Your first trichology appointment: what to expect

Before you go

A little preparation helps your trichologist build an accurate picture. It is useful to bring or note down:

• When you first noticed the change and how it has developed since.
• Any illness, surgery, pregnancy, stressful events or diet changes in the past year.
• Medicines and supplements you take, including recent changes.
• Results of any recent blood tests from your GP.
• The products you use and how often you wash, colour, style or use heat.
• Photos of your hair from before the change, if you have them.

Unless you are told otherwise, arrive with your hair as it usually is, without heavy styling products. Ask the clinic whether they would like you to wash your hair beforehand or leave it unwashed.

The conversation

A first appointment often starts with a detailed conversation. Your trichologist will ask about your hair history, general health, family history of hair loss, diet, stress and lifestyle. For women, they may ask about periods, pregnancy and menopause, as hormonal changes can affect hair.

Some of these questions can feel personal. They are asked because hair is sensitive to what is happening elsewhere in the body. You can always say if you would prefer not to answer something.

The examination

Your trichologist will look closely at your scalp and hair. Many use a magnifier or scalp camera, which lets them see the skin, the follicle openings and the thickness of individual hairs. This is painless. They may gently pull on a small section of hair to see how easily it sheds, and look at the length and condition of the hair.

Some clinics take photographs from set positions so that changes can be compared at later visits.

What happens next

Your trichologist should explain what they have found in plain language, what they think may be contributing and what they suggest. This might include changes to your routine, in-clinic treatments, products or a follow-up visit to review progress.

If they think a medical cause is possible, they should recommend that you see your GP, who can arrange blood tests or a referral to a dermatologist through the HSE or the NHS. This is a sign of good practice, not a reason to worry. Trichologists are not usually medical doctors and cannot prescribe medicines or give a medical diagnosis. Trichology is also not statutorily regulated in Ireland or the UK, so it is reasonable to ask about their training and professional body membership.

Follow-up visits

If you and your trichologist agree a plan, you may be offered a follow-up appointment. Because hair grows slowly, reviews are often spaced a few months apart, which gives enough time for any change to become visible. Follow-ups are usually shorter and focus on comparing your hair and scalp with the first visit, often using the same photographs or scalp camera views.

Questions you might ask

• What do you think is contributing to my concern?
• Do you think I should see my GP or a dermatologist?
• What are you recommending, and why?
• What results can I realistically expect, and over what time?
• What will this cost in total, and can I stop at any point?

A good trichologist will answer clearly and will not pressure you into a long course of treatment or expensive products at the first visit.

When not to wait for a trichology appointment

Some signs need a doctor rather than a trichologist first. See your GP promptly if you have sudden patchy loss, pain, burning, marked redness or pus on the scalp, shiny or scarred-looking patches, loss of eyebrows or lashes, rapid loss, or hair loss with other symptoms such as fatigue or weight change. Hair loss in a child should always be checked by a doctor.

Finding a trichologist

Trichollective's directory lists cosmetic, clinical and medical hair and scalp professionals across Ireland and the UK, including trichologists. You can use it to find someone near you and read about how they work before you book.