Trichoscopy — dermoscopy of the scalp — is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that has transformed how hair specialists assess hair loss. If your surgeon is not using some form of magnification or trichoscopy in your pre-operative assessment, it is worth asking why.
What Is Trichoscopy?
A dermatoscope is a handheld device — essentially a magnifying lens with polarised light — that allows the scalp surface and hair follicles to be examined at 10–20x magnification. More advanced videotrichoscopes provide digital images at 60–200x magnification.
What Trichoscopy Reveals
Miniaturisation
The most important finding for hair transplant planning. Miniaturised follicles — smaller diameter hairs that are in the process of DHT-driven shrinkage — are only visible under magnification. A high percentage of miniaturised follicles in the donor zone is a warning sign that the donor area may not provide stable, permanent grafts.
Hair Shaft Diameter and Calibre
The actual diameter of individual hairs significantly affects coverage per graft. Trichoscopy provides an accurate picture of hair calibre, allowing more precise graft count estimates.
Follicular Unit Density
The number of follicular units per cm² in both the donor and recipient zones. This is the key metric for total harvestable graft calculation and achievable density planning.
Signs of Scalp Conditions
Perifollicular scaling, inflammation, or fibrosis can indicate conditions that affect transplant candidacy — such as scarring alopecia — that would not be visible to the naked eye.
Why It Matters for Your Result
Trichoscopy allows surgeons to make far more accurate planning decisions than visual inspection alone. Better planning means better use of available grafts, more realistic outcome predictions, and fewer unpleasant surprises at 12 months.
Book a trichoscopy assessment with Dr Anzal Qurbain — free consultation →
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