Trichoscopy in Dubai — diagnosing your type of hair loss before treatment

Key facts

• Trichoscopy is a magnified, needle-free scalp examination
• It helps distinguish pattern, patchy, diffuse and scarring hair loss
• A biopsy is added when the diagnosis is unclear
• Dr. Anis trained in dermatopathology
• Diagnosis determines the most suitable treatment

What trichoscopy is

Trichoscopy is the examination of the scalp and hair using a handheld magnifying device similar to a dermatoscope. It shows details that are not visible to the naked eye, such as variation in hair shaft thickness, broken or exclamation-mark hairs, yellow or black dots in follicle openings, redness and scaling around follicles, and loss of follicle openings. These patterns help distinguish androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, traction alopecia, fungal infections and scarring alopecias. The examination is quick, involves no needles and is usually done during the consultation. Photographs may be taken to compare changes over time.

What trichoscopy can reveal

In pattern hair loss, trichoscopy typically shows many hairs of different thickness, reflecting miniaturisation. In alopecia areata, short broken hairs and characteristic dots may be seen. Telogen effluvium usually shows normal-looking follicles with many short regrowing hairs. Scarring alopecias show loss of follicle openings and inflammation around remaining hairs, which signals the need for prompt treatment to prevent permanent loss. Hair shaft problems from heat styling or chemical treatments can also be identified. Dr. Abdullah Anis combines these findings with your history, examination and blood tests to reach a working diagnosis.

When a scalp biopsy is needed

A scalp biopsy is recommended when trichoscopy and clinical examination do not give a clear answer, when scarring hair loss is suspected, or when hair loss is not responding to treatment as expected. It involves numbing a small area with local anaesthetic and removing a tiny cylinder of skin, usually a few millimetres wide, closed with a stitch or two. The sample is examined under the microscope. Dr. Abdullah Anis completed a fellowship in dermatopathology, the study of skin under the microscope, which supports careful correlation between biopsy findings and what is seen on the scalp.

How diagnosis guides treatment

Once the type of hair loss is known, treatment becomes more targeted. Pattern hair loss may be treated with minoxidil, anti-androgen medicines where appropriate, and sometimes PRP. Alopecia areata may respond to steroid injections or newer oral medicines. Telogen effluvium is managed by addressing the trigger, such as iron deficiency, illness or stress, and allowing time for regrowth. Scarring alopecias need anti-inflammatory treatment to stop progression. Without a diagnosis, people may spend months on treatments that do not suit their condition, which is why trichoscopy is often the first step.

Preparing for your appointment and red flags

Avoid hair products such as oils, gels or dry shampoo on the day, and do not dye your hair in the week before, so the scalp can be seen clearly. Bring a list of medicines, supplements and previous blood tests, and photos showing how your hair looked before. Seek prompt review if hair loss is sudden and patchy, if the scalp is painful, burning, red or scaly, if there are pustules or crusts, or if you notice eyebrow or eyelash loss. These features may indicate an inflammatory or infectious cause that benefits from early treatment.

Hair loss can come from genetics, hormones, iron or thyroid issues, stress, scalp inflammation or autoimmune alopecia. A dermatologist identifies the type before recommending treatment.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Abdullah Anis

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.