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What does a Trichologist do?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A trichologist studies the hair and scalp to provide information about disorders of the hair and scalp as well as care of the hair and scalp. The trichology profession is regulated to varying degrees around the world, and there is some confusion about what trichologists do and the types of services they offer. As a general rule, people with serious scalp and hair problems need to see a dermatologist or a 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 on hair and scalp disorders exclusively may offer services as a trichologist. He or she can offer medical treatment ranging from taking samples of ulcerations in the scalp to look for infectious agents to prescribing medications to manage hair and scalp problems.

Trichologists offer advice for conditions like brittle hair.
Trichologists offer advice for conditions like brittle hair.

Not all trichologists are members of the medical profession. A trichologist may work in a salon, providing advice to patients about hair and scalp care. This type of trichologist focuses on helping people grow healthy, strong hair, and he or she may recommend various hair care products, techniques, or regimens to benefit clients of the salon.

A trichologist may also conduct analysis of samples from the hair and scalp. Forensic trichologists have special training which allows them to test hair for drugs and trace amounts of medication, and to collect hair samples for DNA analysis. Forensic trichology can also include matching of hair samples, and the study of someone's hair to learn more about his or her lifestyle. For example, someone may have unusually dry, brittle hair which suggests outdoor employment, or someone's hair may contain traces of chemicals found in paint, suggesting that he or she is an artist; hair keeps an excellent record of the substances people are exposed to over time.

A trichologist may offer hair and scalp advice for issues related to baldness.
A trichologist may offer hair and scalp advice for issues related to baldness.

Trichologists can also work offering advice for hair and scalp issues such as encroaching baldness, scalp irritation, or brittle hair. They may conduct hair analysis to learn more about their clients, and they can assist with wig fittings and offer advice on cosmetic options ranging from hair plugs to hair colorings. This type of trichologist generally lacks medical training, although he or she may have completed a specialty program at a vocational school, and it is important for people who offer these services to be able to recognize medical conditions which need attention from a doctor.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PracticalAdultInsights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PracticalAdultInsights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon332466

I want to go into trichology, but I am not sure where it could lead me into the future. For example, where would I work or would I open my own business?

MissMuffet

I really wanted to go to medical school but it wasn't a feasible option for several reasons.

Now I work as a therapist, specialising in counseling those dealing with hair transplants, or needing advice on the best hair loss treatments available for them.

It's a fascinating job and I am happy to be able to help people dealing with issues which are so important to our self esteem.

Windchime

If you are looking for someone to advise on non medical hair and scalp issues it's hard to know who to trust.

A good starting point is the Institute of Trichologists. People who care enough to join a regulatory and training body are a better bet than others, in my opinion.

My sister works for a hairdressing salon who have a hair trichologist on staff, which is how I know a little about it.

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    • Trichologists offer advice for conditions like brittle hair.
      By: olly
      Trichologists offer advice for conditions like brittle hair.
    • A trichologist may offer hair and scalp advice for issues related to baldness.
      By: dambuster
      A trichologist may offer hair and scalp advice for issues related to baldness.
    • A trichologist may prescribe medications to manage hair and scalp problems.
      By: iceteastock
      A trichologist may prescribe medications to manage hair and scalp problems.
    • A trichologist may conduct analysis of samples from the hair and scalp.
      By: Africa Studio
      A trichologist may conduct analysis of samples from the hair and scalp.