As many of you who have done your hair replacement system training with us will know, you get to spend a day with the lovely Stephanie Moore, a very passionate trichologist who aims to bust all of the myths about hair loss. But what is a trichologist and why it is so important that our learners work with her? We asked Stephanie to answer these questions and more for our latest blog.
The Hair Confidante (THC): What is trichology?
Stephanie Moore (SM): “Trichology is the scientific study of hair and scalp disorders and physiology. To be a qualified and registered trichologist, you have to study a specific scientific programme covering a diverse range of subjects from nutrition and genetics to microbiology ,and you have to abide by a strict code of ethics.
Trichologists aren’t medically qualified, but they’re specially trained to evaluate all the underlying factors that contribute to a hair loss or scalp condition and give appropriate evidence-based advice about treatment options. This might include telling a patient they need to be referred to a medical professional for further evaluation. “
THC: What made you become a trichologist?
SM: “I began my career as a hairdresser and moved into teaching hairdressing. I became a trichologist because I’ve seen a lot of people suffer from hair or scalp problems over the years and they had no idea what it was or why it was happening. I wanted to be able to answer my students’ or clients’ questions when they asked me. There are so many myths flying around about hair loss in the hairdressing industry, and I wanted to become a trichologist to find out the truth and help other people. I now teach at the Institute of Trichologists in London, as well as having my own clinic in Surrey.”
THC: Did you always know that this was what you wanted to do?
SM: “When I was doing my hairdressing qualification, I remember learning about something called ‘Trichology’ and I started to look into it. I think it was always in the back of my mind as a natural career progression. It’s a great career and I love sharing my knowledge and helping people. There’s always new research being published so it’s exciting to always be updating my knowledge. I was very proud to win the ‘Outstanding Trichologist – Newcomer Award’ at the Hair Science Awards this year and I definitely feel I’ve found the correct career path for me!”
THC: What are the most common reasons people visit a trichologist?
SM: “I see all sorts of hair and scalp conditions and I think people always know when something is not right, so they come to me for answers and reassurance. Two people might have exactly the same condition, but the causes can vary so widely, and this is what makes hair loss such an interesting and specialist area. Hair loss isn’t usually life-threatening, but it can cause a great deal of distress. The hair has the second fastest cell growth in the body and it’s a non-essential tissue, so it’s often the first place to display signs of deficiency or disease, if you know what you are looking for! A trichologist takes a personalised holistic approach when treating hair loss and scalp conditions, rather than ‘one size fit’s all’.”
THC: What is the question you get asked most often by patients?
SM: “When people see a huge amount of their hair falling out it’s hard for them to believe that they won’t end up completely bald, so the question I probably get asked the most is ‘Am I going to lose all my hair…?’
But the fact is there are many types of hair loss, and only a limited number of them result in complete hair loss or ‘alopecia totalis’. It’s often a huge relief to people when I can explain the mystery of what has caused their hair loss and suggest a solution. Even in cases where hair loss is very extensive or irreversible, there are excellent options for camouflage, such as hair replacement systems that really help people to regain their confidence.”
THC: What would be your number one piece of advice for someone who is suffering from hair loss?
SM: “Make sure you have a diagnosis from a qualified Trichologist or Dermatologist so you know what you are dealing with and how best to treat it. This will save you time, money and anxiety when the next ‘miracle cure’ does not work. Your hair loss may be caused by something as simple as an iron deficiency! Hair loss is a symptom not a diagnosis, so don’t be dismissed or fobbed off if you know something isn’t quite as it should be.”
THC: People who train in hair replacement systems with The Hair Confidante spend time with you as part of their course. Why is this so important?
SM: “Anyone working in the hair loss industry needs to be aware of what condition their client has, because hair loss replacement systems will not be suitable for everyone. This needs to be recognised across the industry, so stylists can professionally and ethically offer clients the correct advice. It’s also important that if stylists are dealing with a client whose problem hasn’t been diagnosed, they signpost them to where they can get a diagnosis and find out about all of the treatment options available to them. I’ve found that all the people I have met who trained with The Hair Confidante had a lot of compassion for their clients and wanted to do things the right way.”
If you would like help or advice about your hair or scalp condition, you can contact Stephanie at stephanie@surreytrichologyclinic.co.uk or on 07751 553234 or 01372 270790.
You can also visit her website at www.surreytrichologyclinic.co.uk