My views also on a ever increasing problem. ‘So called Trchologists’ that pray on the vulnerable and do not follow the true meaning and ethical practice of a clinical Trichologist;
- Investigation (of the patient’s presenting problem)
- Explanation (as to the type of hair or scalp problem the patient exhibits and contributing causes through the ‘evidence’ of pathology testing & results)
- Treatment recommendations (options, alternatives, as well as duty of care in suggesting same)
It is definitely NOT setting up shop to engage in predatory practices; preying on the anxieties of consumers & to rip them off selling useless bottles of lotions – as well as trashing the 115 year tradition of Trichology as a science-based, academic specialism.
We all like to present ourselves from the most advantageous standpoint to highlight our talents, experience & services – or any other exclusive benefit we can you offer the consumer. This is a ‘no brainer’ as the Americans like to say – providing it’s true.
I have been a full-time practicing Trichologist for almost 10 years; and over 30 years in the hair research and education field – and I am still learning.
So I become irritated in the extreme when some Trichology wannabes do a basic course & begin immediately posturing themselves as ‘hair science experts’ – setting up Trichology training schools & franchises, and flogging over-priced ‘treatment products’ – which apparently work for everyone regardless of the problem.
Apparently these Trichology imitators are so good – and their treatment products work so well – they don’t need to investigate the many potential causes (via appropriate pathology testing) as I or other methodical practitioners still need to do. They seemingly have the ‘miracle cure’ to hair loss the world’s been waiting for – as long as you’re prepared to pay them enough ‘up front’ money.
These ‘trichology’ charlatans are low-life pond scum who manipulate the concerns & distress of clients who’ve come to them for professional help – to their own financial advantage. I urge readers to recall that in many situations thinning scalp hair is an indication of internal deficiency or disturbance – so (potentially) one’s health is ‘at risk’ here too.
The most blatant scammer operating under the guise of a certified trichologist in Dubai who’s recently come to my attention is one situated at a hair restoration center (hair pieces) Their claims include a whole myriad of products that can be bought over the counter (OTC). And guess what? yes the founder of the company has the sole distribution of these products.
There is no consultation fee. Hmm I wonder why? Well actually I don’t, I know why. At minimum 2000- 3000 aed products are recommended per visit. The actual cost of these products is 300 aed. But more importantly, for a topical ‘something’ with absolutely NO scientific or quality control studies behind it!
These facts have been verified by Clients who have contacted me after consulting this person as well as my own investigations.
I also strongly state it’s the ‘due diligence’ duty of the Trichology Association these people are supposedly members of to do more than just collect fees for courses & membership dues, but continue to ensure their members are practicing ethically.
Again I say to consumers: whatever title they give themselves, whatever claims they make on success rates or how many MCG’s they may have filled – always request the consulting Practitioner give full disclosure on their qualifications & experience. They are essentially dealing with your health as well as taking your money!
I remain a strident campaigner for the hair loss industry be regulated to a compulsory Trichology qualification standard & registered with an official governing body for consumer protection.
This piece was originally written by a highly qualified and respected Trichologist Anthony Pearce