WARNING
About Unqualified People Calling Themselves 'trichologists' or 'doctors'
Unfortunately, there are people who call themselves ‘trichologists,’ even if they haven’t been properly certified by–or qualified through–one of the three prestigious trichological associations mentioned above.
Therefore, if you do decide to see a trichologist, I suggest you thoroughly check his or her credentials. Before you make an appointment, ask through which organization they got their certification, and then check with that institute’s Website to make sure that they really are affiliated (I am affiliated with all three major Institutes)–a list of their Websites are:
Incredibly, some trichologists have the audacity to call themselves ‘doctors’ or claim to have doctoral degrees–please note that a valid PhD can only be gained through a reputable university. After being certified as a trichologist, it took me many more years to attain my doctorate (through the University of Portsmouth in the UK) and so I’m sure you can imagine my dismay when I see or hear of other trichologists or uncertified people, calling themselves ‘doctors’.
Double-check a trichologist’s credentials if they claim to be ‘doctors,’ as only a handful of trichologists worldwide have PhDs (I am the only trichologist in North America with a bona fide doctorate). Also double-check, if they claim to be 'doctors' in other countries, but not the country you are from. You can contact the individual institutes at the following email addresses:
Institute of Trichologists - admin@trichologists.org.uk
International Association of Trichologists - dsalinger@trichology.edu.au
The Trichological Society - registrar@hairscientists.org.
