Trichology is the science of diseases, structure and function of human hair. Clinical trichology is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the hair and scalp.
Trichologists take a holistic approach to treatment taking into account many different factors such as lifestyle, diet, medical history, family history, hair care routines, and wellbeing as a whole as well as the signs and symptoms at present.
There are many reasons to consult a trichologist. From hair loss to scalp disorders there are a whole host of conditions which can cause distress and anxiety. There can be a lot of misunderstandings when it comes to hair loss and scalp disorders through internet searches and asking the advice of friends of family. A trichologist goes through extensive training and their entire specialism focuses just on hair and scalp.
Alopecia can be seen as a scary word but it is simply the clinical term for any type of hair loss. This can be patchy, diffuse, patterned, temporary or permanent. Before hitting search on Google it is important to understand that there are many different types and causes of alopecia and consulting a trichologist is the best way to get a clear diagnosis, explanation and treatment plan specifically for what type of hair loss you are dealing with.
The most common type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern loss (MPL) or female pattern alopecia (FPA). Other types of hair loss we see in the clinic are telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, diffuse alopecia areata, traumatic loss, trichotilosis (trichotillomania) and many more.
Scalp disorders can be uncomfortable and at times embarrassing. Scalp disorders can range from excess flaking on the scalp caused by dandruff to more inflammatory conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis.
If you're like me you may have tried every product on the shelf to try and 'fix' the problem but to no avail. A trichologist will accurately diagnose your condition, explain the cause and will advise on products and lifestyle changes to help manage the condition effectively.