Dermatologists warn against unqualified 'trichologists' and salon treatments that worsen hair fall before real help arrives. Doctors insist that people should visit a qualified doctor for hair fall prevention.
Published Nov 15, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 15, 2025 | 7:00 AM
Fireside chat on 'Tackling Early–Onset Hair Loss' at the Dakshin Health Summit. (South First)
Synopsis: Speaking at a fireside chat on “Tackling Early–Onset Hair Loss’, renowned hair transplant surgeon, Dermatologist Dr Kavish Chouhan said, Hair and scalp diseases fall under dermatology — the branch of medicine that deals not just with skin, but also hair, nails, and mucosa.
Hair loss is one of the most common and most misunderstood health concerns today. From social media “trichologists” to gym trainers selling protein powders, everyone seems to have advice on how to stop hair fall. But when it comes to knowing which doctor to actually consult, most people still get it wrong.
“Even now, I see patients asking me, ‘Doctor, do you see for hair?’,” says senior dermatologist, Madhavi Reddy P at South First’s Dakshin Health Summit 2025. “There’s still confusion about which specialty deals with hair loss,” she adds.
Speaking at a fireside chat on ‘Tackling Early–Onset Hair Loss’, renowned hair transplant surgeon, Dermatologist Dr Kavish Chouhan said, Hair and scalp diseases fall under dermatology — the branch of medicine that deals not just with skin, but also hair, nails, and mucosa.
Dakshin Health Summit 2025. (Supplied)
“A dermatologist is the true trichologist,” the expert explains. “There’s no medical degree called trichology. Many self-proclaimed trichologists take one- or two-week courses and start calling themselves specialists. Only dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat hair disorders.”
This lack of awareness leads many people to waste precious time and money visiting unqualified practitioners, salons, or clinics that promise “miracle regrowth.” By the time they reach a proper dermatologist, their condition has often worsened or become more complex to treat.
Part of the confusion, doctors say, comes from the explosion of online advice. Hair fall content on social media — from influencers promoting shampoos to non-medical “trichology” pages — has blurred the line between cosmetic care and medical treatment.
“Dealing with hair disorders isn’t as simple as applying a topical solution or taking vitamin supplements,” says Dr Madhavi. “Hair loss can stem from deeper causes like hormonal imbalance, autoimmune disease, or nutritional deficiency — things only a medically trained specialist can identify.”
Experts warn that early intervention is critical. Conditions like androgenetic alopecia (patterned baldness) or scarring alopecia can be slowed or even reversed if caught early but not if treated with over-the-counter serums or social media hacks.
Dermatologists stress the importance of a proper diagnosis before starting any treatment including tests for vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, and hormonal imbalances.
“Hair loss is a symptom, not just a cosmetic concern,” the expert says. “Ignoring it or self-treating can mask underlying health problems.”
Dermatologists at the summit stressed that if you’re noticing unusual hair loss, your first visit should be to a dermatologist — not a beauty clinic, not a spa, and definitely not an unverified “hair expert.”
“Hair is a mirror of your internal health,” agreed the dermatologists on the panel. “It deserves scientific attention, not shortcuts.”
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
