What are the top 3 things we should know about the field of Trichology?

1. Trichology is taken from the Greek word “tricho” meaning “hair” and is the branch of medicine that has to do with the anatomy, growth and diseases of the hair.
2. A qualified Trichologist can identify and treat all forms of hair loss, hair shaft breakage and scalp disorders. Hair is one of the body’s most metabolically active tissues, often reflecting the first signs of internal disturbance. The hair and scalp are just as important as other areas of the body in the overall assessment of your health.
3. Its common practice for a cosmetologist to become a trichologist, but all trichologist are not cosmetologist.

What 5 questions should we ask a Trichologist to help understand how they can help us?

1. What is the difference between a trichologist, dermatologist, and a cosmetologist? ( Identifying who you need is paramount)
2. If a dermatologist couldn’t help me, how can you?
3. Are you a certified trichologist? (Unlike other medical fields Trichology is currently not a regulated, therefore its important to ask about their credentials)
4. Can you tell me what type of hair loss I have?
5. How long is the process for uncovering my hair loss?
6. Will you need the assistance of other medical professionals (specialist, doctors, nutritionists etc) to uncover hair loss and get results?
7. How much does it cost, and what does it entail?
8. Will my hair grow back?

What are the root causes of hair loss?

There are many causes of hair loss, genetics, poor health, and improper styling to name a few. (refer to www.kysmitonline.com 7 tips to uncovering your hair loss)

How can a bride know if hair loss is due to stress, medication, or hereditary issues?

During your consult with a trichologist they should ask as series of health and lifestyle questions that will help them uncover what could be going on with you. Most times medication will state if hair loss is a side effect, and sometimes its not the side effect of the medication, it could be that the meds need to be adjusted because the body isn’t responding well and there is still an imbalance that is causing hair loss. Usually once the meds have been adjusted properly and meds are working the hair loss will cease. Hereditary hair loss is something that is easily determined based on its pattern. There isn’t a quick way to know if stress is causing hair loss, unless it is acute and usually it will occur 2-4 months after the incident- signs could be excessive shedding, alopecia areata ( patchy bald spots), but not limited to this .

How often should we see a Trichologist?

The frequency of visits is determined by the treatment you will need.

When should we see a Trichologist?

 Its best to see a trichologist if you sense you’re having hair thinning, loss, or scalp disorders. The sooner you discover the problem the higher your success rate in recovering hair and stabilizing hair loss. Confirming and understanding the underlying cause of your hair loss is also important because it could be due to an illness you weren’t aware of and it could possibly help you treat the illness sooner- saving your life

Does ethnicity effect treatment?

Typically ethnicity shouldn’t play a role in treating hair loss. Although there are certain causes of hair loss that are more common in certain ethnicities such as Central Centrifucal Cicatricial Alopecia- a form of hair loss that is commonly seen in African Americans believed to be caused by chemicals and or heat that degenerates the hair follicle causing scarring and permanent hair loss.