The Board of Directors
The Institute of Trichologists has a Key Personnel in the form of a President Emeritus, President and Vice-President, as well as a board of directors. The board of directors is made up of a selection of committed Trichologists, all with different unique specialities, who are responsible for the development and maintenance of different aspects of the Institute, with our registrants at the forefront of everything we do.
Neil Harvey RIT
Chairman
Neil Harvey RIT has worked in the hair sector for nearly 40 years and has extensive experience delivering educational programmes in salons and colleges. He has presented at numerous conferences and industry events, contributed to professional discussions online, and provided expert advice and support to leading hairpiece manufacturers, suppliers, and their clients. In addition, Neil offers ongoing clinical support to patients of hair transplant surgeons.
As an IOT Registered Trichologist and Expert Witness to the Court (registered with The Academy of Expert Witnesses), Neil combines deep technical knowledge with a strong commitment to professional standards. A dedicated lifelong learner, he regularly attends CPD (Continuing Professional Development) events across the UK, often engaging with professionals from a wide range of healthcare disciplines.
In 2022, Neil was elected Chairman of the Institute of Trichologists, where he continues to champion excellence, ethics, and education within the field of Trichology.
Liam Byrne RIT
Vice-Chairman
Liam has received training in all aspects of scalp and hair science care and has been practising Trichology for over 17 years. Liam is a member of the Institute of Trichologists and serves as a Governor on the board.
As a Trichologist, Liam understands the negative effects that scalp and hair can have on a client’s physical and mental well-being and is motivated in not just helping clients deal with these issues, but also in educating them about how best to take care and prevent these issues in the future.
Shirley McDonald FIT
Board Director, Tutor & Examiner
Shirley McDonald, an experienced Consultant Trichologist with over 30 years of experience. Her research on scarring hair loss earned her a Fellowship from the Institute of Trichologists (IOT) and she is currently advancing her knowledge by pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Science.
Shirley’s aim is to employ a holistic approach to treatment that considers lifestyle, diet, and hair care, catering to all hair types, including Afro-textured hair. In addition to her clinical practice, Shirley serves as a clinical tutor and is a Board Director, representing the IOT on the Dermatology Council for England and was previously Chair of Ethics. Her expertise has been highlighted in numerous publications, including the Metro newspaper, Black Hair magazine, and Business Insider, and she has made several appearances on news segments for BBC and ITV.
As well as running her own private clinics, Shirley also offers Trichology Consultations at our Harley Street Clinic in London. To find out more about The Institute’s clinic, or to book an appointment with Shirley, click here.Â
Samantha Stewart RIT
Board Director & Tutor
Samantha qualified with distinction from the Institute of Trichologists in 2018, earning the prestigious John Firmage Award for Distinction. Her career in trichology began over 32 years ago at The Spencer Clinic, where she started as an assistant trichologist working closely with Mr. Richard Spencer (RIT).
Driven by a lifelong passion for learning, Samantha joined the clinical training team at the Institute of Trichologists in 2019 and went on to become a member of the Board of Directors in 2021.
Deeply committed to promoting accurate, science-based information about hair and scalp disorders, Samantha is a trusted media expert whose insights have been featured in publications such as Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, The Stylist, and the Daily Mail.
Her enthusiasm for trichology has taken her across the UK, delivering educational training to hair professionals in collaboration with the Institute of Trichologists, Wella, and Nioxin, as well as partnering with leading haircare brands as an expert educator.
In addition to her work at The Spencer Clinic, Samantha also offers Trichology Consultations at our Harley Street Clinic in London. To find out more about The Institute’s clinic, or to book an appointment with Samantha, click here.Â
Steven Goldsworthy RIT
Board Director
Steven Goldsworthy started his career in hairdressing 30+ years ago in his fathers Salon in Swindon. After an incredibly successful career, winning multiple prestigious awards and taking over the family business, Steven decided that he wanted more. After developing an interest in the science behind hair and a noticing a demand within the salon for a specialist in hair and scalp issues, Steven made the decision to study in the field of Trichology to be able to diagnose and offer treatments to anyone suffering from hair loss and thinning hair.
​Since graduating at the Institute of Trichology, Steven has been awarded the ‘John Firmage Award’ for excellence and dedication and has deservedly been appointed the title of M.I.T (Member of the Institute of Trichologist’s), and is now a Board Director. ​In 2021 Steven decided to take his treatment opportunities even further and study Hair Replacement Systems – to offer an instant cosmetic remedy for hair loss with the company Novo Cabelo.
Lorraine Turvey RIT
Board Director
Lorraine qualified as a Trichologist in 1992, she is also a member of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists and holds a licence for mixing preparations and treatments. Lorraine is passionate about education and holds qualifications in both teaching and assessing. Lorraine has been involved in medical research projects, as well as conducting clinical trials to prove efficacy of treatment for product development. Lorraine operates from the Hairconsortium in Melksham.Â
Mark Blake RIT
Board Director
Mark Blake MIT WTS IAT is a globally recognised Harley Street trichologist and thinning hair specialist who has worked in the hairdressing industry for over 40 years. As a busy trichologist Mark’s trichology knowledge and expertise is always in demand from magazines, newspapers, product companies, media and PR companies. 2025 has already seen a busy start with him working in Norway, Sweden and Finland.
Through his private consultation clinics on London’s Harley Street, Liverpool’s Rodney Street and Gloucester, clinic Mark is able to offer his trichology expertise to patients in the UK. Mark has also worked for global hair care brands such as Nioxin, L’Oreal, Wella, Dyson, Oribe and Vivascal.