Becoming a Hair Loss Expert
presented by Dr. Nikki Hill

On November 27, 2017, Nikki Hill, MD, FAAD, led an ANHC Pro Midday Conversation about becoming a hair loss expert and building a professional hair loss network.  Nikki Hill, MD, FAAD is a board certified dermatologist and hair loss expert.

Cosmetologist and barbers are client's first line of defense against hair loss.  Understanding hair loss and being able to identify the early signs of hair loss makes you invaluable to your clients.  Dr Hill shared steps to better serve as a hair loss expert.  They include the following.

• Provide a private space for hair loss clients.
• Provide hair loss exams and treatments using trichoscopes and low level light therapy.
• Register for a National Provider Identifier (NPI) so that you can accept insurance payments for scalp prosthesis (wigs and hair pieces)
• Build a professional referral network (Dermatologist, Trichologist, and Cosmetologist/Barber)
• Understand the red flags of hair loss by taking the SOCAH Stylist Course.

Alopecia is a general term for hair loss.  There are several types of alopecia.  All type of alopecia fall under one of two categories: scarring and non-scarring.  Scarring alopecia includes inflammation that the body replaces with scar tissue.  Scar tissue does not preserve hair follicles and can lead to permanent hair loss.  Clients should be referred to a dermatologist at first signs of scarring alopecia.  Non-scarring alopecia results from internal or external stressors that prevent hair from growing properly.  Depending on the symptoms clients showing signs of non-scarring alopecia should be referred to a dermatologist or trichologist.