Trichology and Trichologists

The definition of Trichology is 'the science of the scalp and hair in health and disease'. A Trichologist is academically trained in hair and scalp biology and disorders. Trichology should be regarded as an orthodox paramedical study or a specialist branch of Dermatology. Trichologists are able to advise on, diagnose and treat a wide range of hair loss, hair conditions and scalp problems such as alopecia areata, alopecia totalis & universalis, diffuse hair loss, male and female pattern baldness, seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp eczema & psoriasis, seborrhoea, scalp itching, hair breakage & damage. Some also undertake medico-legal work and act as expert witnesses to the courts in cases of hair and scalp personal injury. Trichologists are not restricted to one particular method of treatment and have the flexibility to choose between orthodox or complementary medicine.

An interest in hair loss and hair care originated around 1860 in a London barbershop under Professor Wheeler, later in 1902 this interest in hair disorders became known as Trichology. The word 'Trichology' originates from the ancient Greek word Trikhos meaning hair.

If you are looking for a Trichologist to advise on a hair loss of scalp problem, please be aware that not all Trichologists are trained in the same way and it is not against the law for an untrained person or knowledgeable hairdresser to call their self a Trichologist. There are many hair loss clinics around the UK run by ‘specialists’ with no formal training in hair loss and scalp disease.

In The UK a qualified Trichologist may be recognised by either the letters LTTS, FTTS (Licentiate or Fellow of The Trichological Society), MIT or AIT (Member or Associate of the Institute of Trichologists) after their name. Registered practising Trichologists should be fully insured for both professional indemnity and public liability and are expected to practice in accordance with codes of ethics and professional practice guidelines.

Past President of The Trichological Society 2008-2010

Trichologist Sally-Ann Tarver was delighted to stand as president of The Trichological Society 2008-2010. A Licentiate of the Society since 2000 and also a member of the Governing Council. It was a particular honour to stand as President at a time of the Society’s 10th anniversary celebration. Marked with a banquet held at the Palace of Westminster dining hall, this rather surreal once in a lifetime opportunity was hosted by Mr Lee Scott MP and attended by Politicians, Surgeons, Doctors, Lawyers and Trichologists who had played a part in the Society’s advancement over the last decade..

Attended by members, students and their families, this annual event is held in high regard as a celebration of the Society's development and achievement. Dr's Akshay & Ushma Batra , flew from India to attend the day and also to assist in TTS examinations. Dr Akshay Batra is Vice President of The Society and our special representative for India.

An address and resume of The Society's achievements for the last year was given by TTS President Ms Sally-Ann Tarver. Mr John Harwood, past President and Governing Council member followed with an acknowledgement by name of new members and South Korean Graduates. Diplomas were presented by the President to The Society's graduate Trichologists, Ms Fiona Chadwick (UK) and Dr Talat Salim. Dr Salim flew from India for her final examination and to collect her diploma. Both were delighted to have passed their examinations following Dr Batra's hour long gruelling Viva Voce examination.

Mr Lee Scott MP was bestowed an Honorary Membership which will be presented during the 10 th Anniversary dinner in September at the Palace of Westminster. Mr Robert Olding, one of the UK's longest practising Trichologists gave a rather amusing address about his lengthy experiences as a Trichologist and on the history of Trichology.

The Trichological Society Orthodox Hair Sciences & Hair Specialisms Worldwide In September 1999, The Trichological Society was founded by an eclectic group of professionals with an interest in hair science, including Trichologists, Lawyers, Surgeons Chemists, Pharmacists, Medical Practitioners and Academics.

• To represent hair scientists of the highest calibre worldwide.
• The advancement in hair science education - unparalleled by any other organisational body.

The Society lists many of the world's reputable high profile professionals and scientists with a specialist interest in scalp and hair in health, disease and distress. Since 1999 it has attracted students worldwide, largely individuals already possessing higher degrees or PhD's. As the years pass there has been a steady progression of involvement with academic institutions worldwide, who perceive TTS as the most inspiring and academically superior body in the hair-sciences discipline. Countries inviting TTS involvement in building and educational faculty in pure-trichology include South Korea, India and Australia.  

The Trichological Society is a fully independent professional body. It neither receives nor seeks corporate sponsorships and is a 'not for profit organisation' It is run by its elected Govening Council who meet frequently to discuss organisational matters in a democratic way - all of whom work unpaid by choice for the advancement of the Society and in representation of its members.

The Society's website, www.hairscientists.org has been described as an 'Information Portal' due to its size and academic content. This Portal contains articles of general interest and research papers on all kinds of hair and scalp abnormalities. If you are looking for specific hair or scalp related information, a visit to this site is highly recommended.

The College of Trichology
The world’s leading distance learning course in pure Trichology

The Trichological Society’s Trichology course has been in existence for over 10 years (now known as the College of Trichology) and is synonymous with academic excellence in educating prospective Trichologists. This Open University style Trichology course has syllabus options for those with or without a pre-existing medical degree. A three year Trichology course syllabus for those with no medical qualifications and a two year course for those who have an existing medical degree.

The Trichology course is available to English speaking students worldwide at the London office. Korean speaking students may study using The Trichological Society’s course through the Korean Scalp Hair Institute, resulting in a Trichological Society diploma. A similar Trichology course structure is planned to commence in Mumbai, India.

The Society expects extremely high standards of their students and seek quality not quantity. This is not an organisation interested in qualifying large numbers of students quickly for financial gain. For the full detailed prospectus of The College of Trichology’s course including subjects studied, requirements and cost please visit www.hairscientists.org

Trichology As A Career

Many people in the UK hold a qualification in Trichology but only a handful are dedicated full time practising Trichologists. Trichology is a highly rewarding career for those committed to helping others and should be considered a caring profession.

Potential students considering training as Trichologists should bear in mind there are few 'jobs' available in this profession. Most Trichologists are self employed and operate their own independent Trichology practises, full or part time.

There are numerous types of Trichology practice, some are dedicated scalp and hair clinics purpose designed and some operate from a room or separate floor within other businesses. Many Trichologists convert part of their home or build extensions for practise, some may work from hairdressing salons or natural health centres.

It is the writer's opinion that Trichologists should steer away from setting up practise in hairdressing salons. Trichology is an academic paramedical scientific discipline, Trichologists who set up practise within salons may be regarded as hairdressers with a little more knowledge, never to be taken seriously.

Further Information
A full description of the Society's Trichology course, syllabus, standards and qualification can be found on the Society's Trichology education page. If you are considering a career in Trichology a visit to the Trichological Society's portal is highly recommended.