Trichology – the Science of Hair

When the subject of trichology comes up, the most common questions are:

“What is trichology?”

“What does a trichologist study?”

“What specialist knowledge does a trichologist possess to help me?”

What is trichology?

Trichology is a branch of dermatology that deals with the scientific study of hair and scalp health. A trichologist is a hair and scalp specialist who diagnoses the causes of hair shedding, hair breakage, hair thinning, miniaturisation of hairs, and scalp conditions, delivering treatments according to the cause.

What does a trichologist study?

Studies focus on three biological areas: anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. In addition, a trained trichologist has studied the immune, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, and integumentary* systems. Each of these biological systems is studied individually and as a group, because they can all harbour potential causes for hair loss and scalp irritation if they are out of balance.

* Quick fact: the integumentary system is your body’s outer layer consisting of your skin, nails, hair, glands and nerves. The skin is the body’s largest organ!

What specialist knowledge does a trichologist possess to help me?

Hair loss and scalp irritation are considered a side-effect if part of our body is out of balance. This explains why getting to the condition’s root cause is imperative for successful treatment.

With ever increasing investment in the area, new pioneering science and data is emerging at an ever more rapid rate within the science of hair. As research increases, those with a passion for helping people and practising this science are attracted to it, as this quote explains.

“Alongside progress in clinical diagnosis and care, advances in the understanding of hair growth biology and its pathological conditions is being made at a high pace thanks to the impetus of a generation of both astute practitioners and basic scientists interested in the hair follicle, the sophistication of molecular biology, and new technologies.”¹

Root Cause Clinical practitioners have a trichology qualification and receive annual Continuing Professional Development education. This ensures that they are qualified and keep up to date with the latest science and data regarding hair loss, scalp complaints and treatments.

If you have a hair or scalp health condition that worries you, why not book an initial video consultation and talk to one of our qualified trichologist practitioners? Click HERE to book.

Click HERE to hear our co-founder Wil explain ‘what is trichology‘

References

¹ Trueb, Ralph Michel; Vano-Galvan, Sergio; et al “Trichologist, Dermatotrichologist, or Trichiatrist? A Global Perspective on a Strictly Medical Discipline” Skin Appendage Disorders 2018 Oct 4(4):202-207