Understanding and Treating Traction Alopecia
When you look in the mirror, do you wonder what’s happening to your hairline? Are you having problems with your edges or controlling tiny broken strands? You could be experiencing the onset of traction alopecia. Keep reading to learn what this condition is, and...
Trichology Vs Hairdressing
As a professional Trichologist who trained as a hairdresser in my younger years, I can truly say I know the ins and outs of both professions, however they are far from the same and I want to use this post to discuss how.
Hair dressing is a challenging trained skill, with a level of artistry and creativity involved. There will always be the immediate finished product in mind; the cut, the colour, the volume. When a client leaves the hairdressers, it’s with a new level of self pride and confidence at the result they take away with them. The focus is always on the outward appearance and not on the unnoticed sometimes forgotten health of the hair.
Trichology is a completely different profession that just happens to work on the same area of the body. As a trichologist I have studied hard for over 4 years to thoroughly understand the physiology of the hair and scalp and the biochemistry involved with the products we use as treatments. As a profession we are going beyond the appearance of the hair and looking intently at the health of the hair and scalp. You could say that trichology is to hairdressing, what podiatry is to pedicures. Both professions are skilled and are involved in the same body area, but the definition of each job is incredibly different.
When I opened the Fulham Scalp and Hair Clinic three years ago, I made a conscious decision to combine my two strengths, my passion for trichology with my extensive experience I acquired as a hairdresser. This meant I could offer treatments of the highest standard for my patients, whilst offering gentle maintenance after-care so that patients left my clinic with more confidence and pride about their hair than when they arrived.
As a busy trichologist, my most important moment with a new patient is their first consultation. This one-on-one meeting allows me to understand what the patient’s needs are, examine the hair and scalp myself and also go through dietary and medical history. I have the chance to address any bad habits or hair myths and actually explain why a condition is present. No “quick-fix remedies” are offered but realistic advice and a treatment plan are discussed. As a result consultations can take up to an hour and are instructive as well as emotional.
Until next time,
Teresa Angelina Richardson MIT