Trichology
What is trichology?
Trichology is the scientific study of the structure and function of the human hair and scalp. It encompasses the assessment, cause, diagnosis and treatment of hair and scalp diseases and disorders. The word trichology comes from the Greek “trikhos”, meaning hair. The hair, scalp and nails form a separate area of specialist interest within the medical field of dermatology.
What is a Trichologist?
A trichologist is a hair and scalp specialist. A qualified trichologist is an expert in all types of hair loss, hair and hair shaft disorders and diseases, and scalp problems. They have an in depth, specialist knowledge of how and why hair loss or scalp problems occur, and in many cases can treat and improve conditions. By evaluating clients on the basis of a thorough examination of the hair and scalp (including trichoscopy and magnification), personal and medical history, diet and lifestyle, genetic factors and environmental conditions, a trichologist is able to suggest individualised treatments, give nutritional advice and recommend lifestyle changes to address any problems with the hair or scalp and improve its health and appearance.
A qualified trichologist has studied, passed exams and successfully completed clinical assessments to achieve a recognised qualification. Academic content includes the structure of cells, hair and skin (the scalp is skin!), the body’s chemistry and its cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, endocrine and immune systems. Trichologists are not usually medically qualified doctors but are clinical specialists (not ‘alternative therapists’ like acupuncture, reiki, and homeopathy). Trichologists use proven clinical techniques to establish symptoms, diagnosis, cause and treatment protocols to resolve their clients’ hair loss and scalp problems.
It is important when choosing your trichologist to realise that it is not a legal requirement for someone calling themselves a trichologist to have a nationally recognised and accredited trichology qualification. I have the iTEC Level 4 Certificate in Trichology (CiT) and am also a member of The World Trichology Society which is a professional body overseeing the ethics and standards of its members. Formal qualification and professional membership offers you as the client reassurance and confidence that your trichologist is a knowledgeable, competent professional with a genuine interest in resolving your hair or scalp issue, rather than looking to make a fast profit from sell products and services such as PRP, microneedling or light therapy.
How can a trichologist help?
It is important to find out what type of hair loss you are dealing with and what’s causing it before you can start thinking about solutions and treatments – and that’s where your trichologist comes in. Whilst over 90% of male hair loss and balding is the result of inherited androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss or MPHL), it affects more like 10% of women. There are many different hair loss (alopecia) and scalp conditions which have a range of causes, sometimes working against you in combination! Whatever your gender, age or ethnicity, your trichologist will piece together all the clues from taking a thorough history, and carefully examining your hair and scalp, to arrive at a diagnosis. This is then the basis for determining the best course of action for you.
These are the main issues I help clients with on a regular basis, although there are many others:
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Androgenetic alopecia – inherited male and female pattern hair loss
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Telogen effluvium – excessive hair shedding and thinning
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Auto-immune alopecias – eg alopecia areata
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Traction alopecias and trichotillosis
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Age-related hair loss and thinning
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Scarring alopecias – eg frontal fibrosing
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Hair restoration and camouflage – independent advice including hair transplantation, scalp micropigmentation, hair fibres and wigs
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Scalp conditions causing itch, flake, scale, soreness, redness, pain or sensation – including psoriasis and eczema/dermatitis