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A trichologist is a specialist who focuses on trichology, which is the study of diseases or problems related to hair and the scalp, as well as their treatments.
Trichology takes its name from the Greek word Trikhos, which means hair. Although trichologists are not doctors, they can advise people who have hair-related problems, such as hair loss or scalp conditions.
What to Expect during a Visit to the Trichologist
When you visit a trichologist, you can expect a thorough examination of your hair and scalp.
The trichologist may ask you several questions about your medical history, diet, lifestyle, and hair care routine. Your answers can help the trichologist determine how to treat you or whether to refer you to another specialist or doctor.
Trichologists sometimes perform a hair analysis to check for structural damage or the presence of lice or fungal infections, for example.
Once the trichologist has reached a diagnosis, they will recommend the next steps to take. This may include:
- Referral to another professional, specialist or primary care physician;
- Topical creams or lotions;
- Nutritional advice;
- A mental health professional if your condition appears to be stress-related.
What Does a Trichologist Do?
Specialists working in this field help people suffering from problems such as hair loss, broken hair, oily scalp and scalp psoriasis.
Some trichologists may also treat problems related to conditions such as alopecia and trichotillomania, or hair pulling disorder.
Trichologists examine the hair and scalp to diagnose and recommend treatment appropriate to your condition and its severity.
Reasons to See a Trichologist
Trichologists treat a wide range of hair and scalp conditions:
Hair Loss in Men and Women (Baldness)
Common baldness is a common form of hair loss in men and women. In men, hair loss follows a well-defined pattern, starting above the temples and eventually receding to form a characteristic "M" shape. Women are more likely to experience general thinning of the hair without a receding hairline.
Hair Loss
Hair loss, or telogen effluvium, occurs when large sections of hair detach from the scalp. It can be caused by several factors, including stress, surgery, high fever, blood loss, hormonal changes and childbirth. Hair loss is a common side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs.
If you are experiencing hair loss, a trichologist may be a good place to start. They should be able to refer you to a doctor who can help treat the underlying problems.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia is a condition in which the hair follicles are destroyed, resulting in irreversible hair loss. A trichologist may be able to help you treat this condition. If scarring alopecia is treated early, patients can sometimes regrow their hair. In other cases, hair loss is permanent.
Scarring alopecia is caused by inflammatory disorders, chemicals such as hair relaxers, and several fungal diseases.
Excessive Hair Growth in Women
Women with excessive hair growth, or hirsutism, may notice abundant hair on their body or face, particularly on the upper lip, chin, chest and back. Hirsutism is caused by an excess of the male hormone androgen.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often the cause of hirsutism in women. It can also result from disorders of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands or thyroid gland, or from side effects of medication.
A trichologist may be able to treat the condition or refer you to the right doctor for a diagnosis, depending on the underlying cause.
