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WHat is trichology?
Trichology is a branch of dermatology dedicated to the study of hair and scalp disorders, specialising in the treatment of the causes of hair loss in men and women.
Are you suffering from hair loss, an itchy scalp, hair breakage, or another hair or scalp concern?
We have certified Trichologists with over 25 years of experience in the hair and scalp field. We are experts in hair loss and Scalp disorders, consulting with patients experiencing, Alopecia, thinning hair, itchy or flaky scalp, burning scalp along with an holistic approach to generally achieving healthier hair.
Understanding that hair and scalp worries can be incredibly emotional concerns.
Our Trichologist, Catherine Hodges is here to listen, and give expert advice on all types of hair loss and scalp conditions.
1. Anagen (Growth Phase)
- What Happens: Hair is actively growing from the follicle and is connected to a healthy blood supply.
- Duration: 2 to 7 years
- Percentage of Hair: 85–90%
- Key Point: This phase determines hair length; longer anagen = longer hair.
2. Catagen (Transition Phase)
- What Happens: Hair growth stops, and the hair detaches from the blood supply. The follicle begins to shrink.
- Duration: 2–3 weeks
- Percentage of Hair: ~1%
- Key Point: A short, transitional phase preparing for rest.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase)
- What Happens: The follicle is inactive. The old hair stays in place but isn’t growing.
- Duration: Around 3 months
- Percentage of Hair: 10–15%
- Key Point: New hair starts growing underneath the old one.
4. Exogen (Shedding Phase)
- What Happens: The old hair is shed and falls out, allowing the new anagen hair to emerge.
- Duration: Varies
- Percentage of Hair: ~1%
- Key Point: Normal to lose 50–100 hairs daily in this phase.
Reasons for Hair loss
Genetic factors of Hair loss
When we talk about genetic hair loss, what we are often referring to is male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness (also known as Androgenetic Alopecia). Genetic hair loss in women can be subtle. Women may start noticing thinning where they tend to part their hair and hairline, whereas men may start losing hair from the crown and the temple area.
Contrary to popular belief, this type of hair loss can be inherited from either parent or both parents. Most people affected by genetic hair loss start to notice the first signs of thinning hair in the 4th to 5th decades of life, but for some, hair loss can start as early as the late teens and early 20s, which can obviously be distressing.
Stress and Trauma
Stress and hair loss are closely connected. You can experience hair loss when you’re going through a situation that increases your stress levels. This could mean getting a new job, experiencing pressure at work, living a hectic lifestyle, having a new baby, or losing someone close to you. Most often, hair loss is not immediate, and it may first show up 3 to 6 months after the stressful episode, so you may want to reflect on the past when asking yourself, “Why is my hair falling out?”.
When our bodies experience stress, this can cause an increased amount of hair to enter the shedding phase causing a reduction in the hair’s density months later. This is referred to as telogen effluvium.
Diet
Our diet can play a significant role in the growth of healthy hair. It is important to remember that a healthy scalp supports healthy hair. The hair grows from the scalp thanks to a rich environment of vitamins and nutrients that are obtained through what we eat. For this reason, it is important to eat a healthy balanced diet.
Hair growth supplements can help if you are not getting all the nutrients that hair needs, such as zinc, iron, biotin, or vitamin D. It is also important to talk to your doctor before starting a new suplement if you have a medical condition or health concern that is being monitored.
Health concerns & medication
Concerns or medication
Hair thinning can be a result of several health concerns, such as Thyroid conditions, natural hormonal changes that women experience after pregnancy or during menopause. Alopecia Areata is another medical condition that leads to smooth patches of hair loss. Hair loss can also be a side effect of certain medications. The hair follicle is incredibly sensitive to changes in the body. Any hormone therapy (including birth control) can contribute to hair thinning as can steroids, certain chemotherapies and some medications for blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and acne.
If you are worried about hair loss, it’s always best to consult your doctor or a trichologist. A medical professional will be able to diagnose or treat the condition or cause of the hair loss. It is also important to not start or stop any medications without first speaking with your doctor. While you address your hair loss, it is recommended that you also speak to a hairdresser who can provide a cosmetic solution to hair thinning and consider speaking to the mental health professional who may help ease some of the mental health issues associated with hair loss.
Enviroment
Newer research is showing that our environment can also impact our hair. Beyond hair styling, elements in our surrounding environment such as air pollutants and minerals in water may impact the quality of the hair and potentially contribute to thinning. Sun exposure and common hair styling practices such as dyes, heat, and chemical straighteners can weaken the hair shaft, also playing a role in hair thinning.
Catherine Hodges is a registered hair loss and scalp health expert committed to delivering qualified diagnosis and treatments to those suffering from Hair loss, autoimmune alopecia conditions, thinning hair, scalp conditions such as Psoriasis, itchy scalp, scalp eczema, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and more
Such conditions are often caused by diet, nutrition, and digestive complications. Menopause, stress and issues within the immune, endocrine or cardiovascular systems.
Our role is to carry out a detailed consultation through contributing symptoms and factors of hair loss and scalp conditions to reach a diagnosis.
Following the diagnosis we take time to explain the condition to you, to deliver clarity and understanding as to why this has happened. We then put together a plan for treatment options and advice to help improve your hair density or scalp health Through the consultation process, you will be asked questions regarding your condition, how long you have been experiencing it plus any other associated signs or symptoms. We will also need to ask questions about your medical history and whether you are currently taking any medication. We will assess your diet and nutrition intake and examine your blood for deficiencies. Generally, we will develop an overview of your health in order to present an accurate diagnosis.
