Trichology is a clinical discipline that involves diagnosing and treating disorders of the hair and scalp, including hair loss, hair breakage, and common scalp problems like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. If you’re experiencing problems with your hair and/or scalp, a qualified trichologist can diagnose the problem and discuss a range of treatments to resolve it.
Here, you’ll learn when to see a trichologist, which hair and scalp conditions they diagnose, and which treatments they can recommend. Additionally, discover how trichologists differ from dermatologists, and what happens during a trichology consultation. You’ll also discover how the Wimpole Clinic supports those with expert hair loss assessment and treatment.
Key takeaways
You should consult a trichologist if you start to experience any hair and/or scalp symptoms that are unusual, painful, or longstanding, especially if they haven’t been medically assessed before. These might include:
Ultimately you can consult a trichologist if you’re experiencing any kind of hair or scalp problem. If they’re unable to help, they can refer you to a dermatologist or doctor for further assessment.
Trichologists deal with hundreds of different conditions, from all types of alopecia to various scalp conditions. The lists below aren’t exhaustive, but include many of the most common ailments trichologists tackle every day.
Your trichologist can advise you on the most likely causes of your hair and/or scalp problems, and explore a variety of treatments available to help tackle them. They can recommend over-the-counter and in-clinic therapies that may help (such as minoxidil or platelet-rich plasma therapy for hair loss).
Trichologists aren’t generally medically qualified, and therefore can’t prescribe medications that are only available on prescription (such as finasteride or off-label drugs). However, at specialist hair and scalp facilities like the Wimpole Clinic, trichologists often liaise with prescribing physicians on-site to ensure you get the treatment you need.
Some trichologists may also be qualified doctors, in which case they’re sometimes known as trichiatrists [1]. Trichiatrists can prescribe off-label and prescription medications themselves.
There is some crossover between trichology and dermatology, as both fields deal with skin disorders. However, trichologists deal exclusively with conditions affecting the hair and scalp, while dermatologists deal with skin problems affecting the whole body.
Conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and ringworm can be tackled by a trichologist or a dermatologist when they affect the scalp. If conditions spread to other areas, it’s best to seek advice from a dermatologist. Any kind of hair problem should be treated by a trichologist.
Booking a consultation with a trichologist might feel daunting if you don’t know what to expect. But when you choose diagnosis and treatment at the Wimpole Clinic, our trichology team will put you completely at ease. Here, you’ll get:
The Wimpole Clinic is an award-winning hair transplant clinic that’s also home to a highly qualified and experienced trichology team. With headquarters on Harley Street in London’s premier medical district, our trichologists have helped diagnose and treat hair and scalp problems in thousands of patients.
If you’re worried about symptoms of hair loss or your scalp feels sore and tender, we can help. Book a consultation with our trichology team for a thorough consultation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn more about trichology and what to look for in a trichologist in these frequently asked questions.
It’s often advisable to consult with your GP before seeking private medical care, as NHS GP appointments are free for qualifying patients.
However, treatments for pattern baldness and certain other types of hair loss aren’t generally available on the NHS. These conditions are considered cosmetic issues rather than health conditions, so the NHS won’t provide or fund treatment for these. A private trichologist can provide advice and treatment for these conditions.
No, but you may be able to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists treat skin conditions (including those on the scalp). They won’t generally treat hair loss conditions unless they relate to skin disorders.
No. Unlike hairdressing and hairstyling, trichology involves examining and diagnosing hair problems and conditions. A hair stylist may suggest seeing a doctor or trichologist if they notice specific changes or symptoms in your hair, but they aren’t usually qualified to diagnose the problem themselves. Most trichologists aren’t qualified to cut or style your hair (unless they have separate hairdressing training).
Qualified trichologists have undertaken at least one specialist training programme that gives them the knowledge and skills to diagnose and advise on hair and scalp disorders. In the UK, these courses are offered by the Institute of Trichologists and select universities and colleges.
Recognised qualifications include a Level 5 Diploma in Clinical Trichology and PgCert in Trichology and Hair Sciences.
Yes — if they’re qualified. A qualified trichologist can offer invaluable advice and insight into hair and scalp disorders, helping you treat your condition and reduce further physical or emotional discomfort.
However, trichology isn’t a well-regulated industry, even in the UK [2]. So make sure the trichologist you choose has at least one recognised trichology qualification, and works out of a reputable hair loss clinic.
Wimpole Clinic Services:
Hair Transplants, Beard Transplants & Eyebrow Transplants.
Talk to a specialist
Dr Mir Malkani (GMC: 4702052; MBBS, MISHRS, FRCS) is a pioneer and leader in the field of FUE hair transplants in the UK. He has performed over 7,000 hair transplant procedures in the last 20+ years ,and is an innovator in FUE surgery due to his extensive experience.
Dr Malkani became one of the first three FUE surgeons in the UK and has developed the modern FUE surgery technique. He has been performing FUE surgery since January 2008 and now almost exclusively performs this technique. Dr Malkani takes a keen interest in every patient and their surgery results. He performs all surgical aspects himself, ensuring a high standard of work and accountability for each individual patient whilst complying with UK law.
After achieving a Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1997, Dr Malkani had the opportunity to work in a range of specialties in Dublin, London, Sussex and the Midlands. This included Trauma Surgery, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Dermatology. Additionally, Dr Malkani has achieved qualifications in General Practice and has been a practising hair transplant surgeon on a full-time basis since 2004. He worked for the Wimpole Clinic from 2013 to 2016 as a specialist FUE surgeon before setting up his own hair clinic in 2017, which eventually merged with Wimpole Clinic in 2019.
Since 2015, Dr Malkani has become an expert witness for the UK judicial system in order to provide expert medical opinions to the courts for hair transplant medical malpractices in the UK. He has been pivotal in helping the UK courts in improving the quality of hair transplant surgery in the UK and in patients suffering malpractice from poor unregulated work here in the UK. Dr Malkani has performed hair transplant surgery in England, Scotland, Ireland and Sweden.
Dr Malkani has taken a keen interest in and practised facial aesthetics, body sculpting and hair loss for many years. His surgical qualifications, experience, skill and understanding of facial cosmetology has enabled him to master the most modern and advanced techniques and artistry of FUE hair surgery. These outstanding skills have helped transform the lives of his male, female and transgender patients. He is one of the few around the world whose transaction rate (damage to grafts during extraction) is extremely low (under 2%). This ensures a high volume of viable grafts and a good result without compromising the donor area. Dr Malkani is also one of a few surgeons in the UK who can harvest body hair in a hair transplant where there is a depleted donor area.
In 2008, Dr Malkani had the honour to be invited to lecture on the Art and Sciences of Hair Restoration Surgery and Hair Loss in the annual meeting of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors at The Royal College of Physicians in London. Dr Malkani has trained others in the specialty of hair restoration surgery in the United Kingdom, Italy and Asia. He has worked on thousands of hair transplant patients over the past 16 years and has kept abreast of constant new developments in the industry.
Membership of professional bodies by Dr Malkani includes full membership of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors, and British Medical Association. He has been featured by the national press and BBC as a key senior, versatile hair transplant surgeon in the UK.
GMC Registration No: 4702052
