Trichoscope: Scalp Imaging for Hair and Scalp Assessment

A trichoscope is a magnifying scalp camera that helps clinicians inspect hair shafts, follicles and scalp skin in detail.

The device may use magnification and light to display close-up images on a screen. This lets the clinician compare areas of the scalp and document visible features without removing hair or taking a sample.

The clinician parts the hair and places or holds the camera over selected scalp areas. Images may be taken from matching sites so changes can be reviewed over time. The examination is generally performed during a consultation and does not require an incision.

A trichoscope is commonly used during trichoscopy to support assessment of hair shedding, thinning, patchy loss, scalp scaling and inflammation. The clinician combines the images with your history, scalp examination and, when needed, other tests.

A trichoscope shows surface and magnified visual features; it does not by itself establish a diagnosis. Similar-looking patterns can occur in different conditions, and images cannot replace a history or hands-on examination.

Very dense hair, heavy product, crusting or poor image contact can make viewing harder. If the findings remain unclear, a clinician may consider blood tests, a fungal test or a small scalp biopsy, depending on the situation.

Assessment may also use ordinary scalp examination, hair-pull or hair-shaft examination, laboratory testing, or scalp biopsy. These methods answer different questions, so a trichoscope may complement rather than replace them.

You may be asked to attend with the scalp free of sprays, fibres or heavy oils so details are easier to see. The clinician may photograph selected areas and explain whether the pattern suggests further evaluation or monitoring. The camera itself does not treat hair loss.

Trichoscope examination is non-invasive. Tell the clinician if your scalp is painful, very tender or recently treated, because contact and hair parting may feel uncomfortable. Ask how images are stored and how they will be used to compare your progress.