TRICHOLOGY

What Is Trichology?

Trichology is the science of the structure, function and diseases of the human hair.

Clinical Trichology is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the human hair and scalp.

Reasons To Consult A Trichologist

Hair Loss

Hair loss can cause great distress and there are many misunderstandings about its causes and treatment.

Probably the most common type of hair loss is the so-called ‘male pattern baldness’, which, despite its name, can affect women as well as men.

This is a problem that requires sympathetic handling and a qualified Trichologist who understands patient anxiety around the loss of hair. Some women suffering from this condition can be helped with medical assistance and the use of hormonal treatment.

There are many other types of hair loss that can and do respond to treatment and advice without medical assistance. There are also some types of hair loss that can have a natural or spontaneous recovery. Excessive hair loss can often be a symptom of some other problem or variation in the metabolism of the body and in this instance may result in a referral to your GP.

Problems of the scalp

Problems of the scalp range from dandruff to more inflammatory conditions like psoriasis. As with the hair, these problems can be symptomatic of some other metabolic variation.

Stress, poor diet, or even some allergies to certain foods, can be responsible for the build-up and shedding of dead skin cells.

The management of hair and scalp that are excessively greasy is another area in which the advice of a qualified Trichologist is often sought. Here, guidance on the right type of shampoo for any particular individual and on its frequency of use might be particularly relevant.

Hair texture problems

Problems with hair texture can be caused by over exposure to heat or strong chemicals or by many of the other stresses and strains to which we subject our hair. In such cases, co-operation with the hairdresser is obviously important and it indicates that Trichologist training overlaps both the medical and the cosmetic in areas not normally covered by either doctors or hairdressers.

Hair texture problems usually respond very well to appropriate advice and treatment, as the cause(s), once discovered, can often be reduced or eliminated altogether.

Pharmaceutical preparations

In cases of scalp disorders in particular, it is possible that your Trichologist will prescribe treatment creams and shampoos for use either in the clinic or at home.

Additional services

Where appropriate, the Trichologists can give advice to those patients wishing to be referred for hair grafting (hair transplant).

For those seeking to gain added hair (sometimes referred to as ‘hair replacement’) in the form of wigs, extensions or weaving, guidance and appropriate referrals can be offered.

Advice and support can be given to those people who habitually pull their hair. Likewise, information, guidance and support are also given to those people who have lost hair through chemotherapy treatment.

The Consultation

An initial consultation is likely to last up to an hour and will give you the opportunity to discuss any hair issues or problems that you may have, in the strictest of confidence.

During your initial consultation (which usually lasts an hour), Liam will discuss any medical history that you may have including other topics like diet, stress levels, lifestyle and current hair care regime. He will also examine your hair and scalp and may carry out a detailed hair analysis.

(Note - Providing details of any medication being taken and results of any recent blood tests is helpful in any treatment planning).

After consultation is complete, Liam will explain any diagnosis made and will happily answer any questions you may have including prognosis and treatment plan for example – dandruff, psoriasis, hair loss. In some instances Liam may refer you to your GP for further medical investigations i.e. blood tests.

Liam is mindful and empathetic to the fact how scalp and hair issues can be a source of great anxiety for his clients and anything discussed is done so in the strictest of confidence.

You can book your Consultation with Liam by calling the salon on 046 902 1176 or 046 907 1100.