Our hair is a reflection of our physical and emotional well-being. We are keen to have thick, supple and shiny hair, which guarantees a boost to our mood! The same goes for our scalp: clean, soothed and free from unsightly dandruff, a healthy scalp provides the ideal environment for strong, vigorous hair growth. And when hair starts falling out more than usual or a flare-up of seborrhoeic dermatitis is «ruining our lives», we look for answers to our hair concerns. A hair diagnosis is often the answer to our questions.
There are many hair analysis services available, and the term covers a wide range of options. To find out what you can expect from a hair analysis, as well as what such an analysis cannot do, the Clauderer Centre explains this basic concept for you.
Hair analysis: a definition
If we want a quick definition of a hair analysis, we could say that it is an assessment of the condition of the hair (hair shaft, keratin) and, where applicable, the scalp.
Whilst the word «diagnosis» may bring to mind the medical world, perhaps even with a connotation of pathology, the full term «hair diagnosis» refers more to «study», »observation’ or ‘visual examination’, with or without additional measuring equipment (trichoscope, microscope, …). This careful observation of the hair may be accompanied by an online or face-to-face consultation. It does not involve a thorough examination or analysis of the hair to determine concentrations of heavy metals, toxins or any illicit substances.
You can therefore have your hair analysed at a hairdressing professional or a hair expert, as these professionals are not doctors or dermatologists but have in-depth knowledge of hair thanks to their professional training and experience.
These experts will be able to examine your hair – whether it is curly or straight, natural or coloured – and identify any issues: breakage, open cuticles, porosity, thinning, or split ends. An examination of the scalp will reveal whether it is healthy, too dry or prone to oiliness.
When comprehensive skincare routines or cosmetic treatments are offered to address specific issues such as postpartum hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, hair breakage, or scalp problems (itching, scalp irritation, dandruff,), we can then speak of hair care products. These are often topical treatments, meaning they are applied to the scalp and/or hair. In some cases, dietary supplements (gummies, capsules) are also available as part of the range.
Hair and scalp problems: who should you turn to?
There may be some overlap in the areas of expertise between dermatologists, pharmacists and hair care specialists when it comes to certain everyday issues: there are, in fact, several approaches to treating alopecia, soothing an irritated scalp, ensuring the strength of hair grafts after surgery, or repairing damaged hair.
Depending on your specific concerns and preferences, you should consult a different professional to carry out your hair analysis, as each has their own area of expertise:
Hairdressing salon
An expert hairdresser will be able to offer advice before carrying out a chemical or natural hair colour treatment. This will also be the case before carrying out cosmetic treatments such as straightening, relaxing or highlighting, as these procedures have a significant impact on the hair fibre. They will be able to offer advice on the techniques, treatments or products best suited to your needs. In fact, it is the quality of their advice that will help you recognise a true professional. Rather than agreeing to all your requests, they will warn you about certain treatments or products that are unsuitable for your hair and could damage it. For example, a hairdressing professional worthy of the name will never tell you to have highlights done too soon after a relaxer or straightening treatment. An expert hairdresser will take the time to listen to you before proceeding with a cut, treatment, technique or colour.
The right cut, the right colour? I trust my hairdresser
The hairdresser is the right choice for you if you’re looking for advice or treatments relating to haircuts, hair care, colouring, grey hair, straightening and other cosmetic treatments.
Hair care salon or centre
At a hair specialist such as the Clauderer Centre, the focus is on the health and beauty of the hair and scalp. This involves a careful examination of the scalp, as well as precise measurement of keratin using a microscope after collecting several strands of hair from different areas of the scalp. The Clauderer in-depth diagnosis includes a questionnaire on hair care routines, lifestyle and health. This is a holistic approach that takes into account the condition of the scalp, which is the foundation for optimal, healthy hair growth.
Thinning hair, early balding, postnatal hair loss… your hair care expert has the solutions
A Cosmetic Expert is here to help with: thinning hair, hair loss, alopecia, early balding, dandruff, problem scalps, brittle hair, and pre- or post-hair transplant care. Cosmetic, non-invasive solutions, using natural or non-natural products. Textured Afro hair, senior citizens' hair, women, men, … everyone is welcome.
Medical or paramedical professions
The term “healthcare professional” refers to: a pharmacist, a dermatologist, a general practitioner or a cosmetic surgeon, or a nurse.
Only a healthcare professional will be able to identify a fungal skin condition and accurately distinguish between dermatitis, psoriasis or lichen planus. A doctor or dermatologist may also carry out blood tests and/or scalp biopsies if necessary. It is a completely different world. This medical field also encompasses hair transplants and implants within the context of cosmetic medicine.
Injections or transplants: leave it to the healthcare professionals
This is the answer to your hair or scalp problems if you are looking for conventional medical solutions (medication-based treatments), including PRP-type treatments, to treat scalp conditions, alopecia, and male or female pattern baldness.
What does a hair analysis involve?
Here we are referring solely to diagnoses for cosmetic purposes. Indeed, if you are considering hair restoration surgery or suspect alopecia areata or lichen planus, for example, it is clear that a consultation with a healthcare professional is essential.
It is often possible to carry out a quick online self-assessment by answering a few basic questions (main concern, hair type, etc.). For those in a hurry, this may be enough, as there is often a standardised solution to a simple problem. Once you’ve completed the short questionnaire, you’ll receive an order proposal; confirm it if you wish, and you’ll receive your products along with instructions for use. Then it’s up to you!
However, if you would like to find out more about your hair or scalp problems, or if you are concerned about your hair loss, an in-person meeting Consulting a hair care expert or a healthcare professional can provide you with a personalised solution.
Hair analysis: I book an appointment, I understand, I treat
Generally, the appointment consists of three stages:
- Phase 1: listening, observation, measurement
- Stage 2: Assessment, explanations
- Phase 3: advice, recommendations, solutions
As well as a professional’s expertise and objective advice, you’ll usually have a little time to ask questions, receive personalised advice and, above all, understand what’s happening to you. Putting your hair concerns into words and understanding the causes – both primary and secondary – of your hair loss, for example, allows you to take control and avoid despair. Because once a hair diagnosis has been made, you know that solutions exist. Soothing scalp irritation, eliminating dandruff linked to flare-ups of dermatitis or psoriasis, stimulating the growth of stronger hair, repairing damaged hair fibres, etc.,all you need to do is (re)discover the right routine with the right products and expert advice. Of course, hair care products don’t solve every problem. Nevertheless, natural hair care offers a sustainable approach that prioritises gentle, respectful care and provides effective alternatives to certain medicinal treatments, particularly in the natural management of hair loss.
Having beautiful hair and looking after it to preserve its natural beauty helps you feel good about yourself. A hair analysis will enable you to make an informed choice about which professional to entrust with your scalp and hair: don’t overlook this appointment.
Hair analysis for everyone!
At Clauderer, we offer solutions that have proven their worth over many years for stressed scalps and hair loss in both women and men. Come and see us to discover our cosmetic solutions natural!
Jean-François Cabos is the creator of a unique hair care method based on the research he coordinated, which led to the publication of the book Hair, Roots of Life with Hélène Clauderer published by Robert Laffont (Collection "Réponses/ Santé").
