Hair density and trichoscopy: what a London scalp scan actually shows
Trichoscopy is the difference between guessing and knowing. It's cheap, it's fast, and every serious London hair clinic uses it.
Dr. Amara Okafor
Consultant Trichologist · Harley Street
In short
- Dermatoscope-based magnification (20–70x) of the scalp.
- Measures: hair density (hairs/cm²), diameter distribution, single vs multi-hair follicles, follicular unit patterns.
- Distinguishes androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, scarring alopecias.
- A London trichology consult (£120–£220) includes trichoscopy as standard.
Trichoscopy is what separates a real hair loss diagnosis from a guess. Any serious London hair clinic uses it. If your consultation didn't involve a scan of your scalp under magnification, you got a guided guess.
What trichoscopy measures
- Hair density — hairs per cm² (normal 200+; concerning below 150).
- Diameter distribution — normal, intermediate, miniaturised (miniaturisation is the earliest AGA signal).
- Single- vs multi-hair follicular units — reduced multi-hair units suggests AGA.
- Yellow dots, black dots, exclamation-mark hairs — signature findings in alopecia areata.
- Scaling, perifollicular inflammation, scarring — distinguishes scarring alopecias.
How to read your report
A good report shows before/after photos of the same site, quantified density and diameter, and a written interpretation. Reject vague verbal-only feedback — insist on the images and numbers.
Follow-up cadence
Baseline trichoscopy at consultation. Re-scan at 6 and 12 months to objectively track treatment response. This is how you know if a protocol is working — not memory or subjective feel.
Photographs beat feelings. Numbers beat photographs.
Frequently asked
Common questions
Is trichoscopy painful?+
Not at all — a probe is placed on the scalp, no puncture.
Do I need to shave for it?+
No — a small parting is made in the area of interest.
How much does it cost as a standalone?+
Usually included in the consultation fee (£120–£220). Standalone: £60–£90 in some clinics.
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