Trichologist or Doctor for Hair Loss? Who to See, What Each Can Do and When You Need Blood Tests

A trichologist specialises in hair and scalp care and can be a helpful first contact, but a trichologist is not a medical doctor. In the UK the title is not legally protected, registration is voluntary, and a trichologist cannot prescribe medicines. A doctor can diagnose the medical causes of hair loss, arrange and interpret blood tests, prescribe treatment and refer on when needed. If your hair loss is sudden, patchy, scarring, painful or comes with other symptoms, or if you are considering medical treatment such as PRP, a doctor should be involved.

Key points

The Institute of Trichologists runs a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. Its own guidance states that the title trichologist is not statutorily protected.

Doctors practising in the UK must be registered with the General Medical Council, which sets and enforces standards.

Many common causes of hair loss are medical, including low iron, thyroid disease, hormonal conditions, autoimmune conditions and medicines, and need a medical assessment.

A registered trichologist and a doctor can work well together. What matters is that the medical causes are ruled in or out.

Not sure who you need? Message a GMC-registered doctor on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.

What is a trichologist?

Trichology is the study of the hair and scalp. Trichologists assess hair and scalp problems, advise on hair care and scalp health, and many offer topical treatments and lifestyle advice. Training varies. The Institute of Trichologists sets education and competence standards for people on its register, and its register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Because the title is not protected in law, anyone can call themselves a trichologist. Checking whether someone is on an accredited register is the simplest way to know what training they have.

What can a doctor do that a trichologist cannot?

A doctor can make a medical diagnosis, take a full medical history, examine you, and arrange and interpret blood tests in the context of your wider health. A doctor can prescribe medicines such as oral minoxidil or anti-androgen treatment where appropriate, treat scalp conditions with prescription creams or shampoos, and refer you for specialist care or a biopsy.

A doctor is also bound by General Medical Council standards and can be held to account for them. Medical treatments that involve injections, such as PRP, should be carried out by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

When should I see a doctor about hair loss?

See a doctor if your hair loss is sudden or heavy, comes out in patches, leaves smooth or scarred areas, is itchy, painful or inflamed, or comes with tiredness, weight change, irregular periods, acne or new facial hair. See a doctor too if hair loss started after a new medicine, an illness or childbirth, or if you are considering prescription treatment.

A child with hair loss, or anyone with patches of hair loss in the eyebrows or beard, should also be assessed medically.

Which blood tests matter for hair loss?

The tests depend on your history, but commonly include ferritin and iron studies, a full blood count, thyroid function, vitamin D, and sometimes hormones such as testosterone. Our guide to low ferritin and hair loss explains why a result flagged as normal can still be too low for hair, and our guide to biotin and hair loss explains why supplements can distort some results.

Where does PRP fit?

For pattern hair loss, PRP uses growth factors concentrated from your own blood, has no hormonal action, and meta-analyses of randomised trials have found it increases hair density. It is a medical treatment involving injections, so it should follow a medical assessment that rules out other causes. Our guide on whether PRP for hair is worth it covers the evidence.

The suitability review

Every enquiry begins with a doctor-led suitability review rather than a booking. A GMC-registered doctor examines your scalp with dermoscopy, takes a medical history, reviews or arranges your bloods, and tells you plainly whether PRP is right for you now, later or not at all.

What assessment and treatment cost

At The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness, the price reflects a doctor-led, diagnosis-first approach rather than a treatment sold at the door.

Hair PRP consultation, a 20-minute clinician assessment with a personalised plan, £150.

Core Wellness blood panel of 30 markers including ferritin, full blood count, thyroid, inflammation and vitamin D, doctor-reviewed with a written plan, £350.

Hair PRP, £450 per session, or £1,215 for a course of 3 sessions.

Book your suitability review. Message us on WhatsApp.

Why people choose The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness

Because a doctor looks for the medical cause of hair loss before anything is recommended.

Because blood tests are arranged and interpreted by the same clinical team.

Because PRP is recommended only when the scalp and the bloods say it will help.

And because every treatment is delivered by GMC-registered doctors at 10 Portman Square in Marylebone and the Light Centre in Belgravia.

Related reading

Our guides to hair loss in London and the blood tests that matter, telogen effluvium and thyroid and hair loss explain the causes worth checking.

Book your suitability review. Message us on WhatsApp, email team@thewellnesslondon.com, or call +44 20 3951 3429.

Frequently asked questions about trichologists and doctors

Is a trichologist a doctor?

No. A trichologist specialises in hair and scalp care but is not medically qualified unless they are also a doctor, and cannot prescribe medicines.

Is the title trichologist protected in the UK?

No. The title is not statutorily protected. The Institute of Trichologists runs a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Should I see a trichologist or a doctor for hair loss?

See a doctor if hair loss is sudden, patchy, scarring or painful, comes with other symptoms, or if you want prescription treatment or PRP. A trichologist can help with hair and scalp care alongside this.

Can a trichologist order blood tests?

Some trichologists suggest or arrange tests, but a doctor interprets them alongside your medical history and can treat what they find.

Who should perform PRP for hair loss?

PRP involves injections and is a medical treatment. It should be carried out by or under the supervision of a doctor after a medical assessment.

Do I need a referral to see a private doctor about hair loss?

No. You can book a private hair consultation directly.

This article is for information and does not replace personal medical advice. Individual results vary. All treatments at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness are performed by GMC-registered doctors. Written and reviewed by the clinical team at The Wellness. Last updated September 2026.

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