Trichology is the study of hair and scalp health, with practitioners trained to diagnose and treat conditions such as hair loss, dandruff, and scalp eczema. Trichologists may be pharmacists, science graduates, or estheticians, and training can vary in duration. Treatment may include medication, topicals, nonsurgical methods, or surgical procedures. Salons may offer preventive therapy, and some trichologists are involved in research or product development. Trichology expertise can also be applied to forensics.
Trichology is an area of specialization that deals primarily with the condition of the hair and scalp. Practicing in this field typically requires a good understanding of hair and scalp physiology, as well as medical and lifestyle factors that impact hair and scalp health. A trained trichology professional is often referred to as a trichologist. Hair loss, dandruff or scalp eczema are some of the ailments commonly treated by practicing trichologists. Hair or scalp problems can be treated with medications, topicals, nonsurgical methods, or surgical procedures.
The field of trichology is generally considered a paramedical specialty. Pharmacy or science graduates and estheticians can take courses and become certified as trichologists. Some dermatology doctors may specialize in this area. Trichology programs may vary in duration. Credentials from professional institutions such as The International Association of Trichologists and The Institute of Trichologists are usually better recognized.
Trichology involves the scientific study of the anatomy of the hair and scalp, related biochemical processes, and the hair growth and shedding cycle. Trichologists are typically trained to diagnose symptoms and treat ailments such as alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, premature graying, and hair damage. Training usually includes different medications and trichological procedures for hair and scalp conditions. Experience in this specialty could allow a practitioner to discern hair and scalp symptoms that indicate another medical condition.
At the beginning of treatment, a doctor usually examines a patient’s scalp and hair and inquires about their hair care routine and dietary habits. Sometimes a trichologist inspects a patient’s hair under a microscope and conducts a detailed analysis. A blood test may be suggested to check hormone levels or to detect thyroid or iron deficiencies. If you have hair loss, a trichologist may be able to determine the type of hair loss and whether or not it is reversible.
Depending on the specific condition, treatment might include a hair or scalp medication and a topical formulation that may contain a moisturizer, an anti-inflammatory ingredient, or a keratolytic compound for scales or scabs on the scalp. For some patients, electrotherapy may be prescribed for the scalp to promote hair growth. Procedures such as hair transplantation can be performed on bald areas.
Salons may attract the services of some trichologists. As part of their services, hair salons often offer hair and scalp treatments that can help avoid problems. Preventive therapy could help improve the condition of the scalp and strengthen the hair follicle. A trichologist can also suggest a maintenance regimen for your hair.
Some trichologists are engaged in clinical hair and scalp research or are involved in product development. Expertise in trichology could be applied to other areas such as forensics. Hair analysis could help a forensic team confirm a suspect’s identity. As a result, a qualified trichologist may be called to testify as an expert witness in court.
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