Hair and scalp disorders are frequently encountered in clinical practice and can have significant medical and psychological impact for patients. Accurate diagnosis and effective management rely on a systematic approach that integrates patient history, clinical examination, diagnostic reasoning and patient-centred care. This course provides clinicians with practical frameworks for evaluating hair loss presentations and developing comprehensive management plans.
Participants will learn how to recognise the major categories of hair disorders, gather targeted clinical information during consultations, and conduct thorough examinations of the hair, scalp and related structures. The course also introduces diagnostic tools used in medical trichology and explains how to integrate findings into a structured diagnostic process. Finally, the course explores how clinicians can develop holistic management strategies that address both the medical and psychosocial aspects of hair disorders.
Unit 1: Classification of Hair Disorders and Pre-Test Probability
This unit introduces the fundamental framework used to classify hair disorders and guides clinicians in applying diagnostic reasoning before the clinical examination begins.
Participants will explore:
- The major categories of alopecia, including scarring (cicatricial) and non-scarring forms of hair loss
- The epidemiology and prevalence of common hair disorders seen in clinical practice
- The concept of pre-test probability and how patient demographics, medical history and presenting symptoms influence diagnostic thinking
- The importance of distinguishing between inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune and genetic causes of hair loss
- How structured classification systems help clinicians organise differential diagnoses and improve diagnostic accuracy
By understanding these principles, clinicians can approach hair loss consultations with a clear diagnostic framework that guides further history taking and examination.
Unit 2: History Taking
This unit focuses on how to obtain a thorough and targeted patient history when assessing hair and scalp conditions.
Participants will learn how to explore:
- The onset, duration and progression of hair loss
- Patterns of shedding, thinning or patchy hair loss
- Associated symptoms such as itching, pain, burning or scalp inflammation
- Relevant medical history including autoimmune disease, endocrine disorders and nutritional deficiencies
- Medication history, hormonal influences and potential triggers such as illness, stress or surgery
- Lifestyle factors including hair care practices, chemical treatments and styling habits
- Family history of hair loss or genetic conditions
The unit also highlights how patient narratives, psychosocial concerns and expectations about treatment influence clinical consultations and decision-making.
Unit 3: Examinations
Unit three introduces a systematic approach to examining patients with hair and scalp disorders.
Participants will learn how to conduct a structured clinical assessment that includes:
- Initial visual inspection of the patient and scalp to identify obvious abnormalities
- Evaluation of the hairline, midline part and crown to identify characteristic patterns of hair loss
- Sequential scalp examination to compare affected and unaffected areas
- Clinical tests such as the hair pull test to assess active hair shedding and disease activity
- Assessment of hair shaft integrity using techniques such as the hair tug test
- The use of trichoscopy to visualise follicular structures and identify diagnostic features of common alopecias
The examination also extends beyond the scalp to include the eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, facial skin and nails, as these areas may reveal important diagnostic clues or associated conditions.
Unit 4: Diagnostic Process and Tools
This unit explains how clinicians can integrate clinical findings into a structured diagnostic process.
Participants will learn how to:
- Analyse all available clinical data including patient history, examination findings and diagnostic tests
- Categorise hair disorders based on key characteristics such as scarring versus non-scarring, inflammatory versus infectious, and patchy versus diffuse patterns
- Apply systematic reasoning to narrow differential diagnoses and reach a specific clinical diagnosis
- Use diagnostic algorithms and classification frameworks to support decision-making
- Document disease stage, activity and severity to guide treatment planning
The unit also introduces clinical scoring and classification systems used to assess hair loss severity and monitor disease progression in conditions such as pattern hair loss and alopecia areata.
Unit 5: Formulating a Management Plan and Holistic Practice
The final unit focuses on developing management strategies that address both the clinical and personal impact of hair disorders.
Participants will explore different categories of treatment options, including:
- Conservative approaches such as monitoring and patient reassurance
- Supportive care including scalp care advice, lifestyle measures and nutritional considerations
- Camouflage techniques such as hair fibres, prostheses and cosmetic solutions that help patients manage the visible impact of hair loss
- Medical treatments targeting inflammation, hormonal pathways, infection or immune mechanisms
- Surgical interventions such as hair transplantation for selected conditions
The unit also emphasises the importance of holistic care, encouraging clinicians to consider the psychological impact of hair loss, associated systemic conditions and the patient’s personal treatment goals. By incorporating these principles, practitioners can deliver patient-centred care that supports both medical outcomes and quality of life.
By the end of this course, participants will have a clear and systematic approach to assessing patients with hair and scalp disorders. Through structured history taking, comprehensive examination techniques, and evidence-based diagnostic reasoning, clinicians will develop the skills needed to identify common hair conditions with greater confidence. The course also emphasises patient-centred and holistic care, enabling practitioners to formulate thoughtful management plans that address both the medical and psychological impact of hair loss. Together, these skills provide a strong foundation for clinicians seeking to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in the field of medical trichology.
