To understand what a trichologist is we first need to know what trichology is. What is that? Trichology is the branch of dermatology that focuses on the study of the scalp and hair health.
Simply put, it involves assessing, diagnosing and treating conditions related to hair loss, scalp disorders, and hair shaft abnormalities. Let’s take a deeper look into what they can do to treat such conditions.
What is a Trichologist?
The etymological meaning of “trichology” comes from the Ancient Greek ‘trikhos,’ which means hair. Trichologists are hair and scalp specialists trained in diagnosing and managing hair-related conditions. These include hair thinning, hair loss, scalp disorders or dandruff.
⚠️ Bear in mind: trichologists are not MDs and they can’t prescribe medication or perform medical procedures, such as dermatologists.
When Should You See a Trichologist?
You should see a trichologist if you’re experiencing hair loss, scalp issues, or changes in hair texture that don’t improve with regular care. While not a medical doctor, a trichologist specializes in hair and scalp health and can help with conditions such as:
✔ Hair loss & thinning (androgenetic alopecia, beard hair loss, telogen effluvium)
✔ Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata)
✔ Excessive shedding (stress, hormonal imbalances)
✔ Scalp conditions (dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis)
✔ Dry, brittle, or damaged hair (nutritional deficiencies, chemical damage)
How Can a Certified Trichologist Help You?
A certified trichologist helps patients by assessing scalp health, hair texture, and lifestyle factors affecting hair growth. Depending on your hair loss type, they can recommend scalp therapies, specialized shampoos, dietary changes, and low-level laser therapy to improve hair health. Their goal is long-term scalp and hair health improvement.
The 4-Step Trichology Process
- Assessment– The trichologist examines your hair and scalp condition, takes your medical history, and discusses lifestyle factors (diet, stress, hair care habits).
- Diagnosis– Using scalp analysis tools, they identify the cause of hair loss or scalp issues and determine if medical intervention is needed.
- Treatment Plan– Based on the diagnosis, they recommend topical treatments, dietary advice, and lifestyle changes to support hair growth.
- Aftercare Guidance– They provide long-term scalp care routines and may refer you to a dermatologist if medical treatment (e.g., finasteride, PRP therapy) is needed.
💡 If your hair loss is sudden, severe, or linked to a medical condition, consulting a dermatologist may be necessary.
How Much Does a Trichologist Cost?
The cost of seeing a dermatologist varies based on location, expertise, and whether the visit is private or covered by insurance. In many countries, public healthcare covers dermatology consultations for medical conditions (e.g., psoriasis, eczema), but cosmetic dermatology and hair loss treatments are usually private and self-funded.
Below is a comparison of average private dermatology consultation costs in different countries:
Country | Average Cost of a Dermatology Consultation (Private) | Follow-up Appointment |
United Kingdom (UK) | £150 – £300 | £100 – £200 |
United States (US) | $150 – $400 (without insurance) | $100 – $250 |
Ireland | €150 – €250 | €100 – €200 |
Canada | $200 – $350 CAD (private) | $100 – $200 CAD |
Australia | $200 – $350 AUD | $100 – $250 AUD |
New Zealand | $150 – $300 NZD | $100 – $200 NZD |
Turkey | $50 – $150 USD | $30 – $100 USD |
💡 Insurance coverage varies—some countries offer dermatology care under public health systems, but cosmetic procedures, laser treatments, and hair loss consultations are often self-paid.
Would you like cost estimates for specific treatments like PRP, microneedling, or laser therapy?
- Contact Us for a Free Online Medical Consultation.
Why Choosing a Certified Trichologist Matters
Selecting a certified trichologist is crucial to ensuring professional expertise and reliable care. Certification confirms that the specialist has undergone formal training and follows industry standards in diagnosing and managing hair and scalp conditions.
Choosing a qualified professional helps you avoid misinformation and ineffective treatments, ensuring that your hair and scalp concerns are addressed safely and effectively. Always verify a trichologist’s credentials and certifications before starting treatment.
How to Become a Trichologist
Becoming a trichologist involves specialized education and training in hair and scalp health. While trichologists are not medical doctors, they undergo professional certification to diagnose and manage hair loss, scalp conditions, and hair care concerns.
Steps to Becoming a Certified Trichologist:
1. Educational Background – No medical degree is required, but a background in cosmetology, dermatology, or health sciences is beneficial.
2. Trichology Certification – Enroll in a recognized trichology program from institutions like:
World Trichology Society (WTS)
Practical Training– Gain hands-on experience in scalp analysis, hair assessments, and trichological treatments.
Certification & Licensing– Pass exams and obtain certification to practice as a professional trichologist.
Continuing Education– Stay updated on new hair loss treatments, scalp health research, and advancements in trichology.
Is a Trichologist Better Than a Dermatologist?
A trichologist can help with early hair loss concerns, but for serious conditions like alopecia areata, severe hair loss, or scalp diseases, a dermatologist is the best option.
Here are the main differences between a trichologist and a dermatologist:
- Trichologist: Specializes in hair and scalp health, provides non-medical advice, and recommends treatments like topical solutions, lifestyle changes, and scalp care.
- Dermatologist: A licensed medical doctor who can diagnose skin, hair, and nail disorders, prescribe medications (e.g., minoxidil, finasteride), and perform medical procedures like hair transplants or scalp biopsies.
FAQs
Is a trichologist a real doctor?
No, a trichologist is not a medical doctor. They are hair and scalp specialists trained to diagnose and manage hair loss and scalp conditions but cannot prescribe medication or perform medical procedures.
Does insurance cover trichologists?
Most health insurance plans do not cover trichologists, as they are not medical doctors. However, dermatology consultations for medical scalp conditions may be covered.
Do trichologists go to med school?
No, trichologists do not attend medical school. They complete specialized training and certification programs in hair and scalp health through recognized trichology institutions.
Which doctor is best for hair loss?
A dermatologist is the best doctor for hair loss, as they can diagnose medical conditions, prescribe treatments (e.g., minoxidil, finasteride), and offer advanced procedures like PRP therapy and hair transplants.
