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What is Trichology?
Trichology is the scientific study of the hair and scalp, devolving as a specialised discipline from Dermatology in 1902. Trichology is a para-medical area of health care that embraces both naturopathic & western medicine, endocrinology and dermatology.
A qualified Trichologist has studied & successfully completed a recognised Trichology Education Program. Trichologists identify and treat all forms of hair loss, hair shaft breakage, scalp disorders, and the scalp environment. Never hesitate to enquire about your consultant’s qualifications and experience.
Hair is one of the body’s most metabolically-active tissues, often reflecting the first signals of internal disturbance.
Why consult a Trichologist?
There are many reasons why a person will begin to experience hair loss. The cause may be an inherited condition, hormonal, nutritional, physiological, autoimmune, psychological, or environmental, the taking of certain medication, the actions of a third party, or any combination of these.
Some hair loss problems may be temporary and self-correcting whilst others are corrected with nutritional/hormonal interventions. Conditions such as genetic thinning can be stabilised but not cured – whilst others cause permanent hair loss due to follicle destruction.
Simply put, the skill, training and experience of your consultant is paramount in identifying the nature of your problem. Salesmen calling themselves "hair loss consultants' certainly don’t have this knowledge and generally offer one treatment program for all conditions.
Would you seriously ever consult a Doctor who suggested one remedy for every physical ailment?
Trichology – a common goal
Not all ‘Trichologists’ are the same
Do a ‘Google’ search & you’ll get around 59,600 hits for a trichologist! So do all these individuals & companies undertake the same levels of training, or hold a health science or medical background? Are they specialised & experienced – and actually able to offer you something you can’t just purchase at a chemist or health food store? The answer is a definite NO!
Some trichology “qualifications” are just introductory courses, whilst others are mere 2-3 day trichology ‘overview’ seminars offered by product manufacturers for the staff of hairdressing salons aligned to them. The current trichology course offered within Australia is a Hairdressing Post-Trade Certificate.
Then of course we have a proliferation of hair treatment ‘studios, clinics, clubs’ etc. with salesmen calling themselves ‘hair loss consultants or “real growth” specialists’. These charlatans prey on the anxieties of vulnerable people seeking advice for hair loss – then demand exorbitant ‘up-front’ fees for dubious, often unproven ‘treatment’ programs.
Here’s what England’s most prestigious trichology organisation - The Trichological Society (TTS) has to say:
Trichology as an academic and practical para-medical science: The study and professional practice of the para-medical/scientific discipline of trichology at this qualification level is unique. TTS graduates are academic trichologists. They should not be confused with others masquerading as experts whose sole 'qualification' has been a basic introduction to hair science during a hairdressers/beauticians course or via a course of study in elementary trichology, or the many with no formal training whatsoever.
Whilst trichology remains unregulated, charlatans will continue to prosper and the profession will suffer scorn.
The Society's course in pure trichology is set at a high standard. Prospective students must possess proven ability in appropriate science subjects. Many have first degrees. Once qualified, practitioners are entitled to registration and listing with TTS. Registration requires the practitioner to obey a Code of Ethics and Professional Practice Guidelines. The Society will act rigorously against any who breach its trust and compromise its position.
Hair loss is an age-old problem with evidence suggesting the Ancient Egyptians actively sought treatments for it. In 1860's a pioneering form of hair-care science commenced in a London barber's shop. By the 1900's this new science had assumed the name - Trichology.
Many institutions promoting trichology have (ill-advisedly in our opinion) maintained a close and seemingly un-severable relationship with its barber's shop roots and failed to elevate its academic status to the level required for acceptance as a credible para-medical science.
The public, the legal profession and the courts, the media and medical professions continue to regard the majority of hairdresser - trained ‘trichologists’ as 'expensive charlatans' - This situation will not change whilst basic trichology is included in practical hairdressing courses or thereafter - enabling posturing in a specialism patently outside the normal field of 'dressing or chemically-treating hair'.
TTS emphasises and academic institutions must accept that hairdressing (a practical craft) has no relationship with TTS level trichology (an academic paramedical scientific discipline) and that TTS graduate trichologists are not hairdressers.
TTS would never wish to denigrate the artistic skills and services of the hairdressing craft which brings joy to millions. However hairdressing is just that - Trichology is an academic paramedical scientific discipline. The world justifiably expects paramedical/scientific professionals to be highly trained individuals of integrity.
TTS is an established academic body dedicated exclusively to orthodox hair sciences. It includes a faculty of pure trichology which covers the varied aspects of its wide field at the highest level.
TTS Faculty in Pure Trichology offers its course (set at UK degree standard) to students with evidence of sound academic ability who wish to qualify at the highest level currently available within this unique para-medical/scientific profession. Qualification will take 2-5 years.
Charter extract from The Trichological Society
About The Trichological Society (TTS)
 The Trichological Society is a worldwide professional body specialising in ‘Orthodox Hair-sciences & Hair-specialisms’.
Founded and based in London, its increasing worldwide membership consists of high-profile practitioners of the numerous orthodox sciences and professions associated with human scalp and hair in health, disease and distress.
It also offers a UK degree level diploma course in Pure-Trichology (by distance learning – utilising Internet and email facilities) to English speaking people worldwide who possess the ability to learn, ambition and tenacity.’ The Society’s 300+ page Portal can be visited at www.hairscientists.org
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