San Diego Trichologist Overview​
What is Trichology?
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Trichology is the science of the structure, function and diseases of the human hair
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​Do I need to see a Trichologist?
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Are you seeing an increase in hair in the drain? Do you see more of your scalp than before? Are you surprised by a bald spot showing in pictures? Is there more hair coming out in your brush? Have you noticed a texture difference. These are all signals that you may want to see a trichologist.
Trichology Meets Cosmetology
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Melinda Galloway is both a board certified cosmetologist and trichologist. She has been a vital part of the San Diego hair loss recovery community for over 20 years and she has built a sanctuary in Advanced Hair Aesthetics. We serve a community of men and women who have beauty therapy needs and are also dealing with hair loss. In the US we are seeing an increase in younger adults dealing with hair loss concerns as well as an overall awareness of the different types of hair loss. Advanced Hair Aesthetics is a unique full service salon that specializes in caring for your hair and scalp giving you a private, relaxing environment perfect for enhancing your style and your confidence!
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Schedule a Hair Loss and Scalp Evaluation
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To thoroughly examine your hair and scalp we will evaluate your hair follicles with a microscopic device taking photos of particular points of concern. These micro photos create reference point for future progress with treatment. This initial consultation helps to ascertain scalp conditions and possible irritations and analyze what may be causing your hair loss or scalp issues. Your hair provides many tell-tell signs of underlying conditions that contribute to your hair loss. Most people have already lost a large percentage of their hair before they think it is "serious enough" to see a trichologist. The earlier you intervene with a hair loss solution, the better your results will be.
Trichology Meets Cosmetology
​
Melinda Galloway is both a board-certified cosmetologist and trichologist. She has been a vital part of the San Diego hair loss recovery community for over 20 years and she has built a sanctuary in Advanced Hair Aesthetics. We serve a community of men and women who have beauty therapy needs and are also dealing with hair loss. In the US we are seeing an increase in younger adults dealing with hair loss concerns as well as an overall awareness of the different types of hair loss. Advanced Hair Aesthetics is a unique full service salon that specializes in caring for your hair and scalp giving you a private, relaxing environment perfect for enhancing your style and your confidence!
​
Schedule a Hair Loss and Scalp Evaluation
​
To thoroughly examine your hair and scalp we will evaluate your hair follicles with a microscopic device taking photos of particular points of concern. These micro photos create reference point for future progress with treatment. This initial consultation helps to ascertain scalp conditions and possible irritations and analyze what may be causing your hair loss or scalp issues. Your hair provides many tell-tell signs of underlying conditions that contribute to your hair loss. Most people have already lost a large percentage of their hair before they think it is "serious enough" to see a trichologist. The earlier you intervene with a hair loss solution, the better your results will be.
A few things we will need to know:
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Medical History
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We will need to know an overview of your medical history, as a previous condition may be contributing to your hair loss or scalp condition. Your family history and genetics may also have a part to play so be open about hair loss in your family. The more information you are able to give, the easier it will be for your us to establish and treat the cause of your hair loss and discomfort.
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Nutrition
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Not eating a well-balanced diet can often dramatically affect hair growth and condition. A lack of vitamins, iron, zinc and folic acid can stunt hair growth. Your hair is the last point of your body to get nutrients so it is important to fill your diet with food that will also promote healthy hair growth.
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Stress
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Stress is one of the most common causes of alopecia (dramatic hair loss).Generally, stress caused by major life events or trauma can dramatically affect your hair. It is not always immediately noticed. In fact, most people do not notice hair loss until it has made a dramatic difference.
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Tell us how you live
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Hair Loss is often detected in lifestyle changes. It could be a combination of your diet, new sleep habits, whether your consume alcohol or smoke. Letting your trichologist know of any major life events or changes will help them evaluate why you are experiencing hair loss.
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What is your hair care routine?
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Having a gentle hair care routine is always important. How do you currently style your hair? How often do you shampoo your hair? Do you brush wet hair? How hot is the water when you wash your hair? How do you wear your hair at night? What products do you use? These are all important questions to consider. We advise you on ways to improve your hair quality and scalp condition at home so you can help prevent damage.
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Do I need to see a Trichologist for Trichotillomania?
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Trichotillomania is a body-focused repetitive behavior classified as an impulse control disorder. This can be identified by the urge of pulling out one's hair. The most common targets for hair pulling are the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelids. It is estimated that 1%-2% of adults and adolescents suffer from trichotillomania but this is a predominantly female disorder.
Seeking a psychologist to help with the mental health aspect is equally important. However, we have seen many clients that have shown incredible improvement using hair replacement options to help curb the tendency to twist hair out. Because of Melinda Galloway's first hand experience managing Trichotillomania, she has become a trusted resource for many struggling with this disorder. In the words of our client Tyler, who has been brave enough to share her struggle with Trichotillomania, "I feel like I won the lottery finding Melinda. She gave me my life back." This is what has driven Melinda to serve San Diego’s hair loss community for the last 20 years. Results! Hair matters to overall mental and emotional health, it's not just vanity and she has seen the results in the smiles and the confidence that she has helped her clients build over the years.
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What About Alopecia?
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So many clients suffer from different types of Alopecia.There are many types and they all vary in symptoms. Sometimes you many need to see a dermatologist that specializes in your type of Alopecia. A trichologist is always a good place to start when you first notice a change in your hair. Some of the types of Alopecia are:
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Androgenic Alopecia
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Alopecia Areata
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Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis
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Traction Alopecia
Telogen Effluvium
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Temporary hair loss, also called Telogen Effluvium, is a common type of diffuse hair loss among women. With telogen effluvium, thinning hair or hair shedding is caused when a large percentage of scalp hairs are shifted into the Telogen phase (also known as the resting or shedding phase) of the hair growth cycle. This means that more hairs are in the resting stage than usual, and fewer hair follicles are available to grow new hair in the Anagen (growth) phase.
Could it be my Hormones?
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Absolutely, it could be a hormone imbalance, it could be a new stage in life, it could be stress and cortisol levels. These are all things considered in a hair loss and scalp evaluation. Many clients will come in with a “regular” blood test showing hormones in a “normal” range. We have learned that sometimes you need to seek a specialist that can test for your normal and work with you to find your balance. This is not a service provided at our salon but we have found some of the best specialists in San Diego that we refer to.
Anagen Effluvium
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This is a medical- related hair loss due to internally administered medications. The effects are usually temporary. Some clients find comfort in temporary cosmetic solutions. It is also important to keep on top of nutrition and scalp health so that you have the best chance to grow back thick healthy hair.
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When you are experiencing hair loss, there are a few things we want you to know.
You are not alone and there are solutions.