Do I need a hair loss doctor,
or a trichologist?
Not sure where to start? Read both columns below and see which one sounds like you.
It's one of the most common questions we hear, and it makes total sense — most people have never had a reason to think about the difference before. A physician (like a dermatologist) and a certified trichologist like Dr. Leola Anifowoshe, PhD both work with hair and scalp concerns, but they answer very different questions. Below are two honest "start here if…" columns to help you figure out your first move.
- You're seeing sudden, patchy bald spots
- Your scalp is painful, itchy, scaling, or inflamed
- You suspect an autoimmune or thyroid condition
- You want a prescription medication or surgical restoration
- You need an official medical diagnosis for records or insurance
- Your hair has been gradually thinning or shedding more
- You've had bloodwork done and everything came back 'normal'
- You want to understand root-cause, lifestyle, and scalp factors
- You want a personalized, holistic recovery plan
- You already have a diagnosis and want ongoing scalp wellness support
When in doubt, start with a conversation.
Our free 15-minute phone consultation exists exactly for this moment — no pressure, no upsell, just a real conversation about what you're experiencing and what your best next step looks like.
- A candid conversation about your history and symptoms
- An honest recommendation, even if that means seeing a physician first
- No cost and no obligation for the first call
Frequently asked
That's exactly what our free 15-minute phone consultation is for. Our team will talk through what you're experiencing and help point you to the right next step, medical or investigative.
Yes, often that's ideal. Many clients work with a physician for diagnosis or prescriptions while also working with our practice on the lifestyle, scalp health and root-cause side of hair wellness.
Yes. If our investigation surfaces something that warrants medical evaluation, we say so plainly and help you find the right kind of care.
Still deciding? Read more on hair loss doctors vs. trichologists or learn what a trichologist actually is.
The Hair Loss Detective™ provides comprehensive non-medical investigative trichology assessments focused on hair and scalp wellness. Based on your history, scalp examination, digital imaging and investigative findings, Trichologist Dr. Leola Anifowoshe may identify hair loss patterns that appear consistent with known forms of hair loss. These are investigative observations — not medical diagnoses. They guide your personalized Hair Recovery Blueprint™. Trichologist Dr. Leola Anifowoshe, PhD is a certified trichologist, not a physician; medical diagnosis and prescriptions sit outside our scope. Individual results vary.
Your hair loss has a reason.
Let's find it.
A few quiet minutes with Dr. Leola's team is where the guessing ends.
Begin Your Hair Investigation™