If you've suffered from any type of hair loss or hair thinning, you've probably heard about or even been referred to a trichologist. Trichology is the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the scalp and hair. Deriving from the Ancient Greek word for “hair,” trichology is a branch of dermatology that has been officially practiced since 1902 but still remains unknown to many people. Its main benefit is that it represents a scientific approach to hair growth and hair loss rather than just a cosmetic one. If you want to learn more about this field and the people who specialize in it, read on.
What is a Trichologist?
A trichologist is a specialist who is trained to examine the hair and scalp to diagnose and recommend treatment for hair loss problems and scalp conditions. It's important to note that trichologists are not medical doctors, but are taught to deal with a wide range of issues including:
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Hair breakage or loss
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Sudden or long-term shedding
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Autoimmune or scarring hair loss conditions
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Infections of the skin or hair
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Excessive hair growth
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Scalp disorders such as scalp psoriasis or oily scalp
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Discoloration of the hair due to environmental factors
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Thin hair or general loss of appearance of the hair
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Counseling for those considering hair transplants or other replacement procedures
How Can a Trichologist Help You?
Trichologists use a variety of techniques to get to the “root” of your problem and come up with a treatment plan to address it.
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First, they’ll likely ask you about your hair history and family hair history to see if there are any patterns and recurring hair problems to look out for.
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Next, they’ll conduct a hair analysis to look for hair damage, hair loss, dandruff, an inflamed scalp and anything else that seems out of the ordinary.
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During the inspection, a trichologist may want to get a closer look with a digital microscope, which is known as a trichoscopy, or do a pull test by pulling a group of hairs to see how easily they leave the scalp. To learn more, these hairs can be sent off to the lab to be analyzed.
Based on these tests, a trichologist can recommend treatment options for your particiular needs. Trichologists adapt a holistic approach to treatment, taking into account factors such as lifestyle, diet and wellbeing, as well as the signs and symptoms they detect in your scalp or your hair follicles.
After you find a qualified trichologist and get an accurate diagnosis of your hair or scalp problems, you can get started on your road to recovery. Trichologists can prescribe anything from topical treatments to light therapy, lifestyle guidance and product recommendations. They cannot, however, give you prescription medication or perform medical or surgical procedures.
A Word of Warning
Remember, not all trichologists are made equal, so be sure to scour reviews and do your research before you pay for advice. If you’re worried about serious scalp issues or if you’re suffering from any other symptoms, pay a visit to a qualified doctor or dermatologist instead.
Additionally, people looking for a magic cure to their problems may be disappointed if their hair doesn’t grow back to its full length after treatment. It’s vital to set realistic goals and hope for improvements rather than a cure.
Try Lu First
One of the main things a trichologist may prescribe is a switch in hair products. But, you can save the money on a visit and try a switch to Lu first to see if this helps with symptoms like flaky scalp, oily hair, hair loss, and more.
Lu’s Rescue Collection is designed to recover dry, damaged hair. Formulated with Shatavari-infused glycerin, this hair-restoring line of products can help even the most lifeless locks bounce back from the brink. Moisturizing Shatavari contains phytonutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins that revive hair visibly and naturally, restoring it back to its best. Like all Lu products, the Rescue Collection is fueled by Impossible Keratin™️, which improves hair strength and flexibility, protects the hair's cuticle, and repairs damages by coating porous areas with amino acids. It's almost like having a hair specialist at your fingertips!
