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Actress Olivia Munn has opened up about living with trichotillomania, a lesser-known mental health condition marked by compulsive hair-pulling. In a candid conversation on the "Armchair Expert" podcast hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, Munn shared her long, personal battle with the condition, which she says began over a decade ago.
Trichotillomania, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is a psychological disorder characterized by "frequent, repeated, and irresistible urges to pull out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other parts of the body." Munn described the experience as an internal conflict between the momentary sensation and an almost immediate wave of regret.
"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," she explained. "And then when you pull it, there is a quick second of pain. And then there's a satisfaction and an immediate regret."
The origin of her condition, she said, can be traced back to a specific incident involving paparazzi when she was dating actor Chris Pine. The couple was photographed leaving Pine's apartment, and the images quickly spread online. Munn recalled the moment as a turning point, revealing that reading the harsh online comments triggered her trichotillomania. "I did the horrible thing, which was to read the comments," she said. "And they were like, 'I think she set this up!' That began my trichotillomania. That was the very beginning."
Munn's willingness to discuss the condition sheds light on a topic that often goes undiscussed, especially in Hollywood circles where appearances are tightly managed and personal vulnerabilities can be masked. Her story highlights how mental health conditions can often stem from intense emotional distress and social scrutiny.
This revelation comes amid a broader period of openness from Munn, who in recent years has shared her journey through a series of major health challenges. In 2024, she was diagnosed with Luminal B breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease. The cancer was found in both breasts, leading to a double mastectomy as part of her treatment.
More recently, she revealed that she underwent a hysterectomy as a further step in her cancer treatment. Munn told Vogue that the decision to remove her uterus came after experiencing severe fatigue caused by cancer medications. The surgery, she said, was necessary for her well-being and ability to be present for her family. "It was the best decision for me because I needed to be present for my family," she said.
By sharing her experiences, Munn continues to advocate for greater awareness around both physical and mental health. Her transparency offers reassurance to others facing similar struggles and helps to dismantle the stigma surrounding these often silent battles.
