Hair Festival 2025 was buzzing with experts and we spoke to Missy Peterson, certified trichologist and Malibu C Educator, who had travelled to the event from America on behalf of Dateline Imports, to share some unique and important education in the Hub. Read on for her insights on scalp, hair loss and beyond.
You’re a certified trichologist — what first inspired you to go down that path?
I’ve been a hairstylist for 24 years and I’ve always been interested in hair loss. When my mother-in-law went through cancer treatment and experienced hair loss, it pushed me to learn more. Malibu C actually sponsored my education to become a full trichologist, which took a lot of time, effort and money. It’s been a very natural progression in my career.
What does it take to become a trichologist?
Becoming a trichologist involves specialised training beyond what stylists typically do. Interestingly, many stylists aren’t trichologists and many trichologists aren’t stylists; so being both has been a huge benefit. It took me about two and a half years, including case studies, paramedical training and clinical hours working alongside a doctor to really understand the scalp. Ultimately, if the scalp is healthy, the hair can be healthy, so it fit perfectly with what I’ve done my whole career.
At what point should a hairdresser recommend someone see a trichologist?
I tell stylists, when you reach a point where you no longer know how to help a client or you’re just guessing, it’s time to refer them to a trichologist. If you’re uncomfortable addressing what’s happening, it’s better for the client to see a specialist. Interestingly, I get referrals equally from stylists and dermatologists. Dermatologists focus on skin but hair loss is often a small part of what they do, so many clients come from both directions.
What are the most common scalp concerns you see?
There have been big shifts lately. We’re seeing a lot of hair loss related to GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Many people think they have genetic hair loss but it’s actually lifestyle-related — not enough protein, hydration or nutrition. COVID also sparked significant hair loss due to stress and the body’s immune response to illness. Alopecia areata, which causes circular patches of hair loss, is also common but since it’s autoimmune, there’s only so much we can do to help.
How do you determine the cause of hair loss?
I do a simple test in the salon: I run my fingers through different sections of the hair and count the strands that come out. Hair loss at the top of the head suggests hormonal or hereditary causes. Shedding on the sides points to nutritional deficiencies. Hair loss at the back often indicates stress or inflammation. Sometimes clients have hair loss from multiple factors, so we start by detoxing the scalp to get it healthy and see what’s really going on.
What about treating scalp conditions like dermatitis?
Yes, absolutely. I see scalp dermatitis frequently. Working with Malibu C products, which use vitamin C technology, zinc and clay, lets me remove everything that shouldn’t be on the scalp so I can accurately see and treat what’s happening. Sometimes what looks like dry scalp is actually mineral build-up and you can’t tell until you detox the scalp.
What’s your go-to advice for products to nourish the scalp?
First, you need a clean scalp, so I always recommend a full detox with Malibu C. My favourite daily nourishing product is our new B5 spray, which contains panthenol. It’s amazing for hair, skin and scalp because it helps the body absorb moisture, restoring plumpness and health. I use it myself every day and encourage my clients to do the same.
And what about products or ingredients to avoid?
Avoid anything that causes itching, burning or flaking — that’s your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Artificial fragrances are a big one to steer clear of; I prefer essential oil-based, more holistic fragrances instead.
This edited article was originally published in INSTYLE Professional, Australia’s leading hairdressing industry magazine.
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