What does a trichologist do?

Trichology in a sentence

Trichology is the study of the hair and scalp. A trichologist uses that knowledge to assess concerns such as thinning, shedding, breakage and scalp discomfort, and to suggest practical ways to care for the hair and scalp.

Trichologists come from different backgrounds. Some trained first as hairdressers, others in science or healthcare. What they have in common is a focus on the hair and scalp as a whole, rather than on styling alone.

What a trichologist looks at

A trichology consultation is usually detailed. A trichologist will often:

• Ask about your hair history, when you first noticed a change and how it has developed.
• Ask about your general health, medicines, diet, stress and any recent illness or life events.
• Look at the scalp and hair closely, often with a magnifier or scalp camera.
• Look at the length, thickness and condition of the hair and how it breaks.
• Talk through your washing, styling and colouring habits.

From this, they build a picture of what might be contributing to your concern. If they think blood tests would help, they will usually suggest you ask your GP, who can arrange them.

Concerns trichologists often help with

People commonly see a trichologist about gradual thinning, increased shedding, hair that breaks easily, dry or oily scalp, flaking and itching, and damage from styling or chemical treatments. Trichologists can also help you understand a diagnosis you have already been given, and support you with scalp care alongside medical treatment.

Many trichologists offer treatments in clinic, such as scalp treatments and conditioning, and may recommend products or changes to your routine. Ask what each treatment is intended to do and what results you can realistically expect.

Trichologists can also be a steady point of contact over time. Hair changes slowly, so regular reviews with photographs or scalp camera images can show whether things are improving, staying the same or changing in a way that needs a doctor's opinion.

Where their role ends

Most trichologists are not medical doctors. They cannot prescribe medicines or make a medical diagnosis, and they should not present themselves as able to. A responsible trichologist knows these limits well and refers people to a GP or dermatologist when something needs medical care.

You should expect a referral to your GP if you have sudden patchy loss, pain, burning, redness or pus on the scalp, signs of scarring, loss of eyebrows or lashes, rapid loss, or hair loss alongside other symptoms such as fatigue or weight change. Hair loss in children should always be checked by a doctor.

How it differs from a salon visit

A stylist is often the first person to notice a change in your hair or scalp, and many stylists are very knowledgeable. A trichology consultation is different in its focus. Rather than cutting, colouring or styling, the time is spent understanding why your hair or scalp is behaving as it is.

That usually means a longer appointment, more questions about your health and history, a closer examination and a written or clearly explained plan. Some trichologists also work in or alongside salons, so the two kinds of care can sit comfortably together.

Checking training and membership

Trichology is not a statutorily regulated profession in Ireland or the UK. That means the title is not protected by law, and the depth of training varies. Before booking, it is reasonable to ask:

• Where did you train, and for how long?
• Do you belong to a recognised professional body, and does it have a code of conduct and a complaints process?
• Do you have professional insurance?
• How do you work with GPs and dermatologists?

A good trichologist will be happy to answer these questions and will not pressure you into long courses of treatment or expensive products.

Finding a trichologist

Trichollective's directory lists cosmetic, clinical and medical hair and scalp professionals across Ireland and the UK. You can use it to find trichologists near you, alongside head spa therapists, stylists, nurses and doctors who work with hair and scalp concerns.