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For Healthcare Providers
Supporting better hair and scalp care through clear assessment and collaboration
This page was created for healthcare professionals reviewing a patient-provided Report of Findings from Scalp Garden. It offers additional information about my assessment process, scope of practice, documentation, and collaborative approach to patient care.
Thank you for reviewing this report
My goal is to complement the care you already provide. I evaluate the hair and scalp, document observable findings, monitor change over time, and help patients understand when additional medical evaluation may be appropriate. The best outcomes often happen when trichology and medicine work together.
The Person Behind the Report
Christine McMillan is a Board Certified Trichologist and the founder of Scalp Garden in Buford, Georgia. She has 20 years of experience in the hair industry and advanced education focused on hair loss, scalp disorders, trichoscopy, and polarized light microscopy.
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Board Certified Trichologist, International Association of Trichologists (IAT)
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Board Certified Trichologist, American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board (ANMCB)
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Certified Trauma-Informed Practitioner
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Certified Hair Loss Specialist
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Advanced training in trichoscopy and polarized light microscopy
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Licensed Cosmetologist
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20 years of professional experience in hair care
Every Evaluation May Include
Every evaluation begins with a thorough review of the patient's history, symptoms, and concerns. Depending on the individual's presentation, the assessment may include a combination of the following evidence-based examination methods to evaluate the hair, scalp, and follicular environment.
Digital Trichoscopy
High-magnification imaging used to assess follicular openings, hair shaft characteristics, inflammation, vascular patterns, and other observable scalp findings.
Polarized Light Microscopy
Microscopic examination of epilated hairs to assess root morphology, growth phase, hair shaft characteristics, and structural abnormalities.
Hair Pull Test
A standardized assessment used to evaluate active hair shedding and help determine whether shedding exceeds expected physiologic levels.
Clinical Photography
Standardized photographs obtained for baseline documentation and objective comparison over time.
Comprehensive History
Review of medical history, medications, nutrition, hormonal influences, family history, and symptom progression to better understand potential contributing factors.
Scalp Examination
Visual and tactile assessment of the scalp, including follicular preservation, scaling, erythema, tenderness, scarring patterns, and other observable findings.
When Medical Follow-up Is Recommended
Hair loss and scalp disorders can be influenced by a wide range of factors. While many concerns can be evaluated through trichologic assessment, some findings or patient histories may warrant additional medical evaluation. When appropriate, patients are encouraged to follow up with their healthcare provider for further assessment.
Medical follow-up may be recommended when:
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Findings suggest possible scarring alopecia
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Hair loss is sudden, severe, or rapidly progressive
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Symptoms or history raise concern for nutritional deficiencies
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Hormonal or endocrine factors may be contributing
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Autoimmune involvement is suspected
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Persistent scalp inflammation, pain, or pustules are present
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Additional laboratory evaluation may help clarify contributing factors
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Dermatologic evaluation or scalp biopsy may be appropriate
Medical diagnosis, prescription therapy, laboratory interpretation, and treatment decisions remain under the direction of the patient's licensed healthcare provider. My role is to identify observable findings, document changes over time, educate patients, and support collaborative care.
What You May Find in a Report of Findings
Each Report of Findings is individualized based on the patient's history, examination, and reason for evaluation.
Reports may include:
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Relevant patient history and symptom timeline
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Trichoscopic observations
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Polarized light microscopy findings, when performed
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Hair pull test results, when performed
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Assessment summary and clinical observations
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Recommendations for patient education and follow-up
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Suggested discussion points for the patient's healthcare provider
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Clinical photographs when findings are notable or additional visual documentation may be helpful
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Additional documentation upon request or with the patient's authorization
Reports are intended to summarize clinically relevant observations and support communication between patients and their healthcare providers. They are not intended to replace medical evaluation or establish a medical diagnosis.
When a Trichology Evaluation May Be Helpful
Patients are often referred for a trichology evaluation when they are seeking a more detailed assessment of their hair or scalp, objective documentation over time, or additional education to complement their medical care.
A trichology evaluation may be beneficial for patients experiencing:
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Persistent or excessive hair shedding
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Female or male pattern hair loss
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Suspected scarring alopecia
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Hair loss despite previously normal laboratory results
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Scalp discomfort, itching, burning, or inflammation
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Hair changes associated with menopause or hormonal shifts
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Hair changes following illness, surgery, medications, or significant weight loss
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Ongoing monitoring of treatment response
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Patients seeking non-invasive options to support hair and scalp health
The goal of a trichology evaluation is not to replace medical care, but to provide detailed scalp assessment, patient education, and ongoing documentation that may support the patient's overall treatment plan.
Questions about a shared patient?
I welcome communication from healthcare providers regarding shared patients and am happy to clarify findings included in a Report of Findings or discuss whether a trichology evaluation may be appropriate.
Christine McMillan, Board Certified Trichologist
📧 Email: Hello@scalpgarden.com
📞 Phone: 678-379-5828
📍 Scalp Garden in Buford, Georgia