Trichologist Course

Lesson 1 • Hair Shaft Composition and Properties

Describe the cuticle, cortex, and medulla layers and their chemical bonds. Shaft integrity determines hair strength and cosmetic behavior.

Lesson 2 • Hair Pigmentation Mechanisms

Explain melanocyte activity, eumelanin versus pheomelanin synthesis, and graying pathways. Pigment biology informs diagnosis of color-related disorders.

Lesson 3 • Hair Follicle Structure and Function

Examine the dermal papilla, matrix cells, and inner root sheath. This foundation underpins all diagnostic reasoning in trichology.

Lesson 4 • Scalp Layers and Vascular Supply

Identify the five scalp layers and their blood supply networks. Understanding perfusion explains nutrient delivery to follicles.

Lesson 1 • Stress and Seasonal Hair Shedding

Analyze physiological and psychological stress pathways that shift follicles into telogen. Seasonal variation and postpartum shedding are clinically common presentations.

Lesson 2 • Nutritional Influences on Hair Cycling

Identify key micronutrients and macronutrients that sustain follicle metabolism. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, and protein directly alter cycle timing.

Lesson 3 • Hormonal Regulation of Hair Growth

Examine androgen, estrogen, thyroid, and prolactin effects on follicle cycling. Hormonal imbalances are primary drivers of diffuse and patterned hair loss.

Lesson 4 • Anagen Phase Dynamics

Detail the active growth phase duration, mitotic activity, and growth rate variation. Anagen length determines maximum achievable hair length.

Lesson 1 • Hair Pull and Pluck Tests

Perform and interpret the hair pull test and trichogram to quantify shedding and cycle phase ratios. These tests differentiate active effluvium from stable loss.

Lesson 2 • Trichoscopy and Dermoscopy Basics

Use handheld dermoscopes and video trichoscopes to magnify follicular and scalp structures. Trichoscopy reveals diagnostic patterns invisible to the naked eye.

Lesson 3 • Referral Criteria and Scope of Practice

Define the boundaries of trichological practice and recognize conditions requiring medical referral. Appropriate referral protects clients and upholds professional standards.

Lesson 4 • Client History and Intake Protocol

Structure a comprehensive intake covering medical, dietary, and lifestyle history. Thorough history-taking distinguishes systemic from local causes of hair loss.

Lesson 1 • Scarring Alopecias Overview

Recognize primary scarring alopecias including lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia by their inflammatory and fibrotic features. Early detection prevents permanent follicle loss.

Lesson 2 • Telogen and Anagen Effluvium

Differentiate acute and chronic telogen effluvium from anagen effluvium by onset, trigger, and hair shaft findings. Identifying the trigger is essential for resolution.

Lesson 3 • Traction and Traumatic Alopecias

Identify hair loss caused by mechanical tension, trichotillomania, and chemical trauma. Behavioral and styling modifications are central to management.

Lesson 4 • Alopecia Areata Spectrum

Identify alopecia areata, totalis, and universalis by clinical presentation and trichoscopy findings. Autoimmune pathogenesis informs treatment selection and prognosis.

Lesson 1 • Fungal Infections of the Scalp

Identify tinea capitis presentations including gray patch, black dot, and kerion forms. Fungal infections require medical treatment and infection control protocols.

Lesson 2 • Folliculitis and Scalp Infections

Classify bacterial, viral, and demodex-related folliculitis by clinical features and distribution. Infection control and hygiene protocols are critical management components.

Lesson 3 • Contact Dermatitis and Scalp Sensitivity

Differentiate irritant from allergic contact dermatitis triggered by hair products and dyes. Patch testing principles guide identification of causative allergens.

Lesson 4 • Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff

Distinguish dandruff from seborrheic dermatitis by scale type, distribution, and inflammatory signs. Malassezia yeast overgrowth is the primary pathogenic driver.

Lesson 1 • Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Overview

Understand PRP preparation, growth factor content, and injection protocols as a trichologist's referral and co-management tool. Scope of practice boundaries apply.

Lesson 2 • Nutritional Supplementation Protocols

Design supplement protocols targeting iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D deficiencies identified in assessment. Supplementation must align with blood test findings to avoid toxicity.

Lesson 3 • Topical Treatments and Active Ingredients

Evaluate minoxidil, ketoconazole, and scalp serums by mechanism, concentration, and evidence level. Correct application technique maximizes follicular absorption.

Lesson 4 • Scalp Massage and Mechanical Stimulation

Apply standardized scalp massage protocols to improve microcirculation and follicle stretching. Evidence supports consistent mechanical stimulation for hair density improvement.

Lesson 1 • Conditioner and Treatment Mask Science

Explain cationic conditioning agents, protein treatments, and occlusive ingredients and their effects on shaft integrity. Correct conditioner use prevents mechanical breakage.

Lesson 2 • Medicated Scalp Products

Assess active ingredients in medicated shampoos and scalp treatments including zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, and coal tar. Ingredient concentration affects therapeutic outcome.

Lesson 3 • Heat and Chemical Processing Effects

Quantify damage from thermal styling, bleaching, and relaxing on cuticle and cortex integrity. Protective strategies minimize cumulative structural damage.

Lesson 4 • Natural and Botanical Ingredients

Evaluate evidence for rosemary oil, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and other botanicals in hair care. Distinguish marketing claims from peer-reviewed efficacy data.

Lesson 1 • Differential Diagnosis in Complex Cases

Apply systematic differential diagnosis to cases with overlapping alopecia types and scalp conditions. Multi-factorial presentations require prioritized and staged treatment approaches.

Lesson 2 • Managing Client Expectations and Adherence

Apply motivational communication techniques to set realistic expectations and sustain long-term treatment adherence. Psychological support improves clinical outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Comprehensive Treatment Plan Design

Construct individualized treatment plans integrating topical, nutritional, device, and lifestyle interventions. Plans must include measurable goals and realistic timelines.

Lesson 4 • Progress Monitoring and Outcome Measurement

Use standardized photography, trichoscopy, and hair count methods to objectively track treatment response. Consistent measurement enables evidence-based plan modification.