Seeing a trichologist: how to prepare and what to expect

In the trichologist's office, you can encounter a wide variety of nuances. What exactly to expect from a visit to a hair specialist and what questions you should ask yourself before entering the office, read right now.

To get the most out of any business, you should prepare well for it. This statement also applies to trichology.

How to prepare for a visit to the trichologist: checklist

The first thing that is important to do before planning a visit to a trichologist is to determine the purpose for which you are going to a specialist. Someone wants to solve the problem of hair loss, someone wants to fundamentally increase the root volume, but there are people who dream of long strands. Having heard your clear wishes, the doctor will announce exactly when to expect the result (and whether it is possible to achieve it) and prescribe the right treatment.

A good trichologist, like any other doctor, always begins communication with the patient by taking an anamnesis. It is important to take this stage as seriously as possible, because very often it is in everyday habits that the causes of a particular problem lie.

Therefore, the first stage of preparation for a meeting with a trichologist is the maximum collection of information. To do this, it is important to ask yourself the following questions:

• was there a moment when the condition of your hair deteriorated significantly and was there such a moment at all;
• what is your daily routine (improper sleep pattern, too active or passive lifestyle affects the condition of the hair);
• what are your eating habits and what products are usually included in your grocery basket (the right diet is the first step to luxurious curls);
• do you have chronic diseases or just pain in certain areas of the body;
• whether you are taking certain medications and dietary supplements (some medications, especially antibiotics and hormones, affect the condition of the follicles);
• how you take care of your hair (how many times a week you wash your hair, with what gadgets and how you style it);
• what hair products do you use (it is advisable to take a photo of the products and show it to a specialist);
• how often do you cut and color your hair, do you do professional procedures and, if so, which ones.

Menopause, pregnancy, lactation, and even problems with the menstrual cycle are things to tell the trichologist about.

The hormonal background is strongly associated with the condition of the hair, so this information can be key for a specialist.

What to expect from a visit to a trichologist

We have already figured out that at the first consultation, maximum time is devoted to collecting data about the hair and scalp, and in some cases about the whole body. A trichologist usually examines the scalp with a trichoscope – a special device that determines the phase of hair growth, their thickness and condition. Reinforcing these data with information from an oral conversation, in some cases it is possible to draw certain conclusions and prescribe treatment. Usually, a trichologist prescribes certain cosmetic procedures, home care and gives individual recommendations on how to deal with hair. It happens that a specialist advises cutting off a certain part of the hair in order to speed up the recovery process.

In some cases, examination with a trichoscope is not enough. Then the specialists prescribe additional examinations, for example, a biopsy of the scalp. This is a procedure that consists in taking a small piece of skin for histological diagnosis. The resulting sample is processed in a special way, stained and evaluated under a microscope. This allows you to analyze tissue changes at the cellular level and helps to establish an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes a specialist also advises to take tests for the balance of vitamins and trace elements or hormones.

Not the fact that the treatment will cost a visit to only one trichologist. Often, during consultations, suspicions of certain diseases come out, and the trichologist refers the patient to a specialized doctor.

Prepare for the fact that the trichologist will prescribe you not only procedures and remedies, but also give accompanying recommendations on nutrition and lifestyle. And all of them are important to strictly observe. Trichological methods only work if you work.

How long does it take for the trichologist's recommendations to take effect? In general, no expert can say this. For some, one procedure and a home care kit are enough to stop hair loss, while others need complex tests, visits to other specialists and complex treatment. Let's not forget that everyone is different.