What Is Trichology?

Trichology is the branch of dermatology that deals with the scientific study of the health of hair and scalp. Trichologists are hair and scalp specialists (one type a skin specialist) who diagnose the causes of hair fall, hair breakage, hair thinning, miniaturization of hairs ; diseases of the scalp and treat according to cause.

The World Trichology Society is an organization dedicated to educating, supporting and promoting trichologists worldwide. It was first formed to help the modern trichologist become better equipped to deal with the continued evolvement of the field of trichology into the 21st century.

The Society works to achieve these goals by promoting the science of trichology and educating future trichologists to exacting standards. Furthermore, it supports its members by helping them stay up-to-date with the latest research, and so enhancing the care of people who suffer from hair loss.

The Society is also diligent in helping the public through education about the possible causes of hair loss and informing them about the choices of hair loss treatments.  It is also committed to provide the public with access to certified trichologists through the World Trichology Society as a helpful step towards receiving qualified advice for a hair loss or scalp condition.

Reasons To Consult A Trichologist

Hair Loss

Hair loss can cause great distress, and there are many misunderstandings about its causes and treatment.

Probably the most common type of hair loss is the so-called ‘male pattern baldness’, which, despite its name, can affect women as well as men, and for which, in men, there appears to be no specific, readily-available treatment. This is a problem that requires sympathetic handling, and a qualified trichologist has to understand the patient’s anxiety and help him come to terms with the loss of hair. Some women suffering from this condition can be helped with medical assistance and the use of hormonal treatment.

There are many other types of hair loss which can and do respond to treatment and advice without medical assistance. There are also some types of hair loss which can have a natural or spontaneous recovery. Excessive hair loss can often be a symptom of some other problem or variation in the metabolism of the body, and for this reason, co-operation between the patient’s doctor and the trichologist is often necessary.

Problems of the scalp

Problems of the scalp, ranging from dandruff to more inflammatory conditions, occupy much of a trichologist’s time. As with the hair, these problems can be symptomatic of some other metabolic variation. Stress, poor diet, or even some allergies to certain foods, can be responsible for the build up and shedding of dead skin cells.

The management of hair and scalp that are excessively greasy is another area in which the advice of a qualified trichologist is often sought. Here, guidance on the right type of shampoo for any particular individual, and on its frequency of use, might be particularly relevant.

Hair texture problems

Problems with hair texture can be caused by over exposure to heat or strong chemicals, or by many of the other stresses and strains to which we subject our hair. In such cases, co-operation with the hairdresser is obviously important, and it indicates that trichologists’ training overlaps both the medical and the cosmetic in areas not normally covered by either doctors or hairdressers.

Hair texture problems usually respond very well to appropriate advice and treatment, as the cause(s), once discovered, can often be reduced or eliminated altogether.

Pharmaceutical preparations

In cases of scalp disorders in particular, it is possible that your trichologist will prescribe treatment creams and shampoos for use either in the clinic or at home. These will either be manufactured by the trichologist (if he or she holds a Medicines Control Agency licence) or by other licensed trichologists who specialise in manufacturing such preparations. These products should always be used in strict accordance with instructions.

Additional services

Where appropriate, the trichologist can give advice to those patients wishing to be referred to members of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons, for hair grafting (hair transplant).

For those seeking to gain added hair (sometimes referred to as ‘hair replacement’) in the form of wigs, extensions or weaving, guidance and appropriate referrals can be offered.

Advice and support can be given to those people who habitually pull their hair. Likewise, information, guidance and support is also given to those people who have lost hair through chemotherapy treatment. (The Institute has published a booklet entitled Chemotherapy and Hair Loss, available from the Institute of Trichologists.)

For details of registered trichologists in your area, or to check that your trichologist is a member of The Institute of Trichologists, and thereby bound by the Institute’s Code of Professional Practice and Ethics, either click here or contact the Institute of Trichcologists. Reference: http://www.trichologists.org.uk/index.php/about-us/what-is-trichology