Feature
Trichology:
The Basis of a
Healthier Hairstyle
T
his month, we’re taking an in-depth look at
how to better care for your hair from the roots
up. This means a good hard look at caring for
the scalp.
Trichology may be the next big thing to hit the cosme-
tology world. Although some have been skeptical in the
past, trichology has started to receive significant inter-
est in the US and abroad.
What is Trichology?
Trichology is a set of
cosmetology
services,
which promotes health-
ier hair growth. It is not
a medical service, nor a
newly developed study.
In fact, it is a 110-year-
old practice that was
first introduced by The
Institute of Trichologists
in London. The Institute
defines trichology as “the science of the structure, func-
tion, and diseases of the human hair.” It goes on to say,
“Clinical trichology is the diagnosis and treatment of
diseases and disorders of the human hair and scalp.”
If you read just this definition, you may mistake it for
a medical service which only licensed doctors can per-
form. In reality, it is an unregulated wellness service
that can be performed by almost anyone, provided
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C O S M O B I Z M A G A Z I N E
they have some level of training. Ideally, the treatment
would be provided as a part of a cosmetology service.
When trichology was first introduced, a group of doc-
tors, scientists, and cosmetologists foresaw it as a sep-
arate medical specialty. Since the study of the hair and
scalp overlaps with the study of dermatology, it failed
to get recognized as such. In 1972, with the help of Dr.
David Salinger, the University of Southern California
reviewed studies of trichology, but came to a similar
conclusion.
Despite this disappointing outcome, The Institute of
Trichologists continues to train trichologists, and many
well-trained trichologists are providing professional
services throughout the world. Some work side-by-side
with dermatologists and others are operating their own
non-medical clinics. Trichology rests in a liminal space,
not classified as medical nor purely cosmetic. It is par-
tially due to this lack of classification that trichology
has not attained popularity.
Birth of Herbal Trichology
The lack of interest
changed about 10 years
ago. Trichology was in-
troduced in Asia, specif-
ically Korea and Japan,
countries well known for
their herbal medicines
and treatments. Their tra-