Actress Olivia Munn got real about living with Trichotillomania, the condition more colloquially described as “hair-pulling disorder.” Munn opened up about her own experiences on the popular podcast, “Armchair Expert.” She opened up about the ways that the disorder has deeply affected her life and her sense of self.
Munn’s public battle with Trichotillomania started while dating actor Chris Pine, a relationship that spanned from 2009 to 2010. The actress explained that her symptoms were first brought on after a run-in with paparazzi during her relationship with Pine. As a result, this incident launched a decades-long difficult path for Munn. She was dealing with a terrible impulse to yank out her hair.
Describing Trichotillomania, Munn stated, “It could be hair at the top of your head, because there’s a sensation. It’s probably not even real, but I’ll feel like, oh, this eyelash feels like it’s gonna come out.” As she articulated the complex nature of the disorder, pulling hair provides a quick shot of physical hurt, along with some relief and regret.
Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder that has the potential to dramatically change one’s outward appearance and carries a heavy social stigma. People who suffer from this disorder run the risk of irreversible hair loss if hair-pulling persists past adolescence. Trichotillomania—historically known as compulsive hair-pulling, trichotillomania was first described in ancient Greek texts, and the term for it was created in the late 18th century.
Managing Trichotillomania typically requires a comprehensive approach involving healthcare professionals such as primary care providers, dermatologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical psychologists. Munn doesn’t shy away from discussing her health journey and her struggle with Trichotillomania. She has been forced to face the same daunting obstacles ever since her diagnosis of Luminal B breast cancer in April 2024. Following her diagnosis, she underwent a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy to prevent severe side effects from cancer treatment medications.
Along with her own health challenges, Munn admitted that it’s difficult for her to read comments about her which might be even more triggering. “I did the horrible thing, which was to read the comments,” she shared during the podcast. This points out just one of the difficult balances that public figures must strike when they experience deeply personal struggles in the public eye.
Part of the reason is Munn’s willingness to share her story, which has resonated particularly with those who struggle with the same challenges. She documents her journey with Trichotillomania and other health issues. Ultimately, her mission is to help raise awareness and educate the public on these commonly misdiagnosed, yet highly misunderstood conditions.
