Trichology

What happens at a first consultation

A first consultation usually lasts up to an hour. The trichologist asks about your general health, any medicines you take, your diet, recent life events and how you care for your hair. Then they look closely at your hair and scalp.

To help them see your hair as it really is, you will usually be asked not to wash it on the morning of the appointment. It's also useful to bring any recent blood test results, a list of your medicines and the hair products you use.

Afterwards they explain what they have found and suggest a plan. That might be treatments in the clinic, a routine to follow at home, changes to products, or some further tests.

What people come for

People most often see a trichologist about:

• Thinning hair
• Hair loss in men and women
• Hair shedding after illness, stress or having a baby
• Patchy hair loss
• Dandruff and flaking
• Itchy, dry or oily scalp
• Breakage and damaged hair
• Hair loss from tight styling
• Hair-pulling habits

Working alongside your GP and dermatologist

Trichologists are hair and scalp specialists who work alongside doctors. They don't prescribe medicines, so when you may need blood tests, a biopsy or a prescription they will refer you on to your GP or a dermatologist (a doctor who specialises in skin). Some GPs also refer patients to a trichologist.

If you have new symptoms elsewhere in your body, or your hair loss is sudden or comes with feeling unwell, see your GP as well. A trichologist will ask about this at your first visit.

How many sessions, and what it costs

After the first consultation, many people come back for one or more follow-up visits so the trichologist can see how things are going and adjust the plan. Hair grows slowly, so follow-ups are often spaced a few weeks or months apart.

An initial consultation usually costs somewhere between about £130 and £250, depending on the clinic and where it is. Follow-up visits are shorter and cost less, often around £60 to £130. Treatments, products and any tests are usually extra, and online consultations are often a little cheaper.

Professional registers

Trichology in the UK is self-regulated through professional registers and bodies. They set training standards, have codes of conduct and keep public lists of their members.

• The Institute of Trichologists (IoT) has trained and registered trichologists since 1902, and its register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, the body that oversees the UK's health regulators. Members keep up regular professional learning to stay on the register. The letters AIT (associate), MIT (full member) and FIT (fellow) show a registered member of the Institute.
• The Association of Registered Trichologists (ART) is an independent membership body for qualified trichologists. All members follow its code of ethical conduct, and its register helps you find a trichologist near you.
• The International Association of Trichologists (IAT) trains trichologists around the world, combining study with supervised clinical training, and its members follow a code of ethics. The Institute of Trichologists welcomes IAT members as international affiliates.

Choosing your trichologist

Trichologists are happy to explain how they work. Good things to ask:

1. Where did you train, and which qualification do you hold?
2. Which register or professional body are you a member of?
3. Do you have professional insurance?
4. How have you helped people with hair or scalp concerns like mine?
5. What does a consultation cost, and what might follow-ups and treatments cost?
6. Do you work with GPs and dermatologists if I need tests or a prescription?

Want to look someone up? Check a practitioner's registration → every regulator and register in one place, with links to their public searches.

Common questions