Trichology Consultation in Riga – Hair Loss Diagnosis
Trichology focuses on the diagnosis of hair and scalp-related hair loss causes. Unlike treating skin diseases, a trichological assessment is about understanding why your hair is thinning or shedding, and which approach may help in your specific case. At the Rubenhair clinic in Riga, Latvia (Republikas laukums 3–12, LV-1010) you can have a trichology consultation in English, Estonian and Russian – in person or online, which works well for patients travelling from Estonia and the wider Baltics.
The consultation is free and gives you a clear picture of your situation, with no obligation to undergo any procedure. The clinic has 10+ years of experience and 5000+ patients.
What a trichologist does
A trichologist assesses the condition of your hair and scalp to identify the possible causes of thinning or hair loss. The work centres on diagnosis and building a personalised plan – not on treating skin diseases. During the consultation, the trichologist:
- reviews your medical and family history and the pattern and duration of your hair loss;
- examines the scalp and hair follicles, including under magnification (trichoscopy);
- assesses density and the state of the donor area (the back and sides of the scalp);
- where appropriate, refers you for blood tests to rule out general health factors that can affect shedding.
The aim is to understand whether you are dealing with hereditary-hormonal thinning or a reversible cause, and then to discuss suitable next steps with you.
Scalp and hair diagnostics
Diagnosis is the foundation of any plan. A trichological examination is painless and requires no preparation. It typically includes:
- visual and magnified examination – inspection of the scalp and hair roots to assess follicle condition and miniaturisation;
- mapping the loss pattern – evaluating the extent and distribution of thinning (e.g. using the Norwood scale);
- donor-area assessment – important for understanding whether a hair transplant is feasible in the future;
- laboratory tests when indicated – e.g. checking iron stores, thyroid or other markers if your history suggests a possible underlying cause.
The exact tests depend on your individual situation and are agreed during the consultation.
When to see a trichologist
Earlier assessment usually means more options. It is worth booking a consultation if you notice:
- increased shedding (more hairs on your pillow, in the shower or on a comb);
- thinning at the temples, crown or hairline;
- a receding hairline or a widening parting;
- scalp itching, irritation or unusual changes alongside thinning;
- rapid or patchy hair loss with no clear cause.
The sooner the cause is identified, the more options you typically have. If you are unsure whether your case needs assessment, get in touch – the first consultation is free.
How the consultation works
The consultation is calm and conversation-based. In person in Riga it usually lasts about 30–45 minutes and includes a discussion, a scalp examination and a review of next steps. For patients from Estonia, the flight from Tallinn to Riga (RIX) is roughly 1 hour 35 minutes, and an Estonian-speaking coordinator supports you throughout.
If travelling is not convenient right now, you can start with a free online consultation: send photos of the thinning areas and discuss your situation online in Estonian, Russian or English. You will receive honest answers with no sales pressure, and you decide on any next steps yourself.
From diagnosis to a treatment plan
After diagnosis, a plan is built around your situation. The approach depends on the cause and extent of your hair loss – there is no single universal solution, and the expected outcome is always clarified through individual assessment. Possible directions include:
- monitoring and lifestyle/general-health guidance if a reversible cause is found;
- PRP treatment as an adjunctive (supportive) method – its evidence base is still developing and it is used as part of a plan, not as a stand-alone guarantee;
- hair transplant (manual FUE or DHI) where the donor area and loss pattern allow.
Estimated cost is calculated from €2–3 per graft (e.g. NW2 from ~€1,600, NW3 from ~€2,400); the final price is set at the free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trichology?
Trichology is the diagnosis of hair and scalp-related hair loss causes and the building of a treatment plan based on that. It is not the treatment of skin diseases; it focuses on why hair thins or sheds and how to address it.
Is the trichology consultation free?
Yes. The first consultation at Rubenhair is free and carries no obligation to undergo any procedure. It is available in English, Estonian and Russian, in person in Riga or online.
Do I have to travel to Riga, or can the consultation be online?
Both are possible. You can start with a free online consultation (based on photos), while an in-person examination in Riga is more precise. The flight from Tallinn to Riga (RIX) is about 1 hour 35 minutes, and an Estonian-speaking coordinator assists you.
How do I prepare for a trichology consultation?
No special preparation is needed. It helps to know your hair-loss history and family pattern, and to bring any earlier test results if you have them. For an online consultation, take clear, well-lit photos of the thinning areas.
Can a trichologist stop hair loss?
No guarantees can be given – the outcome depends on the cause and your individual condition. The trichologist identifies the likely cause and discusses suitable steps, which may include monitoring, adjunctive PRP treatment or a hair transplant.
How is a trichologist different from a dermatologist?
Dermatology deals more broadly with skin diseases. A trichological assessment focuses specifically on diagnosing hair and scalp-related hair loss causes and the options for restoring density. If needed, you can be referred on to an appropriate specialist.
What happens after the diagnosis?
A plan is built around your situation. Depending on the cause, it may involve monitoring, adjunctive PRP treatment or a hair transplant. The estimated transplant cost starts from €2–3 per graft; the final price is agreed at the free consultation.