About Sandra Marchant, Certified Trichologist
214.351.1214, voice | 214.376.0566, fax

What Is Trichology?

A professional trichologist is a certified hair and scalp specialist. He or She can help people who have problems with their hair or scalp as well as recommend how to grow the healthiest hair possible. The Client may complain of sudden excessive hair loss from all over the scalp, severe breakage after receiving a chemical service, a bald patch that has suddenly appeared, or itching and excessive scaling from the scalp. These are the type of problems that a trichhologist will meet and consult with you in his or her daily practice..

Trichology, the scientific study of hair and scalp disorders, was founded in London, England in 1902. Modern Trichology, "The Science of The Hair and Scalp" was established in England in 1912 as the Institute of Trichologists. Scaly problems such as dryness, itchiness, oily scalp, baldness, thinning hair, and hair breakage are problems which many people suffer from, and they would like knowledgeable and professional advice, and where possible, recommended treatment. Therefore, an educational program was developed at the University of Southern California to expand the knowledge of students in the area of trichology to help clients with hair and scalp problems.

Trichologists specialize in treating hair and scalp disorders, and will evaluate a client's hair problems by asking questions about diet, drugs taken within the last four to six months, family history of hair loss, any recent illness and daily care of hair. After examining a client's scalp and hair, he or she may check a few hairs under a microscope. Laboratory tests may be required, which sometimes include an addition of a biopsy test. This would involve removal of a small piece of skin from the scalp.

When examining the hairs under a microscope, the trichologist would look to see if there were white bulbs at the ends, indicating telogen hairs (hairs in the "fall out" phase). He or She would also check for small anagen bulbs (hair in the "active growth" phase) without root sheaths, which would indicate a condition called "loose anagen" syndrome. Lastly, she or he would look for signs of breakage, which could indicate "anagen effluvium" or chemical or mechanical damage to the hair. These descriptions or other discoveries would be discussed fully during consultation period.

If it appeared that you were experiencing an undue amount of stress in your life, he or she would explain that handling the stress would put an end to the hair loss. The trichologist would then tactfully refer you to a medical doctor for evaluation and possible medication.

She will carefully examine the scalp and hair thoroughly to assess the problem and its cause. A microscopic examination of the hair might be required to aid in the evaluation of the problem. She must then decide if treatment is necessary, and whether the problem is within her realm to treat or should be dealt with by a medical doctor. Treatment by her might consist of the application of topical formulations to the hair and scalp.