KATE HOLDEN CLINIC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you can't find the answer to your question, please contact us here or email us at info@kateholdenclinic.com.
WHAT DAYS ARE YOU OPEN? WHY SUNDAYS?
Kate runs the Clinics part-time, alongside working with hair care brands, being a tutor for the Institute of Trichologists, and training to be an Associate Registered Nutritionist. The Manchester Clinic is open on Sundays because she appreciates that weekend appointments are easier for many people, and the traffic and parking is better in Manchester on a Sunday vs a Saturday. Appointments are also available on Wednesdays. The Halifax Clinic is open Mondays and Tuesdays. If the Clinic locations or opening days don't work for you, an online consultation can be arranged.
HOW DO I GET TO YOUR CLINICS?
Details on finding the Clinics can be found on the Clinic pages below, detailed instructions on locating the Clinic and preparing for your consultation will be emailed to you after you book.
WHAT IS A CLINICAL TRICHOLOGIST?
A clinical trichologist is a professional who specialises in hair and scalp diseases and disorders. Trichologists who have qualified with the Institute of Trichologists are clinically trained but not medically qualified. Trichologists are not doctors or dermatologists unless they have qualified separately as a medical doctor. As the term 'trichologist' is not protected in law, it is important that you see a trichologist who is registered with the Institute.
WHAT CONDITIONS DO YOU DIAGNOSE AND TREAT?
Trichologists are trained to recognise all common disorders and diseases of the hair and scalp. This includes pattern hair loss, diffuse hair loss, scarring hair loss, itching and scaling conditions, bacterial and fungal problems, hair texture issues and psychological concerns. Whether treatment can be offered in the clinic depends on the condition diagnosed, as some conditions require onward referral and collaboration with other specialists. For examples of conditions that we work with click here.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DERMATOLOGIST AND TRICHOLOGIST?
A trichologist is a specialist in the hair and scalp, who is clinically trained but not medically qualified. Dermatologists are medically qualified doctors who specialise in the skin, hair and nails. Often, hair and scalp problems do not need to be treated by a doctor, for example male and female pattern hair loss, poor hair condition, and dandruff. Many hair and scalp conditions can also be improved through lifestyle and hair care changes. Trichologists will see patients with conditions such as these where you are unlikely to be referred to a dermatologist, but are still a source of distress. Trichologists also work in complement to doctors, so where a problem requires medical treatment we will refer patients to their GP or dermatologist, as well as seeing patients who are already under the care of a dermatologist where the patient needs additional support and monitoring. Trichologists have much longer appointment times than the typical 10-15 minute doctor appointments. You do not need a referral to see a trichologist, and can book in directly. Trichologists with a cosmetic background may also be more knowledgeable about hairdressing practices so are able to advise more fully on hair care.
ARE TRICHOLOGISTS JUST HAIRDRESSERS?
No - while both hairdressing and trichology deal with the hair, they are completely separate. Hairdressing is concerned with the cosmetic appearance of hair only. Some trichologists - like Kate - do have hairdressing training, however many trichologists do not. Having a background in hairdressing enables Kate to easily identify and understand where and how hairdressing practices may have gone awry to cause hair and scalp problems, such as in cases of perming, bleaching and relaxing. Kate does not work as a hairdresser (suffice to say she is more suited to sciences than arts!).
DO YOU TREAT ALL HAIR AND SKIN TYPES?
Yes - we treat patients from all backgrounds. Trichologists at the Institute of Trichologists are trained in Black, Caucasian and Asian skin and hair types. Some hair and scalp conditions are more common to Black hair and skin, you can read more here.
ARE YOU LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY?
Yes! We are open and welcoming to all members of this community. In particular, we understand that people undergoing hormone therapy can have hair and scalp conditions as a result. If you would like to share your pronouns prior to your consultation, just let us know in the booking form.
MY CHILD HAS A HAIR OR SCALP PROBLEM, CAN I BRING THEM IN?
Yes - we are insured to treat patients of all ages. For children under the age of 16, we require that a parent is present and consents to treatment.
CAN YOU OFFER ADVICE OVER THE PHONE OR EMAIL?
Unfortunately, no. Members of the Institute of Trichologists are bound by a Code of Ethics which prevents us from giving diagnoses without a consultation. If you can't make it in to the clinic, an online consultation can be arranged.