Imagine your pillow, shower, or comb is getting covered with hair and again you are down in the dumps because of losing it, aren’t you? And you’re probably thinking, “Who do I even see about this?” That’s where trichologists and dermatologists come in.
They both work with hair, but they’re not exactly the same.
This blog post is here to clear up the confusion. We will unfold what the differences are between these two types of hair specialists, so you will know exactly who to turn to for your specific hair concerns.
So, let’s get started and figure out who is the right expert for your hair journey.
What Does a Trichologist Do?
Trichologist is a specialist in hair and scalp health. They also know a lot about various hair problems, from dandruff to infected scalps, beyond hair thinning. However, keep in mind that trichologists are not physicians. They’re not, to put it simply, style extensions from salon chains — they’re trained professionals who know the science of hair and scalp.
What issues can a trichologist help with?
Here’s a short list of problems a trichologist might treat:
- Hair breakage and split ends
- Scalp itchiness or flaking
- Excessive shedding of hair
- Symptoms of alopecia (disorders of hair loss)
They use a questionnaire as well as scalp visualizations and your health history to figure out the source of your strand woes.
Trichologists can help solve plenty of hair issues, but as for medication, they cannot prescribe anything that’s outside their field.
When to see a trichologist?
For mild to moderate hair woes — especially ones not linked to underlying health problems — trichologists are often your best bet.
Here’s a glimpse into when a trichologist can be helpful:
- Your hair is looking dry and brittle, and you have questions about the care routines.
- You’ve been dealing with flakes or an itchy scalp that doesn’t seem that bad.
- You’re seeing some extra shedding and are hoping to stop more hair loss.
Trichologists are also trained to recommend hair-care products.
What is a Dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a specialist in hair, skin, and nails. Hair loss is just one of many conditions they can diagnose.
How Do Dermatologists Diagnose Hair Loss?
A dermatologist can:
- Prescribe medications for ailments like alopecia or scalp psoriasis
- Recommend treatments that can be as simple as topical ointments or as complicated as surgery
Hair loss with medical aetiology is common in dermatology practice. If the hair loss is due to an autoimmune disease, hormonal imbalance, infection, or other conditions, a dermatologist can craft a medical treatment regimen.
When to See a Dermatologist
For severe hair loss, see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can identify and treat many conditions that may require medical attention.
Here are times you may want to visit a dermatologist:
- You have bald patches or large areas of thinning hair.
- You notice redness, swelling, or pain on your scalp with your hair loss.
- Other symptoms, like fatigue or changes in your skin, start appearing with hair loss.
Differences Between a Trichologist and a Dermatologist
To simplify it more, here’s a breakdown of both specialists side by side:
| Aspect |
Trichologist |
Dermatologist |
| Training |
Specialist in hair and scalp (non-medical) |
Medical doctor specializing in skin, hair, and nails |
| Common Focus Areas |
Hair care, dandruff, hair thinning, mild scalp issues |
Medical hair loss conditions, scalp infections, alopecia |
| Diagnoses Medical Conditions? |
No |
Yes |
| Can you Prescribe Medication? |
No |
Yes |
A trichologist is like your hair’s personal trainer, while a dermatologist is a hair general practitioner, treating larger issues (some of which can be medical) but not your strands’ everyday health.
Can both of them work together?
Absolutely! In some situations, the two professionals can work amicably together to address your concerns. For instance, you may visit a dermatologist to diagnose and address an underlying medical issue and then have a consultation with a trichologist for advice on how to address your hair post-treatment.
If you’re committed to addressing hair loss from all angles, it’s not uncommon to see both specialists. Collectively, they can encompass everything from medical interventions to daily care practices.
A Trichologist or a Dermatologist: How to Decide
Here’s a convenient guide to help you choose:
Assess symptoms: If your hair issue is cosmetic or mild, a trichologist might be all you need. If the hair loss appears severe or is accompanied by other health symptoms, make an appointment with a dermatologist.
Consider What You Want and Need: Do you just want advice about hair care products? Choose a trichologist. Are you hoping to treat a potential medical issue? Consult a dermatologist.
Start Small: If you don’t know where to begin, a trichologist can refer you to a dermatologist if that’s what you need.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all easy fix for hair loss. That is determined by what lies at the root of the causality and how serious it may be. Trichologists are suitable for general hair and scalp issues; dermatologists are more appropriate for medical concerns.
Getting the right specialist such as HairTattoo. ca, which can help in treating or preventing hair loss. This is also critical for all types of hair loss and thinning solutions.
Whether you’re looking for advice to make your hair appear healthier or seeking more than a surface pass over a medical condition, there is usually help available to you.
So long as you start today in finding your way to longer and healthier hair!
