Choosing a trichologist is a deeply personal decision that can shape your hair and scalp health for years to come. While many professionals offer exceptional care, others may lack the proper training, ethical grounding, or clinical standards required to diagnose and manage hair loss safely. Knowing what to look out for—and what to avoid—can make all the difference.
The International Trichology Society (ITS), a global leader in hair and scalp science, outlines strict standards for trichology training, board certification, and professional conduct. These benchmarks offer a useful framework for spotting when something isn’t quite right.
Below, we break down the expert red flags that may indicate a trichologist is falling short of industry-recognised standards.
- Rushed or Superficial Consultations
A credible trichologist should take time to understand your full history, including medical background, nutrition, lifestyle, hair-care habits, and family patterns of hair loss. A rushed consultation is a major red flag.
ITS-trained professionals are taught to perform comprehensive assessments as part of their formal curriculum in hair biology, scalp pathology, and consultation methodology. If your consultation feels transactional or incomplete, it may signal inadequate training or poor professional practice.
- No Proof of Professional Training or ITS Board Certification
One of the clearest warning signs is a practitioner who cannot demonstrate reputable training.
The ITS outlines a rigorous education pathway, including structured coursework, examination, and optional Board Certification for advanced practitioners. A trustworthy trichologist will be transparent about:
- Where they trained
- Whether they are an ITS member
- Whether they hold ITS Board Certification
- Their continuing education or professional development
If credentials are vague, unverifiable, or avoided altogether, proceed with caution.
- Promises of Guaranteed or “Perfect” Results
Hair loss is complex and highly individual. No ethical trichologist should promise a guaranteed outcome, whether related to density, regrowth, or timeline.
ITS emphasises evidence-based practice, ethical communication, and honest expectation-setting. Overly optimistic claims often signal a practitioner who prioritises sales over science.
Watch out for:
- “Guaranteed regrowth”
- “Permanent solution”
- “Results in X days”
- “Works for everyone”
Hair and scalp conditions rarely work on predictable timelines, and responsible practitioners are transparent about this.
- Poor Hygiene, Outdated Tools, or Unprofessional Facilities
Because trichologists perform scalp examinations—sometimes using microscopes, dermatoscopy, or magnification tools—cleanliness and organisation are non-negotiable.
If the environment feels disorganised, unhygienic, or outdated, it may indicate a lack of professionalism or compliance with basic safety standards.
ITS-aligned trichologists operate within clinical hygiene expectations, ensuring their workspace supports accurate diagnosis and patient wellbeing.
- No Discussion of Underlying Causes or Long-Term Management
A trichologist who jumps straight to a product, procedure, or supplement without exploring underlying causes is failing one of the core principles of the discipline.
ITS training covers:
- Hair biology
- Scalp disorders
- Hormonal influences
- Nutrition
- Psychology and stress
- Environmental triggers
If a practitioner focuses only on surface-level symptoms or immediately pushes paid treatments, it may be a sign of insufficient training, or worse, a sales-driven approach.
- No Follow-Up Care or Ongoing Support
Hair and scalp concerns often require monitoring and long-term management. A trichologist who offers no structured follow-up, or who becomes difficult to contact after the initial appointment, is a red flag.
According to ITS standards, continuity of care is essential for responsible practice. This includes checking progress, reviewing treatment response, and adjusting management plans as needed.
- Not Affiliated With Any Recognised Trichology Body
While not every trichologist must be ITS-certified, a practitioner who has no affiliation with any recognised professional body—or who avoids the subject entirely—may lack accountability or formal training.
ITS provides:
- Membership tiers
- A structured code of professional standards
- Education and examinations
- Professional accountability
A practitioner with no connection to reputable organisations may not be keeping up with current science or ethical standards.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing a trichologist doesn’t need to be stressful, but it does require care. By understanding the red flags, you can avoid costly mistakes and feel confident about your hair and scalp health journey.
The International Trichology Society remains a trusted global authority in the field, providing education, research-backed standards, and practitioner development. If you’re unsure where to begin, consider working with an ITS-trained trichologist who follows recognised standards of practice, ethics, and clinical care.
FAQ: Spotting a Bad Trichologist
Here are some commonly asked questions about how to spot a bad trichologist:
- What qualifications should a good trichologist have?
A reputable trichologist should have formal training in hair and scalp science, ideally through a structured programme such as the ITS curriculum. Additional credentials, like ITS Board Certification, indicate advanced training and adherence to high professional standards.
- Are guaranteed results a sign of a bad trichologist?
Yes. Because hair loss varies significantly from person to person, no practitioner can offer universal guarantees. Ethical trichologists provide realistic expectations based on evidence and individual assessment.
- Why is affiliation with the International Trichology Society important?
ITS affiliation signals that a practitioner values education, ethical practice, and ongoing professional development. While not mandatory, it’s a strong indicator of credibility and accountability.
- Should a trichologist offer follow-up appointments?
Absolutely. Hair and scalp health requires monitoring, adjustment of treatment plans, and continuous evaluation. Lack of follow-up reflects poor clinical practice.
- What’s the biggest red flag when choosing a trichologist?
The biggest warning sign is a lack of transparency—whether regarding training, expectations, pricing, or treatment rationale. A trustworthy trichologist communicates clearly and openly from the very first consultation.
