Sally Adamson Trichology

05/08/2025

Increasing awareness surrounding Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia - does this mean cases are increasing ?

Experts are calling it an “emerging epidemic.”

13/07/2025

Can you train your hair to be less oily?
🧴 It’s a common myth—but it’s not how scalp biology works.

Scalp oil (sebum) is produced by sebaceous glands, which are influenced by hormones—not your shampoo routine.

🔬 Key hormones that increase oil production include:

Androgens (like testosterone)
Thyroid hormones (e.g. more oil with hyperthyroidism)
Stress hormones like ACTH
Others like prolactin, growth hormone, and MSH
These are affected by genetics, PCOS, medication, oral contraceptives, and more—not by how often you wash your hair.

💡 If your scalp is oily, washing more frequently is often the correct approach—not less.
Allowing sebum, sweat, and buildup to sit on the scalp can lead to irritation, inflammation, or flaking over time.

Chronic oiliness or changes in oiliness may also point to hormonal or metabolic factors worth investigating.

📩 DM to book a Trichology consult or ask a question. Evidence-based support is available—no guesswork needed.

05/07/2025

Baby Shampoo: Gentle? Not Always. Here’s What Your Scalp Really Needs

Baby shampoo is often seen as the gentlest option — so it must be good for sensitive scalps… right?

Not quite.

💧 Baby shampoo is typically pH 7 — completely neutral, like pure water.
It’s formulated this way so it doesn’t sting babies’ eyes — not because it’s ideal for scalp health.

But your scalp isn’t neutral.

The healthy adult scalp sits at a slightly acidic pH of 4.5 to 5.5. This acidity plays a crucial role in:
✔️ Smoothing the hair cuticle
✔️ Supporting the protective acid mantle
✔️ Maintaining a balanced scalp microbiome
✔️ Preventing excess oil, flaking, or irritation

🦠 Your microbiome is a natural community of beneficial bacteria and fungi that protect your skin, reduce inflammation, and keep your scalp thriving. Disrupting this environment — even with a “gentle” shampoo — can throw it off balance.

📉 Over time, using pH 7 baby shampoo can lead to:
• Flaky, irritated scalp
• Weakened barrier function
• An overgrowth of yeast
• Increased shedding ,sensitivity or inflammation

👶 Baby shampoo is made for infant skin and eyes — not for adult scalps, especially if you're managing hair loss or scalp conditions.

🧴 Want to know if your current shampoo supports your scalp health? DM me or bring it to your next appointment — I’m happy to take a look.

—
Sally Adamson Trichology
Where scalp science supports hair growth

13/06/2025

12/06/2025

08/06/2025

08/06/2025

🧴 Decoding Dandruff Shampoos: Which Active Ingredient Suits You?

Everyone’s scalp microbiome is unique, so finding the right dandruff shampoo often involves some trial and error. Here's a quick guide to common active ingredients and Australian brands that feature them:

1. Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT) 🧪
Function: Antifungal and antibacterial.
Best For: Mild to moderate dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Australian Brands:
Head & Shoulders Clean & Balanced 2in1
Cedel Anti Dandruff Medicated Shampoo

2. Selenium Sulfide 🧴
Function: Reduces scalp fungus and slows skin cell turnover.
Best For: Oily, stubborn dandruff.
Australian Brands:
Selsun Gold Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Selsun Blue Replenishing Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

3. Ketoconazole 💊
Function: Potent antifungal agent.
Best For: Moderate to severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Bonus: May help reduce DHT, supporting hair retention in androgenetic alopecia.
Australian Brands:
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 2%
Sebizole 2%

4. Salicylic Acid 🌿
Function: Exfoliates dead skin cells and reduces scale buildup.
Best For: Thick, crusty dandruff or psoriasis.
Australian Brands:
Neutrogena T/Gel Salicylic Acid Shampoo
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Pure Purifying Shampoo

5. Coal Tar 🛢
Function: Slows down skin cell production.
Best For: Pityriasis Amenticea , dandruff or scalp psoriasis.
Australian Brands:
Redwin Coal Tar Shampoo
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

6. Ciclopirox Olamine 🧬
Function: Broad-spectrum antifungal.
Best For: Resistant seborrheic dermatitis.
Australian Brands:
Stieprox Liquid Shampoo
Growth Bomb Dandruff Formula Shampoo

7. Piroctone Olamine 🔬
Function: Antifungal alternative to Zinc based shampoos.
Best For: Sensitive scalps with mild dandruff.
Australian Brands:
Purify Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
MooGoo Milk Shampoo

8. Climbazole 🧫
Function: Antifungal ingredient in cosmetic shampoos.
Best For: Mild dandruff and maintenance.
Australian Brands:
Neutriderm Anti Dandruff Shampoo

9. Sulfur 🌋
Function: Antimicrobial and keratolytic.
Best For: Used with salicylic acid to loosen scale.
Australian Brands:
Alphosyl 2-in-1 Shampoo

10. Tea Tree Oil 🌱
Function: Natural antifungal and antibacterial.
Best For: Mild dandruff or natural remedies.
Australian Brands:
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Medicated Gel for Acne
The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo

🔍 Pro Tip:
If your current shampoo isn’t working, try switching actives. For persistent scalp issues, consult a trichologist or dermatologist for personalised advice.

05/06/2025

✨ Why Ketoconazole Shampoo is a Scalp Hero ✨

Dealing with flakes, itch, or thinning hair? 👀
Ketoconazole shampoo might be your new best friend.

🧴 Here’s how it helps:

🧠 Fights Dandruff & Seborrheic Dermatitis
This antifungal powerhouse tackles the root cause—Malassezia yeast—reducing inflammation, itching, and scaling.

🛡 Reduces DHT on the Scalp
Emerging research shows ketoconazole may help block DHT (a hormone linked to hair thinning), making it a great option for those with androgenetic alopecia.

💆‍♀️ Deep Cleans Without Harsh Stripping
It helps calm oiliness and irritation while supporting a healthier scalp environment for hair growth.

📅 How to use it:
2–3 times a week is usually enough. Let it sit for 3–5 minutes before rinsing to get the full benefits.

👩‍🔬 Not all dandruff shampoos are created equal—chat with a trichologist or scalp expert if you’re unsure what’s right for you.

05/04/2025

02/02/2025

Vitamins and supplements can be useful in treatment of many conditions , but careful monitoring via blood tests is important!

Pressure is mounting on Australia's medicines regulator to tighten restrictions around vitamin B6 supplements, with more cases of people inadvertently poisoning themselves emerging.

02/05/2024

Understanding Scarring or Cicatricial Alopecias:

These conditions lead to patches of permanent baldness due to the destruction of hair follicles, often caused by autoimmune reactions.

It is important to recognise scarring alopecias as early as possible , in order to limit the destruction of follicles and permanent hair loss .

Cicatricial problems of the scalp include frontal fibrosing alopecia, lichen planopilaris (lichen planus), folliculitis decalvans and pseudopelade.
The hair follicle is normally not attacked by white blood cells; it has “immune privilege”. But, for unknown reasons, this immune privilege is lost with the scarring alopecias.
Therapies aim to reduce or stop the autoimmune reaction and restore the immune privilege .

Seek professional advice as soon as possible from your Trichologist for the best chance at managing these conditions effectively.

Photography courtesy of David Salinger IAT.

27/04/2024

There a number of evidence-based topical applications that a Trichologist may discuss with their patients that can improve their hair loss concern.
To learn more about these topical applications, or to seek help from one of our certified trichologists, visit our website today! We can help you!
www.iattrichology.com