Hair and scalp care involves several professionals, each with distinct roles, responsibilities, and boundaries. Understanding who does what can reduce confusion and support appropriate care pathways.
Non-medical practitioners focus on education, observation, and cosmetic or supportive care. Their role is to help individuals understand what they are observing, provide context, and support informed decision-making. They work within clearly defined scopes and do not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
Medical professionals, such as GPs and dermatologists, assess, diagnose, and manage health conditions. They investigate symptoms within a broader health context and determine whether medical intervention, monitoring, or referral is required.
Pharmacists advise on medicines within regulated frameworks, ensuring appropriate use and safety. Their role sits within defined legal and professional boundaries.
Each professional role has limits. These boundaries are not barriers but safeguards, ensuring that concerns are addressed by the appropriate expertise. When roles overlap or are misunderstood, individuals may receive conflicting information or develop unrealistic expectations.
Understanding professional boundaries supports collaboration rather than competition. Clear pathways allow concerns to be escalated appropriately when needed and managed conservatively when appropriate. Knowing when GP input is appropriate for hair or scalp concerns is explored in more detail here.
Knowing who does what empowers individuals to seek the right type of input at the right time, supporting proportionate and effective care.
Gentle disclaimer:
Different professionals operate within different scopes of practice.
Suggested Reading
For further clarification around pathways and decision-making, see:
• When Is GP Input Appropriate for Hair or Scalp Concerns?
• What a Hair or Scalp Consultation Can - and Cannot - Tell You