Life Of A Trichologist
How do you become a trichologist?
You become a trichologist by studying with the Institute of Trichologists. This is a private body, so it's not government-funded. The study is two years initially for an associate membership. From there, you can practise without having to move on, but most members wish to become full members, and that happens after two more years mentoring and focal study. So in all, it's four years to become a full member.
Why pay to see a trichologist when I can see my GP on the NHS?
The advantage of going to see a trichologist as opposed to the GP on the NHS is that trichologists spend all their time dealing with scalp and hair, and the science behind it. GPs within their medical training don't normally study hair and scalp at all. They do in some cases, when they choose to, but the general rule is that the trichologist who's dealing with it all the time will be able to advise you better than the GP can.
Why do I have to pay for a consultation with a trichologist?
You'll be asked to pay for a consultation with a trichologist, because the trichologist is in private practice and not on the NHS. The reason for the charge is that you may well spend an hour with the trichologist; the trichologist may be able to resolve your problem that day, and may never see you again; so for obvious reasons, you do need to pay for a consultation. After that, it is up to you whether you follow up, whether you go back; that one consultation may be sufficient.
What skills do I need to become a trichologist?
Skills required to become a trichologist are a basic understanding of science, because that's very important in our fields; but also you've got to have the ability to communicate with people, to empathise with people and to understand that, most importantly, the patient comes first. The patient has to be your top priority. Skills required are diagnostic, really. Along with the background that I've just mentioned, you have to think around corners and when people are talking about, for example, broken hair, is it internal or is it something they're doing to it? And you've got to be able to think of all the possible options in order to make your diagnosis.
What is the most satisfying part of your job?
My job personally becomes the most satisfying when I can tell someone that, "Yes, your hair is going to regrow, this is what's wrong with you and we can put it right." Or, "Your scalp disorder is not a problem, we can deal with it, we can put it right." I think that is probably one of the most satisfying parts of my job as a trichologist.
What is the hardest part of your job?
I would say that the hardest part of my job is when I'm faced with a situation I know can't be rectified. If I've got, for example, a scarring or a scalp disorder and the person who's sitting there is hoping that I'm going to be able come up with some miracle cure, I know I can't and I also know I've got to be honest and say so. That is probably the hardest thing I have to do as a trichologist.
How do I find a trichologist?
You find a trichologist by looking at the Institute of Trichologists website. We list all of our registered members there. Anyone who is not on that site is not a registered member of our institute.
How do I know that the trichologist is qualified?
You'll know that the Trichologist is qualified by the letters after their name. If they have either AIT (Associate member), MIT (Member), or FIT (Fellow of the Institute of Trichologists), you'll know that they are qualified.
Will going to a trichologist cost a fortune?
Trichologists in general do not cost a lot of money. A consultation will vary depending on two issues. One is the geographical area of the trichologist, i.e. rents are likely to be more expensive in London than they are in the country, so that will be reflected in their charges. One can expect to pay something between £40, for an hour's consultation, and £150, depending on geographical location and also on the knowledge and expertise of the trichologist.
What advice would you give to an aspiring trichologist?
The advice I'd give to an aspiring trichologist is to telephone the institute and talk to us. We're happy to talk to anyone who is interested in becoming a member and earned in training. We can discuss what the training involves; we can also discuss what being a trichologist involves, so you get a good picture of what you're letting yourself in for. One thing that I would recommend is that you do get a sound basis of science first because it is a scientific course and that would help you on your way.
