Trichotillomania and Eyelash Regrowth: Can Latisse Help?

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr Tom Walker – 22/01/2026

Trichotillomania is a complex and often distressing condition. The loss of eyelashes or eyebrows is a visible and emotionally challenging aspect of this poorly understood condition. A common question we hear is whether Latisse can help eyelashes regrow after pulling and when it may or may not be appropriate.

This article explains what the evidence actually shows, how Latisse works, and where its limitations lie. Our aim is to provide clear, honest medical information, while explaining how eyelash regrowth treatments may be used alongside, but never instead of, behavioural support.

How Trichotillomania Affects Eyelashes

In trichotillomania, eyelash loss is caused by the repeated mechanical trauma when the hair is pulled out rather than due to disease of the hair follicle itself. Typical features include:

• Patchy lash loss or complete loss
• Broken lashes of uneven length
• Fragile, finer regrowth over time
• Recurrent shedding in the same areas

Trichotillomania most often causes non-scarring hair loss which means that the follicle usually remains capable of producing hair. However, repeated trauma can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle which can lead to slower, weaker regrowth once pulling improves.

• No guarantee of authenticity: counterfeit or diluted products are common
• Unknown storage and transport conditions
• No medical supervision: incorrect use increases the risk of side effects

Why Eyelash Regrowth Can Matter

Latisse does not treat trichotillomania itself. Trichotillomania is a behavioural condition and requires psychological or behavioural support. It is important that you have discussed your pulling with your own GP first before you consider any cosmetic treatments. They will help with basic strategies to control the urge to pull and will often refer you to talking therapy which can help with the underlying processes that brought on the pulling.

After you have engaged with your GP and have worked on strategies to control the pulling, you may then consider Latisse. For many people eyelash regrowth plays a supportive role. Regrowth may:

• Reduce distress linked to appearance
• Improve confidence during recovery
• Help break the cycle of damage → shame → further pulling
• Incentivise your adherence to your anti-pulling therapy

For this reason, regrowth treatments are best viewed as adjunctive support and not a solution to the underlying condition.

When applied daily to the eyelid margin, these risks matter.

What Is Bimatoprost and How Does It Work?

Latisse is the American brand name for bimatoprost. In the UK, we provide bimatoprost on prescription for eyelash growth and use the same liquid as Latisse with no changes to the ingredients. The active ingredient is a prostaglandin analogue originally developed to treat glaucoma. When applied carefully to the lash line and eyebrows it has been shown to prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. This results in longer, thicker and darker hairs, meaning you get more impressive eyelash growth and denser eyebrows.

What Evidence Exists for using Latisse for Trichotillomania?

The evidence base is limited but relevant and it’s important to be transparent about that. Published case reports describe successful eyelash regrowth using bimatoprost 0.03% in patients with trichotillomania. These reports consistently note regrowth once active pulling had reduced or stopped – never as a replacement to therapy to discourage pulling.

There are currently no large randomised controlled trials specifically studying bimatoprost in trichotillomania but Latisse/bimatoprost has strong clinical trial evidence for eyelash and eyebrow regrowth. As noted above, there is no evidence to suggest that the follicle is abnormal when someone has trichotillomania so the same levels of growth should be possible.

In our experience over the past 15+ years, we have seen many clients use the treatment alongside their existing methods to control pulling. It is not uncommon for them to report that they are encouraged to stop pulling when they start to see good growth happening. We have not been able to find any studies showing that this helps reduce pulling so these are only anecdotal reports.

When Latisse Is Most Likely to Help

From our own experience, bimatoprost (Latisse) is most helpful when any pulling has reduced to a point where the individual feels that it is under control. There has to be an understanding that it is not a “quick fix” and that it is certainly not a cure. Having awareness of the pulling behaviour and a realistic strategy & mechanisms to combat pulling is also important to prevent a reversal in the results achieved. Accepting that pulling can start again in the future, especially if stress levels rise, is important but sticking to strategies can help limit any future flare ups and stop the pulling becoming excessive. The combination of good habits with Latisse has proven helpful to many people.

When It Is Unlikely to Help

Growing eyelashes with Latisse for trichotillomania is unlikely to be effective when active pulling is ongoing and frequent. It is important that you feel that you have good coping strategies otherwise you will be wasting your time. If you do not have mechanisms in place or if you have not discussed trichotillomania with your GP then we would not recommend starting Latisse.

Our Clinical Approach

We take a cautious, evidence-led approach to eyelash regrowth.

• We do not present bimatoprost as a cure for trichotillomania
• All treatments require a medical consultation
• Prescriptions are issued by UK-registered doctors
• Dispensing is carried out by UK pharmacies

For suitable individuals, bimatoprost may provide meaningful regrowth support when used thoughtfully, honestly, and with realistic expectations. If your pulling behaviour is improving and you would like medical advice on whether bimatoprost / Latisse may be appropriate then our UK doctors can review your situation confidentially.

Founded in 2007, MyLash was the first UK services to make Latisse available in Europe. Our team has helped tens of thousands of clients achieve longer, thicker lashes under medical supervision.

We have been featured in multiple UK magazines and newspapers, recognised for our scientific approach to lash and brow growth.

Why Choose MyLash?

• Doctor-prescribed treatment — safe, genuine Latisse
• Home delivery anywhere in the UK
• Established since 2007, trusted by thousands
• Featured in major UK publications
• Scientifically led, developed by Dr Tom Walker and run by a team of UK doctors

If you’re looking for Latisse in the UK, remember: Boots doesn’t sell it, but you can safely and conveniently obtain it here from Mylash, the UK’s specialist eyelash growth clinic.

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