Have you ever wondered why your hair looks different from somebody else’s? Why does one product work differently for you and them? We’ve all been there when questions about our hair and scalp health have left us wondering what, why or how? The answers to all of these and more questions can simply be found in the field of trichology.
Trichology Meaning
If trichology is an entirely new word in your dictionary, keep reading. The branch of science studies the diagnosis and treatment of hair, hair follicles and scalp-related concerns. These include situations that can lead to symptoms of hair texture issues, dandruff, hair loss and other serious conditions.
Hair Growth and Trichology
Your hair needs the right environment to grow in an unrestricted manner. To clarify, it needs a scalp and hair follicles which provide optimal conditions for healthy growth. Here’s where trichology comes in. It helps in understanding this cycle and creating the required conditions to promote growth and prevent loss.
Function Of Trichology
Trichology fundamentally answers the why of hair loss. The process involves the evaluation of several aspects related to hair health. As a result, trichology provides the causes, solutions and treatment for the same. These differ for each individual and are catered thoroughly with trichology.
Risk Factors For Hair and Scalp Health
As one of our main body parts, the head is constantly exposed to several factors that can directly or indirectly affect the scalp's health. Factors such as the sun, hair styling products, vitamin deficiencies and stress are some such examples.
These factors alter the nervous system of the head, leading to ageing and early impoverishment of the hair and skin. Trichology consists of different techniques that focus on treating hair as an extension of the skin and improving its overall health.
What is a Trichologist?
Simply put, a trichologist is a qualified and certified hair loss specialist. They study the human hair and scalp with a core focus on biology and chemistry to decode the mechanisms of healthy hair growth. Basically, trichologists focus on studying all hair-related matters, including the most common problem- hair loss.
In some cases, trichologists also conduct research on hair products that one might see in a hair salon. From start to end, a trichologist knows everything about hair; there is to know. They analyse how your hair operates on a holistic level.
Deramtologists Vs Trichologist
At this point, a trichologist might sound similar to a dermatologist; keep reading to understand the difference.
While there is an inevitable overlap between these two branches, there is a vast difference in the level of specialisation. A dermatologist specifically caters to diagnosing and treating conditions associated with the skin, hair follicles and nails. However, they can't provide specific answers and solutions for your hair problems.
While dermatologists do have a level of understanding of hair and scalp health, a trichologist deals with start-to-end analysis. They can also refer the specific products for your concern.
Are All Trichologists Doctors?
Doctors may be a trichologist, but all trichologists aren’t necessarily doctors. They are not necessarily, medically qualified. It is possible for them to have a medical background in addition to their trichology certification. But, trichology in itself is not a medical certification. Hence, you may even come across a trichologist working at a salon.
When to Consult a Trichologist?
Some prevalent conditions that require a trichologist’s attention include:
- Hair loss
- Hair breakage
- Hair thinning
- Alopecia
- Dandruff
Furthermore, trichologists treat the following scalp conditions:
- Psoriasis
- Cradle cap
- Ringworm
- Folliculitis
- Seborrhoeic eczema
- Contact dermatitis
Qualified trichologists help with the diagnosis of these problems and suggest appropriate solutions for improved hair health. Along with these issues, trichologists also help deal with the issue of excessive hair growth for women.
Yes, you are reading this right. A condition known as Hirsutism causes excessive growth of darker and coarser hair in women in areas such as the back, chest, chin and upper lip. This occurs when women experience an imbalance in the body's androgens—primarily testosterone—levels. PCOS is one very common cause of the same. However, it is always best to seek guidance from a qualified trichologist.
Even if you are not experiencing these issues, visiting a trichologist is a good step. As it is said, “prevention is better than cure.” So, plan and seek consultation for preventative measures to ensure good hair and scalp health.
What To Expect During Your First Trichologist Consultation?
A trichologist needs to understand your hair health inside out. Therefore, they will start with questions about your life history, habits, lifestyle, and genetic and environmental conditions. In addition, they would also want to seek information regarding your ongoing medication, stress, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies.
The process often starts with examining a patient’s hair through non-invasive visual inspection. However, sometimes, a trichologist may also use microscopic technology to analyse the scalp and hair follicles.
Best Trichologists Near You
Scratching your head and thinking of visiting a trichologist. Well, it’s your best decision for your hair and scalp health. If you need some help finding one near you, here are all the details you need:
