In the realm of hair care, the expertise of a trichologist can be invaluable, particularly when it comes to diagnosing complex scalp and hair conditions.

Rhulani Hlabana, a seasoned trichologist and hair transplant technician, renowned for her meticulous approach to hair wellness, guides us through her comprehensive examination process, shedding light on how it not only uncovers the root causes of hair loss but also lays the foundation for effective treatment plans.

Can you walk us through your typical examination process as a trichologist and how it helps in diagnosing scalp and hair conditions?

Trichology is the scientific study of hair, the scalp, and hair follicles, and how to diagnose and treat their problems.

When a patient comes to see me, I ask them questions that will bring me closer to their hair loss condition in relation to their diet, stress levels, hormonal issues and medical history.

I then use a microscope to analyse their scalp to see if they have: inflammation, clogged pores, folliculitis, miniaturised hairs, bald spots, scarring I also use the microscope to analyse their hair to determine how thick it is, is it healthy hair and hair colour?

All this information will give me an indication on what their hair loss condition is, and from there on I recommend a treatment plan.

Hair care, hair products, hair routine, hair health, trichologist, Rhulani Hlabana — Trichologist, Rhulani Hlabana, Images: Supplied

Why is maintaining a healthy scalp so crucial for overall hair health, and what common issues do you see when this is neglected?

It is important to keep your scalp clean to prevent your pores from being clogged.When your pores are clogged, it prevents hair growth. We sweat and we use hair products…all of this must be removed for a clean and healthy scalp and that our hair is not dirty and oily for hygiene reasons.

What are some of the key factors that determine whether someone is a good candidate for a hair transplant?

Hair transplant is not suitable for all hair loss conditions.

I first have to do a full scalp analysis and diagnosis of the hair loss type, and from there we can determine whether the patient is suitable for a transplant or not.

Notes on the transplant

A transplant is not recommended for anyone under the age of 26 years old.

A transplant is not recommended for those who have

The patient must have good donor hair.

The patient's scalp must be healthy.

What are some common misconceptions about hair and scalp care that you frequently encounter, and how do you address them?

A common one is that, the more you leave braids in your hair, the more your hair will grow and that you shouldn't wash your hair with braids on.

I recommend that one should not keep braids longer than a month to avoid clogged pores, and dirty hair. And it is important to still maintain a wash routine with braids on.

Hair care, hair products, hair routine, hair health, trichologist, Rhulani Hlabana — Keeping your scalp clean prevents clogged pores and encourages hair growth, Image: Supplied

What daily practices do you recommend for someone looking to improve or maintain the health of their scalp and hair?

My recommendations are:

Shampoo - This is to be used on the scalp and not the hair.

Conditioner - This is to be used in the hair not scalp.A conditioner is meant to keep your hair soft and prevent it from breaking when combing or styling or even plaiting.

Use hair cream/moisturiser - To keep your hair and scalp moist and not dry.

Avoid oils that will cause product build up.

Wash your hair at least twice a week (depending on the thickness of your hair).

Are there any exciting new technologies or treatments in the field of trichology and hair transplantation that you are particularly enthusiastic about?

There are always new and improved treatments in the industry. When it comes to treatments it's not a one size fits all, everyone's journey is different and treatments are tailor-made to treat specific hair loss conditions.

Available treatments include:

PRP

Growth factors

Hair transplant

Scalp exfoliation

How crucial is diet and nutrition for maintaining a healthy scalp and hairline, and are there specific foods you recommend for optimal hair health?

A healthy diet can help maintain healthy hair and scalp.

Foods that can help with healthy hair include; Protein- eg Fish, Chicken, Eggs, Omega fatty acids -eg salmon, Berries and Dark leafy greens such as Spinach.

Hair care, hair products, hair routine, hair health, trichologist, Rhulani Hlabana — There are different treatments for different hair loss conditions, Image: Supplied

Can you explain how stress impacts scalp and hair health, and what strategies do you suggest for mitigating these effects?

Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which can reduce blood flow to your scalp and hair follicles, this can stop or impede hair growth.

Are there particular types of hair care products or ingredients that you routinely recommend or advise against using for scalp and hairline maintenance?

Alcohol - Can strip hair of natural oils and cause damage

Synthetic fragrances - Can dry out hair and irritate the scalp.

Sulfates - Can cause dryness and frizz

Parabens - Can cause scalp irritation

How do different seasons or climates affect scalp and hair health, and should people alter their hair care routines accordingly?

Hair grows faster

Cold air can damage the hair cuticle, making hair frizzy and dull.

Humidity can also make hair frizzy, as water breaks and resets the hydrogen bonds in your hair.

Connect with Rhulani on Instagram at @rhtrichologyprac