UNDERSTANDING HAIR AND SCALP HEALTH
What Is Trichology?
Trichology is the study of the hair and scalp. It considers how hair grows, the condition of the scalp, and concerns such as shedding, thinning, irritation and changes in hair quality.
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An assessment starts with the full picture.
A trichologist considers your hair, scalp and history together to discuss possible contributing factors and suitable next steps.
WHEN AN ASSESSMENT MAY HELP
A change in your hair or scalp is worth understanding.
More hair in the shower or brush than is usual for you.
An itchy, flaky or irritated scalp that keeps troubling you.
A widening part, thinning crown or less ponytail thickness.
Hair breakage or a change in hair texture or quality.
Patches of hair loss or changes around the hairline.
Uncertainty about what is causing the change or which advice to follow.
THE SCOPE OF TRICHOLOGY
Hair and scalp concerns take different forms.
A trichology assessment considers the visible changes and possible contributing factors. Some concerns also need medical investigation or treatment.
1
Shedding and thinning
Ongoing shedding, telogen effluvium, female or male pattern hair loss, and menopause-related thinning. The timing and distribution help guide the assessment.
2
Patches and hairline changes
Patchy hair loss, including alopecia areata, traction-related changes and possible scarring hair loss. These concerns may need GP or dermatologist assessment.
3
Scalp symptoms
Itching, flaking, redness or tenderness, including concerns associated with dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis.
4
Breakage and hair quality
Changes in hair-shaft condition, breakage or texture. Hair-care practices are considered alongside the scalp and wider history.
Seek medical advice promptly for sudden or patchy hair loss, scalp pain or burning, redness, or possible scarring. You can see your GP directly; a trichology appointment is not a prerequisite.
WHAT DOES A TRICHOLOGIST DO?
Bring the history and visible findings together.
1
Understand the history
Carmen asks when the concern began, how it has changed, and about health, hormonal changes, illness, surgery, stress, medications, nutrition and hair care. Existing relevant blood test results can be reviewed where appropriate.
2
Examine the hair and scalp
The visible pattern and scalp condition are assessed. Trichoscopy is a non-invasive magnified examination that can show hair-shaft variation, follicle openings, scaling and redness. It is considered alongside your history.
3
Discuss suitable next steps
The findings and possible contributing factors are explained, with guidance on suitable care, monitoring or medical referral. Different concerns need different approaches; a product or supplement will not suit every situation.
Is a trichologist the same as a dermatologist?
No. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specialises in conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. A trichology qualification does not make someone a medical doctor.
Carmen provides hair and scalp assessment, education and guidance. Medical diagnosis, prescription treatment and any required biopsy belong with a doctor. Trichoscopy does not replace medical testing or diagnosis where needed.
Carmen Du Preez is an IAT Certified Trichologist and a member of the International Association of Trichologists, with 18 years of experience in the hair industry.
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