HAIR & SCALP CONSULTATION
Hair analysis.
A clearer picture of your hair loss.
See what a trichological consultation can reveal when a closer look at your scalp is connected with your personal history.
Magnified imaging is one part of the picture. A fuller consultation explores when the changes began, what else was happening, and which next steps make sense for you.
LOOK CLOSER. UNDERSTAND MORE.
More than a magnified image.
A thorough consultation brings observations, history, and an explanation together.
Your hair and scalp
A close visual examination and digital scalp imaging can document what is visible today and provide a baseline for future comparison.
Your personal history
The conversation explores your timeline, family history, health changes, medications, nutrition, and hair-care practices.
Your next steps
Review the findings together, discuss the limits of the assessment, and identify whether follow-up or medical evaluation is appropriate.
MAGNIFIED SCALP ANALYSIS
A closer look at 50×.
A handheld digital microscope or trichoscope brings the scalp and hair shafts into closer view. Around 50× is one example; magnification varies with the equipment and the purpose of the examination.
The consultation may include looking at hair-shaft thickness, the appearance of follicular openings, and visible scalp features such as redness or flaking.
An image needs context. Scalp imaging alone cannot establish your blood nutrient levels, hormone levels, or every cause of hair loss.
THE STORY BEHIND THE CHANGES
Your history helps guide the questions.
Before making recommendations, a thorough consultation makes room for your experience.
When did it start?
Describe whether the change was sudden or gradual, where you first noticed it, and whether shedding, breakage, or scalp symptoms are part of the concern.
What changed?
Bring a timeline of health events and a list of medications and supplements, along with details about diet, styling routines, and previous hair-loss care.
Are labs relevant?
Bring existing bloodwork if available. When additional testing is indicated, a qualified medical clinician can decide which tests to order and interpret the results.
Testing is individualized; a broad panel is not necessary for everyone.
AN ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Similar-looking thinning.
Different questions to explore.
Two people may both notice less fullness. Their consultation can follow different paths once their history is understood.
“My hair changed gradually.”
This person describes a slow change over several years and relatives with similar thinning.
The discussion: Document the distribution of the change, examine the scalp, and explore the longer-term pattern and previous care.
“The shedding started recently.”
This person describes a noticeable increase in shedding after a significant health event.
The discussion: Build a careful timeline and consider whether a medical assessment or targeted testing is needed.
Hypothetical examples, not diagnoses or treatment recommendations. More than one contributor may be present.
UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU’RE SEEING
Review the findings.
Ask your questions.
The most useful consultation helps you understand the observations, what remains uncertain, and what happens next.
- Review scalp images in plain language.
- Discuss how the findings relate to your history.
- Clarify appropriate care, referrals, and follow-up.
- Ask how progress will be documented over time.
A trichologist specializes in hair and scalp concerns; qualifications and services vary. Medical diagnosis, prescribing, and laboratory testing require an appropriately licensed clinician.
COME PREPARED
Make your consultation count.
- A short timeline of your hair and scalp changes.
- Earlier photos that show the changes you have noticed.
- A current medication and supplement list.
- Relevant medical history and any existing lab results.
- Details of products and treatments you have tried.
Ask your provider about preparation and how to share records securely before your appointment.
Common questions
Is hair analysis the same as a hair mineral test?
No. Here, hair analysis means a consultation involving your history and examination of the hair and scalp, which may include magnified imaging. It does not mean testing a cut hair sample for minerals.
Will I need bloodwork?
Not necessarily. A licensed clinician can determine whether testing is appropriate based on the history and examination. Bring existing results rather than arranging a broad panel on your own.
Can a scalp image tell me exactly why I am losing hair?
It can provide useful observations, but it is one part of an assessment. A medical diagnosis may require further examination or testing.
When should I see a dermatologist?
Seek medical assessment for sudden or patchy loss, pain, sores, or suspected scarring. A trichology consultation can complement medical care, but should not delay it.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Start with a better understanding.
Have questions about hair analysis or finding the right consultation? Contact our team to discuss where to begin.
Educational information, not an individual diagnosis or a promise of results. Services vary by provider. All photography on this page is AI-generated for illustration.
Further reading: American Academy of Dermatology: Hair loss diagnosis and treatment.