Interesting Hair Facts
” The growing stage of hair lasts for around 3-5 years so the average length the hair can become is 18-30 inches. Asian hair growth can last for 7 years! “
” On average hair grows around half an inch per month and faster in summer than in winter! “
” We have around 100,000 hairs on our head and it’s completely normal to shed between 50-100 per day! “
” Good nutrition contributes to healthy hair growth and can help to prevent thinning! “
” While shampooing, remember the shampoo is primarily for the scalp and conditioner for the hair. For best results, shampoo your hair twice! “
” Healthy hair should stretch up to 30% of its length whilst wet and return to normal without snapping. “
” Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. When the follicles are clear this allows new hair to growth through. “
” Crash diets often result in hair loss. Your body will prioritise its vital organs and sufficient amounts of the nutrients will not reach the hair follicle. “
” During Menopause, The drop in ostrogen means shrinkage and miniaturisation of the hair tollicle. HRT can help with preventing hair thinning as well as some good hair products and a healthy diet. “
” Postparum hair loss is completely normal. Whilst you are pregnant your hair will not fall and will therefore become thicker than usual. You could experience 12 months worth of loss in a short period of time after giving birth or after breast feeding. This hair usually grows back after this time. “
” When we experience trauma this can trigger an auto immune disease which results in hair loss. “
Healthy hair from inside to out
Your hair follicle is fed directly by the oxygen and nutrients from your blood. With this in mind we will explain how your individual blood affects the growth of your hair and the health of your scalp and these can be linked to different forms of hair loss.
We analyse blood readings in relation to the hair and scalp, and explain the important difference between ‘normal’ and ‘optimal’ blood test results to enable us to give guidance on how to improve the blood numbers and the thickness and density of your hair.
Through the consultation process, you will be asked questions regarding your condition, how long you have been experiencing it plus any other associated signs or symptoms. We will also need to ask questions about your medical history and whether you are currently taking any medication. We will assess your diet and nutrition intake and examine your blood for deficiencies.
Generally, we will develop an overview of your health in order to present an accurate diagnosis.
Mental Health & the emotional impact on your hair
Your mental health and wellbeing play a huge role in your hair and scalp health — and the reverse is just as true.
When your hair feels healthy, vibrant, and cared for, it can boost your confidence and overall quality of life.
When hair concerns arise, they often affect how we feel about ourselves, impacting our mood, relationships, and sense of control.
Emotional Factors That Can Affect the Hair Growth Cycle
Finding Support
• “Friends & family don’t take my hair loss seriously / underestimate its importance”
• “I need to talk to someone who understands my hair loss”
Loss of Control
- “I am constantly seeking advice about my hair loss.”
- “To make my hair look presentable I allow extra time before going out.”
Anxiety & Depression
- “Losing my hair has been the most disturbing event of my life”
- “I constantly worry about my hair loss”
Self Esteem
- “I feel that other people are always looking at my hair loss”
- “I constantly compare my hair loss with that of others”
- “I feel unattractive / undesirable as a result of my hair loss”
Social
- “I will only do activities that don’t mess up my hair”
- “I go out less because of my hair loss”
- “I feel my hair loss is affecting my career”
Shampooing
Can I finally dispel the myth that you shouldn’t wash your hair too often. You should treat your scalp like any other part of your body. Hair loss, Thinning hair, scalp problems are often made worse by not washing hair frequently. It can all too often be a vicious circle, worried about hair loss, avoid shampooing, hair loss builds up and the next time you wash, there’s even more hair in the shower!
Hair health is linked to scalp health. We all Lose around 150 hairs per day! This is completely normal. If you notice you are losing more it could be the sign of an unhealthy problem and it’s best to catch this problems early.
Remember, Shampoo is for the scalp, conditioner is for the hair.
Selecting the right shampoo for you:
Most of us have a large array of lotions & potions for our hair and skin, half used products that we didn’t like but want to use up. The truth is, if you do like to keep your hair in optimum condition it IS worth investing in a good shampoo & conditioner. Salon brand products do contain superior ingredients which keep your scalp healthy and your hair strong and hydrated. They contain the latest technologies which lock in moisture, attract moisture, defend from moisture, plump, thicken, strengthen and soothe, the list goes on , the trouble is there are so many to choose from and we often tend to buy the one that catches our fancy.
When we ask our clients what issues they have with our hair, most people say at least three or four problems. The trick is to get advice on the best one for you so you can really see and feel the difference and you don’t feel like you’re wasting your money on expensive products that don’t work.
Top tip
For best results shampoo hair twice! First shampoo is to remove surface build up from hair & scalp and second is to make hair & scalp.
Extra fresh and clean
Apply conditioner to mid-lengths and ends, comb through to help detangle, rinse throughly.
Conditioning
Our conditioners and treatments have a lower acidic Ph. This closes the cuticle, locking in protein for strength and moisture for shine. Conditioner is your top coat, the finish for healthy shining and great smelling hair.
Why treat your hair ?
Deep conditioning treatment contain a greater concentrate and smaller molecules, this keeps all of the goodness in the hair cortex for weeks after your salon visit. A major benefit with this is your colour will last for longer staying vibrant and fresh reducing fade. healthy and your hair strong and hydrated. They contain the latest technologies which lock in moisture, attract moisture, defend from moisture, plump, thicken, strengthen and soothe, the list goes on , the trouble is there are so many to choose from and we often tend to buy the one that catches our fancy.
When we ask our clients what issues they have with our hair, most people say at least three or four problems The trick is to get advice on the best one for you so you can really see and feel the difference and you don’t feel like you’re wasting your money on expensive products that don’t work.
Top tip
For best results shampoo hair twice! First shampoo is to remove surface build up from hair & scalp and second is to make hair & scalp Extra fresh and clean. Apply conditioner to mid-lengths and ends, comb through to help detangle, rinse throughly.