I am a trichologist. What does it even mean ?

Who Exactly Is a Trichologist?

When people ask me what I do for a living and I say, "I’m a trichologist," 9 out of 10 times, they have no idea what that means. So, let me explain.

My name is Kate, and I’m 40 years old. I graduated from the Medical University of Poland with a Master’s degree in Cosmetology. I also completed additional studies at the Medical University’s Dermatology Department at Collegium Medicum UJ, earning a specialization in Trichology in Cosmetology.

With nearly 20 years of experience, I’ve completed numerous courses and training sessions as an Aesthetician and Trichologist. My role is to assess and treat scalp and hair conditions, bridging the gap between dermatology and cosmetology to help clients achieve healthier hair and scalp.

What Trichologist can do for you ?

A trichologist is a specialist who bridges the gap between a dermatologist and an aesthetician. Here’s what a trichologist can do:

• Diagnose Scalp Conditions: Using advanced tools like a trichoscope and dermatoscope, a trichologist can accurately diagnose various scalp conditions.
• Assess Hair Health: Evaluate the condition of your hair and identify any underlying issues.
• Perform Targeted Treatments: Administer treatments specifically designed for different types of hair loss and scalp conditions.
• Advanced Procedures: Utilise devices such as lasers, microneedling, and mesotherapy to perform advanced hair and scalp treatments.
• Provide Expert Guidance: If your condition exceeds the scope of trichology, a trichologist can guide you to seek advice from a GP or dermatologist.
• Interpret Blood Tests: Analyse blood test results with a focus on hair loss, to better understand your condition.
• Conduct Trichograms: Perform trichograms to examine the condition of hair roots and assess overall hair health.
• Recommend Personalised Home Care: Suggest home care routines tailored to your specific needs.
• Suggest Additional Testing: Recommend further tests such as food sensitivity tests, hair mineral analysis, or even parasite testing when necessary.
• Advise on Supplements: Recommend supplements based on your specific condition and blood test results to support overall hair and scalp health.

What type of treatment trichologist is able to perform ?

A trichologist is also qualified to recommend supplements based on your specific condition and blood test results. While most trichologists may not perform advanced treatments, my background as an aesthetician allows me to offer a wide range of procedures that I typically perform on the skin, but adapted for the scalp. These include:

• Exfoliation
• Chemical Peels
• Mesotherapy
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
• Microneedling
• Oxyinfusion
• High-Frequency Treatments
• Hydra Scalp (deep cleansing to the root)
• And many more

To become a trichologist, I believe a minimum of two years of specialised education is essential. This training should cover subjects such as anatomy, physiology, basic chemistry, endocrinology, and many other areas necessary to practice as a trichologist.

A trichologist is similar to an aesthetician or skin therapist, but our focus is on the scalp rather than the face. The scalp is the foundation for each hair root, and maintaining its health is crucial for achieving the best results. Proper treatment always begins with an accurate diagnosis and identifying the root cause of the problem. Simply treating symptoms or offering services without understanding the underlying issue is not a solution; it’s guesswork.

Finding a properly educated and qualified trichologist can be challenging, but it is certainly possible. With the right expertise, a trichologist can make a significant difference in your hair and scalp health.