When to See a Trichologist or a Dermatologist

When to See a Trichologist or a Dermatologist

Bite sized read (one minute).

When to See a Trichologist                                                                                                                        A trichologist is a hair and scalp specialist. They are the best person to help with:

• Hair shedding
• Gradual thinning
• Weak or breaking hair
• Itchy or flaky scalp
• Stress-related hair changes
• Nutritional and lifestyle hair thinning
• Genetic based hair loss
• Age related hair loss
• Illness and medication hair loss

A trichologist will look closely at:

• Your scalp condition
• Hair density and growth patterns
• Lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, and hormones
• Your hair care routine

They often spend more time with you, and look at the full picture of your health, habits, and environment. Trichologists are trained to understand patterns, triggers, and lifestyle factors. They can guide you through treatments, hair practices, and supportive routines.

Find a qualified trichologist here:  https://www.trichologists.org.uk/find-a-trichologist/

When to See a Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who treats skin diseases. Some Dermatologists also specialise in the treatment of scalp and related hair conditions.  

You may consider seeing a specialist dermatologist if you have other ‘medical symptoms’, such as a painful or inflamed skin, open sores or infections or severe rashes. A simple rule may be “If the hair is the main issue, start with a trichologist, If your scalp is painful or infected, consider seeing a dermatologist“.

They focus on medical conditions such as:

• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Severe infections
• Skin cancers
• Scarring alopecia (hair loss caused by scarring)
• Autoimmune scalp conditions

A dermatologist can also carry out medical tests, blood work, biopsies, and prescribe medication. Both specialists can work together when needed, sometimes the best care is teamwork. For example:

• A dermatologist diagnoses a medical scalp condition,
• and a trichologist helps with ongoing hair care, support, and recovery.

Many people see both at different stages of their journey.

Remember

Hair loss and scalp changes can be worrying, but the most important thing is not to ignore them. Reaching out early can help you understand what is happening and give you a clearer path forward. Most hair and scalp problems improve with the right help. It can be hard to know who to see first. Many people feel unsure about the difference between a trichologist and a dermatologist, and which specialist can help them the most, but you do not have to work it out alone, support is available.