Videotrichogram
A two-visit assessment of how many of your hairs are actively growing, used to investigate hair shedding.
Appointments
Two short visits, 48 hours apart
Performed by
Consultant dermatologists
What it measures
The percentage of hairs actively growing
What is a videotrichogram?
A video-trichogram is an assessment of the percentage of hairs that are actively growing at that time point.
How does it work?
A small 8–10mm area from somewhere discreet (the back of the head) is shaved so that all of the hairs are very short and the same length. A close-up dermoscopic image is taken as a baseline.
After 48 hours a further image is captured and both images are sent off for analysis. All hairs that are actively growing will have grown in the 48 hours, and those that have not grown will be in the resting or telogen phase.
Which hair conditions is it useful for?
A videotrichogram is an investigation for hair shedding disorders. It doesn't directly tell you the reason, but it can be very helpful in discerning if the problem is ongoing, such as drug-induced telogen effluvium.
It can tell us if the body is already sorting itself out, preventing unnecessary medical treatment that you would have to commit to over months and years.
What happens after you get the results?
If a trichogram is one part of a number of investigations, such as blood tests or biopsies, we will usually meet during a follow-up consultation to discuss the results and plan any treatment.
If there is already a clear plan of action for a positive or negative result, we may share the results on the MediOffice portal and write or email with instructions.
Please note about insurance
Hair loss consultations are not covered by private medical insurance and are charged on a self-pay basis. You may be able to claim some costs back from your insurer, depending on your policy.
Learn more →Common questions about videotrichograms
Accreditations & memberships
Our consultants are members of leading UK and international dermatology and hair specialist bodies.
- Royal College of Physicians
- European Hair Research Society (EHRS)
- British Association of Dermatologists
- British Hair & Nail Society
- American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)
- European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology (EADV)