The Hair & Scalp Clinic

Q. WHAT IS TRICHOLOGY?
 
A. Trichology deals with the study of scalp and hair problems - the different types of hair loss, baldness, scaling problems that occur, and the non-medical treatment of those maladies. 
 
Q. WHAT IS A QUALIFIED TRICHOLOGIST?
 
A. A qualified Trichologist is someone who has successfully completed the trichology educational programme of either the Institute of Trichologists based in London or the International Association of Trichology based in Australia.
 
Both programmes' subject matters include anatomy and physiology of the skin, anatomy and physiology of the systems of the human body, chemistry, microscopy, nutrition, hair and scalp maladies and, electro-therapy. 
 
Q. WHAT PROBLEMS DOES A TRICHOLOGIST DEAL WITH?
 
A. Most problems seen by Trichologists involve either:

1. Excessive loss of hair, thinning hair, patches of baldness, or hair breakage. 

2. Scaling problems - either in patches or over the entire scalp. 

3. Excessive oiliness and/or irritation of the scalp.  

Q. WHAT WILL A TRICHOLOGIST DO? 
 
A. During the initial consultation, the Trichologists will determine what the problem is. This is when their knowledge and experience is most called upon. Deeper analysis of the hair or skin may be necessary to help the Trichologists determine the cause of the problem and the best way to treat it. Once the cause is established, the Trichologists will decide:

1. If your problem requires treatment and, if so, what treatment would be most beneficial. 

2. If your problem is such that referral to a medical doctor is necessary. 

3. If surgical procedures are required, your Trichologists will advise you on the best and most effective methods available. 

Q. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE FOR HAIR LOSS? 
 
A. Many body dysfunctions can cause hair loss or accelerate patterns of baldness. In the case of hereditary hair loss, this can be slowed to a minimum and regular treatment may improve hair density. All other types of hair loss are treatable, but their cause must be determined and, if possible, eliminated. The hair grows very quickly and reflects body imbalances very quickly. Therefore, certain types of hair loss can indicate internal dysfunctions of the body, some of which can be serious. 
 
Q. IS MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF THE HAIR NECESSARY? 
 
A. In certain cases of hair loss and breakage, microscopic analysis of hair is essential to establish the type of problem that exists. Microscopic analysis can be used to:

1. Establish whether your rate of hair loss is excessive. 

2. Determine if the hair bulbs are functioning normally. 

3. Assess the structural damage to hair. 

4. Determine the severity of alopecia areata - a stress related problem. 

5. Confirm if dietary malfunction is the cause of hair loss. 

6. Confirm the presence of genetic hair problems. 

 
Q. WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE APPOINTMENT?

A. During your consultation we will examine your hair and scalp using a trichoscopy camera which can magnify sections of your scalp. This technology can see the hair follicle in fantastic detail and shows the hair growth and loss pattern which is of paramount importance for correct diagnosis. We will ask questions about your general health and medical history, your diet, lifestyle and how you look after your hair. They may decide that blood testing of hormone levels, thyroid or iron levels are necessary or that your diet needs adjusting. All in all, it is a holistic consultation which can take up to an hour, not just a hair and scalp examination. The idea is to seek out the cause of the problem, rather than just treating the symptom.