Trichologists study hair and scalp disorders and provide advice on hair and scalp care. Some are medical professionals who can offer medical treatment, while others work in beauty salons and focus on helping people grow strong, healthy hair. Forensic trichologists can test hair for drugs and track drug amounts and collect hair samples for DNA analysis. It is important to note that people with severe scalp and hair issues should see a dermatologist or doctor.
A trichologist studies the hair and scalp to provide information about hair and scalp disorders, as well as hair and scalp care. The profession of trichology is regulated to varying degrees around the world, and there is some confusion about what trichologists do and the types of services they provide. As a general rule, people with severe scalp and hair issues need to see a dermatologist or doctor, not a trichologist, while people with concerns like dry hair would see a trichologist.
Some members of the medical profession have studied trichology and may describe themselves as trichologists. For example, a dermatologist who focuses exclusively on hair and scalp disorders might offer services like a trichologist. He or she can offer medical treatment, from taking samples of scalp sores to looking for infectious agents to prescribing medications to treat hair and scalp problems.
Not all trichologists are members of the medical profession. A trichologist may work in a beauty salon, giving patients advice on hair and scalp care. This type of trichologist focuses on helping people grow strong, healthy hair, and he or she can recommend various products, techniques, or treatment regimens to benefit the salon’s clients.
A trichologist can also perform analysis of hair and scalp samples. Forensic trichologists have special training that allows them to test hair for drugs and track drug amounts and collect hair samples for DNA analysis. Forensic trichology can also include combining hair samples and studying someone’s hair to learn more about their lifestyle. For example, someone might have brittle, dry hair, suggesting outdoor employment, or someone’s hair might contain traces of chemicals found in dye, suggesting that he is an artist; hair keeps an excellent record of the substances people are exposed to over time.
Trichologists can also work by offering advice for hair and scalp problems such as invasive baldness, scalp irritation or brittle hair. They can perform hair analysis to learn more about their customers, and they can help with wig accessories and offer advice on cosmetic options, ranging from plugs to dyes. This type of trichologist usually does not have medical training, although they may have completed a specialization program at a vocational school and it is important that people offering these services can recognize medical conditions that need a doctor’s attention.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN