If you’re experiencing hair loss, you may be wondering whether a trichologist vs a dermatologist is best suited to help you. Hair loss is incredibly common and the most prevalent type, androgenetic alopecia, affects 80% of men and 50% of women at some point in their lives [1]. It’s no wonder so many people are turning to hair loss experts for help, but it can be hard to know where to start.
In essence, a trichologist is an expert trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the hair and scalp. A dermatologist is a medical doctor specialising in skin, hair, and nail health. In this article, we’ll explore:
Trichologists are hair and scalp health experts. Although they are often called hair doctors, not all of them have medical degrees.
However, they have received specialist training that helps them identify different types of alopecia and common scalp problems. They can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan, and refer to other medical professionals for further assessment or treatment if needed.
Dermatologists are medically trained doctors who specialise in skin, hair, and nails. There is an overlap between dermatologists and trichologists, but trichologists focus specifically on the hair and scalp, while dermatologists look at a wider range of ailments.
Trichologists help diagnose and treat conditions of the hair and scalp. This includes male and female pattern baldness, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and other conditions that cause hair breakage, shedding, or changes in quality.
They also conduct research on commercial hair care products, as trichology training overlaps with medical and cosmetic fields. Many trichologists can perform surgery and prescribe the same medications as a dermatologist if they have a medical degree and the appropriate training.
Many hair doctors in the UK have trained with the Institute of Trichologists (IOT), the largest provider of trichology training and education in Europe. Trichologists trained by IOT receive specialist training that qualifies them to diagnose and treat conditions of the hair and scalp [2].
All trichologists receive hands-on training, mentorships, academic coursework, observation, and exams. Training can last from 6 months to several years, depending on the specific qualification. Many trichologists come from hair-related or clinical backgrounds.
When considering a trichologist vs a dermatologist, it’s worth knowing that dermatologists receive formal medical training at university and in clinical settings. It takes 13-14 years to become a dermatologist in the UK — this includes gaining a basic medical degree, foundation training, internal medicine training, and specialist dermatology training [3].
Dermatologists have broad medical knowledge and can identify serious conditions that may present with skin, hair or nail changes, like organ disease or cancer [4]. They also address common skin concerns, like moles or rashes. They can prescribe medications (like antibiotics for severe scalp folliculitis) or steroid injections for alopecia areata.
When you first see a trichologist, they will take a detailed history of your symptoms and make note of your medical history. They will also ask about your lifestyle, diet, and hair care routine.
This information determines whether you need diagnostic trichology tests, such as a hair pull test or blood tests for hair loss. They may also complete a hair analysis to check for bacterial or fungal infections (like a yeast infection on the scalp), parasites, or structural damage.
When your trichologist has diagnosed the reason your hair is falling out, they will advise you what should happen next. Next steps that they may arrange include:
If a dermatologist is the first person you see for hair loss, in many ways, it will be similar to seeing a trichologist. They will also take a detailed medical history, discuss your symptoms, and ask about lifestyle factors.
A dermatologist can also arrange diagnostic tests and provide a diagnosis for your hair loss symptoms. They can arrange similar treatments and referrals as a trichologist, but may refer you to a trichologist for ongoing management. However, if you’re considering a trichologist vs a dermatologist, it’s important to know that dermatologists can They can also arrange scans and investigations for more serious underlying health issues, and prescribe medication.
It’s not always a choice between a trichologist or dermatologist; sometimes, you can have both. Dermatologists and trichologists often refer patients to each other so they can work to their strengths. Trichologists are often the first port of call for hair loss concerns because their specialist focus is on hair and scalp problems. Dermatologists are better suited to assessing patients with more complex or serious underlying health conditions.
Dermatologists may recommend seeing a trichologist when they’ve addressed any underlying medical concerns. Once any serious medical conditions have been ruled out or treated, a dermatologist may refer to a trichologist for a hair analysis and assessment.
Also, if you need ongoing help with your diet, lifestyle, or hair care routine to improve your hair health, a trichologist may be best suited for this. Trichologists are well-equipped to give personalised guidance on hair loss and can help you maintain any progress you’ve made with treatment. Although dermatologists have a wealth of medical knowledge, trichologists’ specific focus on scalp and hair health is invaluable.
Trichologists may refer you to a dermatologist if you need investigations or treatment they’re unable to provide you with themselves. For example, they may ask for a dermatologist’s help if they suspect your hair changes may be due to thyroid disorders, lupus, or scalp tumours. Conditions like this need assessment from a medical doctor and may need imaging or prescription medication.
The answer to this depends on why you need help with your hair and the type of treatment you’re hoping for. There is considerable overlap between the two professions’ role in treating hair loss or damage, but it may be cheaper to get a private appointment with a trichologist vs a dermatologist. Trichologists are highly specialised in hair health, so they may be the first choice if you’re looking to improve your hair’s general health and appearance.
On the other hand, dermatology appointments are available on the NHS. They often have long waitlists, but this may still sway your decision if you’re hoping to get treatment without having to pay for it. In addition, a dermatologist should be your first choice if you’re experiencing lumps, bumps, pain, or anything that may signal a more serious underlying medical condition.
If you’re struggling with hair loss, here are some of the treatments your trichologist or dermatologist may recommend.
Medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride can improve symptoms of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia [5]. Dermatologists can prescribe these medications, as can medically trained trichologists. Trichologists who are not medical doctors may refer you to another professional to get a prescription.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair treatment involves using a concentrated sample of platelets from your own blood. This sample is injected into areas of hair loss, which can boost hair growth and prevent premature hair shedding [6].
Trichologists who are also medical doctors and dermatologists with the right training may be able to do PRP hair treatment themselves. If not, they will refer you to a doctor who can perform the procedure.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can encourage hair growth and thickness in people with androgenetic alopecia [7-8] and may improve growth in people with alopecia areata [9]. It may also improve graft survival and recovery time after a hair transplant [8]. Both trichologists and dermatologists may be trained to provide LLLT.
Hair transplants involve taking hair follicles from areas of healthy growth and moving them to areas of thinning or balding. There are two types: follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplants and follicular unit transplantation (FUT) transplants.
Once follicles have been transplanted to their new location, they will grow as normal hair. Hair transplants are permanent, meaning you can enjoy thick, healthy hair for years to come.
Dermatologists can perform hair transplants themselves as long as they have received the appropriate training. Trichologists can also perform hair transplants if they are medical doctors who specialise in hair transplantation and are qualified to perform the surgery.
Even trichologists without a medical degree can play an important role in the hair transplant process. They may refer you to a hair transplant surgeon and assess your hair and scalp health before the procedure. Trichologists also provide advice and support after surgery to help you get the best outcome possible.
Still unsure whether to see a trichologist or dermatologist? The Wimpole Clinic offers a range of expert services to help you.
Often, people experiencing hair shedding start their journey with a trichologist appointment. Due to their highly specialised training and experience, our hair doctors are excellently placed to diagnose your symptoms and advise on a treatment plan.
Our trichologists work closely with some of the best hair transplant surgeons in the UK, and communicate with your GP and other professionals, including dermatologists, as required. They’ll discuss all your hair restoration options with you, including non-surgical hair loss treatments as well as hair transplantation.
Our clinic locations are conveniently spread throughout the UK and are all equipped with the latest facilities. Book a free consultation with our trichology team today to get started.
Learn more about trichology vs dermatology in these frequently asked questions.
There are several ways to find out whether your trichologist has a medical degree. Often, the easiest way is to ask your trichologist directly about their training and professional background.
If this isn’t possible or you’d prefer not to do this, try checking their profile on their clinic website. If it’s still unclear, you can search by name on the General Medical Council (GMC)’s register to see whether they are registered as a medical doctor.
You do not need a GP referral to book an appointment with a trichologist. However, your GP may refer you to a trichologist if they believe they are the most suitable healthcare professional to address your hair concerns.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to see a trichologist on the NHS [10]. Healthcare professionals within the NHS may recommend you see a trichologist, but you’ll need to book an appointment at a private hair clinic to benefit from their expertise.
If you have issues with hair loss or breakage, it’s often best to see a trichologist, as they specialise in hair and scalp care. However, if you suspect an underlying medical condition may be causing your hair loss or you also have problems with your skin or nails, a dermatologist may be more suitable. There is considerable overlap between the two professions.
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