Trichology
What is Trichology?
Trichology is the scientific study of the hair and scalp, from the Greek trichos (hair) and -ology (the study of). A trichologist is a specialist in hair and scalp health who takes a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment, considering lifestyle, diet and general wellbeing alongside the physical signs and symptoms in front of them.
What does a trichologist actually treat?
Philip Kingsley trichologists are concerned with treating and addressing both the medical and cosmetic side of the hair and scalp. This ranges from severe hair and scalp disorders, such as scarring alopecia and alopecia areata, to your hairs' general condition, texture, health and appearance.
Philip Kingsley trichologists treat both the medical and cosmetic side of hair and scalp health, everything from severe conditions such as scarring alopecia and alopecia areata, through to general hair condition, texture and appearance. If you're losing hair, dealing with a persistent scalp condition, or simply want to understand why your hair behaves the way it does, a trichologist is the right specialist to see.
How is a trichologist different from a dermatologist?
A dermatologist treats skin, hair and nails as part of a broader medical remit. A trichologist specialises exclusively in hair and scalp, which typically means a deeper, more focused understanding of hair growth cycles, hair-specific conditions and the interplay between diet, hormones and hair health. Many clients see both, a dermatologist for a medical diagnosis and a trichologist for ongoing hair-specific care.
Qualifications and training
All Philip Kingsley trichologists at our London and New York clinics are board-certified members of the Institute of Trichologists, and three hold fellowships, the most prestigious honour available in the field. Qualifying requires study across anatomy and physiology, genetic inheritance, microbiology, microscopy, nutrition and chemistry, in addition to the hair and scalp itself, reflecting how closely hair health is tied to what's happening in the rest of the body.
FAQs
A trichologist is a specialist in hair and scalp health, trained to diagnose and treat conditions ranging from hair loss and thinning to scalp disorders, using a holistic approach that considers diet, hormones, lifestyle and physical symptoms together.
Trichology comes from the Greek trichos (hair) and -ology (the study of), literally meaning the study of hair. It covers the science of hair and scalp health, growth and disease.
If you're experiencing hair loss, thinning, unusual shedding, or a persistent scalp condition such as itching, flaking or soreness, a trichologist consultation can identify the specific cause and the right treatment.
Trichologists are certified through bodies such as the Institute of Trichologists, requiring study in anatomy, physiology, genetics, microbiology, nutrition and chemistry alongside hair and scalp science specifically.