Dermatologist

Dermatologists are fully qualified doctors who have gone on to specialist training in skin disease. Because the scalp is skin and hair grows from it, hair loss and scalp conditions fall within their field. They can diagnose, order tests, take biopsies and prescribe treatment.

In Ireland and the UK, you usually see a dermatologist through a referral from your GP, either in the public system through the HSE or the NHS, or privately. Waiting times for public appointments can be long, so it helps to see your GP early if you are worried.

A dermatologist is the right person for scarring or inflamed scalp conditions, sudden patchy loss, hair loss in children and anything that is not improving with simpler care.