Trichologists are para-medical (non-physician) hair and scalp specialists trained to incorporate a holistic approach in researching and identifying the root cause of hair/scalp disorders. A comprehensive consultation is rendered, and a detailed evaluation and recommendation will be provided. Trained in life sciences, they look at hair loss problems in a holistic way by evaluating clients on the basis of personal history, lifestyle, genetic factors and environmental conditions. Based on this information, a trichologist is able to suggest individualized treatments, give nutritional advice and recommend lifestyle changes to improve the health and appearance of the hair and scalp.
Like other para-medical (non-physician) health specialists such as nutritionists, a competent trichologist should work closely with your medical doctor to find out whether any medical problems are associated with your hair loss. Your physician should also be willing to work with your trichologist with respect to taking and analyzing blood tests that your trichologist suggests.
A competent trichologist should be able to genuinely empathize with you. He or she should also spend time advising you on how to best cope with your condition as part of the treatment regimen.
Dermatologists on the other hand, use a medicinal approach to treat the symptoms often leaving the cause untreated. Trichologists can recommend, prepare and administer appropriate treatments. If the diagnosis is determined to be beyond the scope of the trichologist, a referral to a medical doctor will be given.