a consequence of a hair-pulling disorder that began when she was just 17. In a candid interview with CNA TODAY, she shares her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, revealing how living with trichotillomania has ultimately reshaped her understanding of beauty and identity.
Trichotillomania, a mental health disorder characterized by the recurrent, irresistible urge to pull out one's hair, can have devastating effects on self-esteem and social life. For Lynette, the disorder became a closely guarded secret, hidden beneath layers of artificial hair and head coverings. The constant need to conceal her condition created a significant emotional burden, impacting her confidence and sense of self-worth.
"For years, I felt like I wasn't truly myself," Lynette explains. "The wigs and bandanas were a shield, protecting me from judgment, but they also kept me trapped in a cycle of shame."
However, in recent years, Lynette has embarked on a path towards self-acceptance, challenging the societal norms that dictate beauty standards. She's gradually learning to embrace her appearance, with or without hair. This journey has involved therapy, self-reflection, and a conscious effort to redefine her perception of beauty.
"It's been a long and difficult process," she admits, "but I'm finally starting to understand that my worth isn't tied to my hair. Beauty is so much more than physical appearance; it's about confidence, kindness, and authenticity."
Lynette's story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that true beauty lies in embracing our imperfections. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to raise awareness about trichotillomania and inspire others struggling with similar conditions to seek help and find self-acceptance. Her journey serves as an important message: that self-love is possible, even amidst the challenges of living with a chronic condition. She is now actively advocating for greater understanding and support for individuals with body-focused repetitive behaviors.
Trichotillomania, a mental health disorder characterized by the recurrent, irresistible urge to pull out one's hair, can have devastating effects on self-esteem and social life. For Lynette, the disorder became a closely guarded secret, hidden beneath layers of artificial hair and head coverings. The constant need to conceal her condition created a significant emotional burden, impacting her confidence and sense of self-worth.
"For years, I felt like I wasn't truly myself," Lynette explains. "The wigs and bandanas were a shield, protecting me from judgment, but they also kept me trapped in a cycle of shame."
However, in recent years, Lynette has embarked on a path towards self-acceptance, challenging the societal norms that dictate beauty standards. She's gradually learning to embrace her appearance, with or without hair. This journey has involved therapy, self-reflection, and a conscious effort to redefine her perception of beauty.
"It's been a long and difficult process," she admits, "but I'm finally starting to understand that my worth isn't tied to my hair. Beauty is so much more than physical appearance; it's about confidence, kindness, and authenticity."
Lynette's story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that true beauty lies in embracing our imperfections. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to raise awareness about trichotillomania and inspire others struggling with similar conditions to seek help and find self-acceptance. Her journey serves as an important message: that self-love is possible, even amidst the challenges of living with a chronic condition. She is now actively advocating for greater understanding and support for individuals with body-focused repetitive behaviors.
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