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Occupation Details

Trichologist



Fact Sheet

Examining a patient's hair and scalp condition to determine the best course of action

Trichologists diagnose and treat human hair and scalp problems and care for the general health of human hair.

Duties and Tasks

Trichologists may perform the following tasks:

  • discuss the scalp problem with the client
  • examine the scalp and identify the problem
  • work out the cause of the problem and decide on appropriate therapy
  • treat scalp problems such as dandruff, itchiness of the scalp, hair loss, baldness and excessive oiliness
  • carry out a microscopic examination of the hair
  • apply ointment or lotion to the scalp, massage, or use electrotherapy machines and/or ultra-violet lamps
  • prescribe nutritional supplements
  • advise on the correct use of hair colouring, and permanent waving and straightening products
  • treat damage sustained by the hair or scalp, for example as a result of the misuse of hair colouring
  • where necessary, refer client to a medical or paramedical practitioner

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of physical education provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physical education subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to undertake. Jobs requiring full use of hands/fingers are excluded.\par
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs providing health care diagnosis and treatment, such as general medicine, pharmacy, optometry, radiography, speech therapy, dental health, etc. Also covered are community and welfare services, such as social work, family and children services, and counselling, and personal services such as hairdressing and funeral services.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.

Personal Requirements

  • enjoy science
  • enjoy contact with the public
  • patient and tactful

Labour Market Information

Australian JobOutlook for Hairdressers

Related Courses

Queensland
South Australia

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.