Trichology: The Science of Hair
Trichology is the science of hair. Saying this may seem too simple, but the truth is that it is a field that draws from many disciplines. Trichologists study hair and scalp diseases, assess their causes, and prescribe treatments for these disorders.
Trichology
Etymologically speaking, “trichology” comes from the Greek word trichos, meaning “hair,” and logos, meaning “study” or “science.”
Traditionally, when someone experienced hair problems, they would visit a dermatologist, who was responsible for diagnosing and treating them. However, over time, technical and scientific advancements in this field have led to its specialization, resulting in a dedicated branch of medicine.
Trichology, apart from dermatology, incorporates knowledge from various disciplines, including:
- Immunology. Alopecia areata is an immunological disorder.
- Molecular biology. Studies are currently underway to regenerate hair using stem cells.
- Endocrinology. Thyroid disorders can lead to hair loss, both in cases of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
- Nutrition. A diet deficient in protein, a key structural component of hair, can weaken it and lead to hair loss. This can happen in both high-calorie diets and vegetarian diets.
- Vitamin A intake is essential and can be obtained from leafy green vegetables.
- Vitamin B can be found in foods like green beans and mushrooms.
- Other crucial nutritional elements for hair health include iron, sulfur, and zinc.
- Pharmacology. Some drugs interact positively with hair (e.g., minoxidil, finasteride), while others have a negative impact.
- Forensic trichology. Hair can be useful in detecting substances and solving criminal cases.
As we can see, hair health depends on a wide range of factors, and it is the trichologist’s responsibility to determine the causes of hair problems and implement the appropriate measures.
When Should You See a Trichologist?
It is estimated that 60% of women and 80% of men experience hair loss at some point in their lives.
At birth, both men and women already have all their hair follicles, meaning no new ones will be produced later in life. This results in a total of 80,000 to 150,000 hairs, as some follicles contain two, three, or even four hairs simultaneously. However, there is no need to worry—hair follicles are not the same as individual hairs. Hair follows well-defined life cycles, and when one hair falls out, a new one grows from the same follicle.
A normal hair loss rate ranges between 50 and 100 hairs per day. If this amount is consistently exceeded, it is a good time to consult a trichologist.
You should also see a trichologist if you experience localized bald patches, a decline in hair quality, or any other abnormalities.
The History of Trichology
Trichology, as a formal field, emerged in England at the turn of the 20th century, right after the Victorian era.
For many years, there was no official regulation regarding trichology qualifications. However, national and international organizations have since been established, such as the Trichological Society of London, the European Hair Research Society (EHRS), and the Spanish Association of Trichology. These organizations aim to standardize the profession, and membership in them serves as a quality assurance for patients.
Nonetheless, there is still significant variation in training and certification. A trichologist may hold a “University Expert in Trichology and Hair Implantology” degree from the University of Alcalá or a “Cosmetology and Trichology” diploma from a private academy.
When Did Trichology Emerge?
Trichology is one of the most modern sciences related to the human body. The first scientific studies on hair date back to Victorian-era England in the 19th century. Before that, it was believed that hair was merely a bodily secretion.
This idea was held by Aristotle in the 4th century BCE, who considered hair to be a type of vaporous waste that hardened upon contact with air. The same belief persisted through the Middle Ages, where hair was thought to be another means of expelling bodily impurities.
It was not until the 19th century that British-led anatomical studies provided a detailed understanding of hair structure—at least as much as molecular genetics allowed at the time, which was still in its infancy. The 20th century saw significant advances in molecular biology and genetics, clearing up many uncertainties regarding hair’s role in the human body.
Even today, trichology—especially in areas related to hair regeneration and genetic alopecia—continues to pose many unanswered questions.
What Is a Trichogram and What Is It Used For?
A trichogram is an in-depth analysis of a patient’s hair that allows for a personalized diagnosis, as each type of alopecia has its own characteristics. Hair goes through different growth phases and responds differently to various treatments.
This simple technique involves extracting hairs from the area to be examined and analyzing them under a microscope. By studying both the root and the hair shaft, specialists can determine the different shapes and stages of the hair, as well as details such as:
- Growth phases
- Hair bulb color and shape
- Degree of angulation
- Hair shaft diameter
In short, the trichogram is the foundation of any hair treatment since alopecia cannot be effectively treated without first identifying its cause.
We hope that with this valuable information, you now have a better understanding of the medical specialty responsible for caring for your hair.
