With so much information available today, it is easy to find numerous solutions claiming to fix hair problems but one size does not fit all so seeing a trichologist can provide you with the guidance you need to make the right decision about the best treatment for you. A trichologist’s job is to help you find the cause of your problem, but there things you and your licensed hairstylist can do to prevent seeing a trichologist or making hair and scalp problems worse.
How can your hairstylist prevent you from seeing a trichologist?
A licensed cosmetologist should know the basic signs of a hair or scalp problem. A sign is something you or your hair stylist can see. When it comes to certain types of hair loss early detection is crucial in slowing down hair loss. If a hairstylist notices a sudden bald patch that was not there previously the hairstylist should automatically let you know and recommend service or style changes to prevent further damage, especially if you are getting extensions and certain protective styles that require hair added or braids. In this case you may need to see a trichologist or dermatologist to find out why the bald patch occurred but the stylist can prevent worsening the problem by taking proper precaution once the bald patch is noticed and letting you know immediately.
If you are experiencing hair loss already and have been going to a hairstylist routinely, the hair stylist should be able to tell you if the hair loss is getting worse. Sometimes clients are so devastated by hair loss and ignore the fact that the hair loss is getting worse. Because hair loss can be progressive, a hairstylist can let you know in a discrete way that the hair loss is growing in size before it is too late to get help for the problem.
A hairstylist should know when to tell a client “no”
As a hairstylist my number one goal is to make sure my clients leave my chair completely satisfied with a particular style or service. I make sure that I give clients what they want without destroying the integrity of the hair or compromise the health of the scalp. An example of when a stylist should say no to a client is when a client wants extensions and they have a scalp condition such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis. Extensions done where cornrows are applied to the hair and then hair extensions are sewed down to the cornrows worsen flaky scalp problems.
An example of when a stylist should say no to a client is when a client wants extensions and they have a scalp condition such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis.
Cleansing the scalp regularly controls flaky scalp problems. When the hair and scalp is covered by cornrows and extensions it is difficult to cleanse the scalp properly to remove scalp buildup. If you have medicated shampoos or scalp treatments they cannot be applied properly if the hair and scalp is not exposed. The symptoms of flaky scalp problems, such as itching and inflammation, increase when tension of the braids and weight of extensions are placed on the scalp. The hairstylist needs to let you know that extensions are not for you. Doing so will prevent you from seeing a trichologist and the stylist can recommend routine scalp treatments you can use at home or in the salon to control your scalp condition.
Read more: This is Why Hairstylists Tell You “No.”
A hairstylist should do a consultation before beginning a shampoo service
A hairstylist should consult with you about your hair or scalp before beginning your shampoo service to find out if there are any existing scalp or hair problems that concern you. A consultation offers a wealth of knowledge about what techniques and products should or should not be used before services begin. A common complaint by clients who have seen other hairstylist is the use of fingernails while shampooing their hair and scalp. If a client has psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, these issues need to be discussed in advance so every effort is made not to worsen the scalp condition and leave the clients scalp in pain after a shampoo. Scrubbing or scratching the scalp too vigorously with a flaky scalp problem causes bleeding and hair loss. To prevent a client from seeing a trichologist start the service off by asking the right questions and taking a moment to analyze the hair and scalp.
