A trichologist is a specialist who studies the hair and scalp in order to provide information on hair and scalp disorders as well as hair and scalp care. Trichologists are regulated to varying degrees around the world, and there is some misunderstanding about what they do and the services they provide. People with serious scalp and hair problems should see a dermatologist or doctor, not a trichologist, while those with concerns such as dry hair should see a trichologist.
Trichologists are medical professionals who have studied trichology and call themselves trichologists. A dermatologist who specializes solely in hair and scalp disorders, for example, may practice as a trichologist. He or she can provide medical treatment ranging from taking samples of scalp ulcers to look for infectious agents to prescribing medications to treat hair and scalp issues.
Trichologists are not all medical professionals. A trichologist may work in a salon, giving patients hair and scalp care advice. This type of trichologist specializes in assisting people in growing healthy, strong hair, and he or she may recommend various hair care products, techniques, or regimens to salon customers.
Hair and scalp samples may be analyzed by a trichologist as well. Trichologists with forensic training can test hair for drugs and trace amounts of medication, as well as collect hair samples for DNA analysis. Forensic trichology can also include hair sample matching and the examination of someone’s hair to learn more about his or her lifestyle. Someone’s hair, for example, may be unusually dry and brittle, indicating outdoor work, or traces of chemicals found in paint, indicating that he or she is an artist; hair keeps an excellent record of the substances people are exposed to over time.
Trichologists can help with hair and scalp problems like encroaching baldness, scalp irritation, and brittle hair. They may perform hair analysis to learn more about their clients, as well as assist with wig fittings and provide cosmetic advice on everything from hair plugs to hair coloring. Although this type of trichologist may have completed a specialty program at a vocational school, it is critical for people who provide these services to be able to recognize medical conditions that require medical attention from a doctor.