Trichological consultation

A trichological consultation is an appointment with a dermatologist devoted entirely to the scalp and hair. Its aim is not simply to confirm that your hair is falling out, but to establish why — because everything that follows depends on the cause.

The examination is based on trichoscopy: an assessment of the scalp and hair under high magnification, with no punctures and no tissue samples taken. It makes it possible to tell apart conditions that look similar to the naked eye but are treated in completely different ways.

It is worth coming for a consultation in cases such as:

• heavy hair loss, including after pregnancy, illness or rapid weight loss
• thinning hair, a widening parting and a receding hairline
• patchy hair loss
• dandruff, itching, burning and an excessively oily scalp
• seborrhoeic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis
• weakened and brittle hair and a lack of results from your current hair care
• planning treatments that support hair growth

The visit starts with a detailed interview: how long the problem has lasted and how it has progressed, which illnesses and medications may be related to it, and whether similar hair loss has occurred in your family. Your diet, past infections, pregnancy and your hair care routine so far also matter.

The doctor then examines the scalp and hair with a trichoscope — a camera that provides high magnification. Among other things, they assess the thickness and variability of the hair shafts, the openings of the hair follicles and the condition of the skin around them.

When the picture points to a cause lying outside the skin, the doctor orders blood tests. The diagnosis and treatment plan are presented during the visit or once the results are available.

The outcome of the consultation is a diagnosis of the cause and a plan of action: topical or systemic treatment, hair care recommendations and, where indicated, supporting treatments performed at the clinic.

Trichoscopy also gives a reference point for the future. A repeat examination makes it possible to compare the image from before treatment with the current one and assess whether the therapy is working. Hair grows slowly, which is why we usually make the first reliable assessment of effectiveness after a few months.

The consultation requires no recovery. To make the most of it:

• have the ordered tests done and bring the results to your follow-up visit
• use the recommended products regularly — in hair treatment, breaks undo the results
• do not judge the results after a few weeks; the first changes are visible after a few months
• come for a follow-up at the time indicated by your doctor

A trichological consultation is safe and has practically no contraindications. It is worth remembering that:

• come to the appointment with clean hair worn loose, without hairspray, powder or oils — cosmetics make the scalp harder to assess
• remove hairpieces, clip-ins and extensions if you wear them
• tell the doctor about the medications and supplements you take and about any chronic conditions

The final scope of the examination and the further course of action are decided by the doctor during the consultation.