WHAT IS TRICHOLOGY?

Hair science

Trichology is the science of the structure, function and diseases of the human hair and becoming a trichologist is a natural career progression for many hairdressers.

STEPHANIE MOORE

Many top trichologists are also trained hairdressers, including Stephanie Moore, Head of Education at The College of Trichological Science and Practice (CTSP). Find out more at: www.CTSP.ac.uk

“Hairdressing is already a science”

Concept Hair: Why is there a natural fit between hairdressing and trichology?

Stephanie Moore: It’s a natural progression. I started in hairdressing so have always had a curiosity for all things to do with hair and trichology is the ultimate extension of that. A lot of people with hair loss don’t know who to turn to, so their hairdresser is often the first professional involved.

CH: How can understanding the science of hair make someone a better hairdresser?

SM: Hair science is not just about hair loss, it’s about everything that affects the hair. Hairdressing is already a science as you use chemicals and products all day! Really understanding ‘how’ and ‘why’ these things work gives you the ability to talk to your clients on a different level, so will ultimately have better outcomes for your clients, hair and also your reputation.

CH: Any advice for someone thinking trichology looks interesting?

SM: Don’t be scared off by the science involved.

I didn’t get on with science at school, but now it’s relevant to what I do, it all makes sense!

CH: Tell us a little about the courses offered by The CTSP.

SM: We offer an accredited education pathway from Level 4 to 6 (equivalent to degree level), starting with our ‘Certificate in Hair and Scalp Science for Trichology’, which is taught online over six months. It is for anyone wanting to improve their knowledge to use in the salon, however if you do want to go on to become a Clinical Trichologist, then it provides the perfect stepping stone to access our higher-level programmes.

Three Fascinating Facts about Hair!

1Hair is a ‘dead’ fibre, but has a living bulb that is one of the fastest dividing cells in the body

2On average, if you put all the hair strands end to end, humans can grow up to 12 km of hair a year!

3There are around 100,000 strands of hair on our head. Red heads have the lowest density and blondes have the highest — although there are always exceptions!