The Institute of Trichologists
The Institute of Trichologists is the foremost professional association for trichologists in the World, the largest provider of trichology training in Europe and the longest established body of its type.
Our Registrants have undergone education programmes to qualify as Clinical Trichologists. Clinical Trichology is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the human hair and scalp.
Founded in 1902
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Become a Trichologist
The Institute of Trichologists provides a two and a half year distance learning course backed by clinical practice.
Enrolment Now Open for September 2023!
What Is Trichology?
The word Trichology is derived from the Greek word trikhos, meaning hair (singular). In the general and broadest sense, Trichology is the science of the structure, function and diseases of the human hair. In a clinical sense, Trichology is the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the scalp and hair. Trichology is neither an alternative medicine nor a complementary therapy, since the diagnostic approach and treatments employed are no different from those used in orthodox medicine.
Trichologists are not medically qualified, but receive training of a clinical and medical nature specific to the hair and scalp.
What does A Trichologist Do?
A Trichologist will deal with numerous conditions of the hair and scalp – some are not curable but can be controlled. Other conditions may need to be referred to a medical practitioner or specialist. The exceptions are those registrants who enter the profession of Trichology with existing medical qualifications or those who decide to pursue medical training after being inspired by Trichology.
There are however, many hair and scalp conditions, which can be successfully treated by a trichologist.
The Institute of Trichologists'
code of Professional Practice and Ethics
IOT registrants and registered students of the Institute of Trichologists must adhere to this Code of Professional Practice and Ethics. The code is reviewed annually to review that it is still fit for purpose and encompasses the highest possible standards for each registrant; however we do collect and review information continually and can update this code at any time, with the authority of the Board of Directors to ensure that Practice Standards and Procedures are adhered to at all times. This code has been drawn up by the Institute of Trichologists Board of Directors and complies with the company’s Articles of Association.
The purpose of this Code is to provide a high ethical and professional standard of conduct for registrants to follow in order to protect the general public and to preserve and enhance the practice of Trichology.
These guidelines and rules are essential for the integrity of the Institute of Trichologists as a regulatory, standards and registration body.