Trichology is the study of the hair and scalp, including the causes, diagnosis, and non-surgical management of hair and scalp disorders.
A trichologist specializes in evaluating conditions such as:
- Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss)
- Alopecia Areata
- Telogen effluvium
- Scarring alopecias
- Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
- Hair shaft abnormalities
- Scalp inflammation and itching
- What does a trichologist do?
- Takes a detailed hair-loss history
- Performs scalp and hair examination
- Uses trichoscopy (digital scalp microscopy)
- Assesses hair density, diameter, and miniaturization
- Recommends lifestyle, nutritional, medical, and cosmetic interventions
- Refers patients to dermatologists or surgeons when needed
- Is trichology a medical specialty?
- Trichology itself is not a recognized medical specialty in most countries. Trichologists may come from backgrounds such as medicine, dermatology, pharmacy, nursing, or cosmetology. Medical diagnosis and prescription of medications generally require a licensed healthcare professional.
- Topics covered in a trichology course
- Hair anatomy and physiology
- Hair growth cycle
- Hair loss disorders
- Scalp diseases
- Trichoscopy
- Laboratory investigations
- Nutrition and hair health
- Medical and non-surgical hair restoration
- Hair transplant principles
- In simple terms, trichology is the science and practice of understanding, diagnosing, and managing hair and scalp problems.
