Steven Goldsworthy, Goldsworthy’s Swindon
I began my career at our family salon, quickly building a reputation through hairdressing competitions, then exploring opportunities in photography and live shows. By 2012, with my son and daughter fully engaged in the family business and concentrating on its creative direction, it was the perfect time to transition into a new focus and pursue trichology, an area I had long been passionate about.
My interest in the science of hair made trichology a natural next step, and I chose the Institute of Trichologists to train as it has a great reputation in trichology education.
Returning to academic study, however, definitely presented its own challenges! Not only did I need to master the complex subject matter, but I also had to reacquaint myself with modern learning techniques and presentation standards – it had been a long time since I sat exams at school!
The training itself was rigorous (as you’d expect when dealing with primarily medical issues), and the curriculum covered everything from anatomy to mathematics. I completed a two-year course of distance and academy learning and then progressed from Associate (AIT) to Member of the Institute (MIT) over an additional two-year mentorship. I am now a Board Director at the Institute of Trichologists, helping to shape the future of this field.
In the Swindon salon, I have a dedicated office and private mini-salon for trichology clients, providing one-hour appointments to thoroughly assess their concerns and create tailored treatment plans. Trichology complements my work in hairdressing seamlessly, and it has been a great addition to our salon business. Read more.
Darren Fowler, Fowler35, London
With more than 30 years in the hairdressing industry, I’ve had the privilege of working both in the salon and on the global stage as an ambassador and educator for international brands.
Training as a trichologist felt like a natural extension of my psychology background, as well as my commitment to helping people look and feel their best. Today’s world places so much pressure on us all; there are so many factors visibly affecting my guests’ skin, scalp and hair, which can then take a toll on their self-confidence. By pursuing trichology, I’ve gained deeper insights and tools to support and educate my guests, helping them address underlying causes and regain a sense of vitality.
The training is a significant investment, both in terms of cost and time, and it’s more than just completing the course. True expertise requires ongoing education – continually updating your knowledge on the latest sciences, treatments and advancements. For those serious about trichology, the initial training is only the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and adapting.
In our salon, trichology is woven into every aspect of our services. Guests now fly in from all over the world to experience a more educated consultation through hair and scalp analysis, as well as a chance to regain confidence through a look tailored to their unique needs. We design bespoke treatment plans and carefully monitor results, embodying our philosophy of helping guests build confidence through visual identity. Read more.
Rob Eaton, Russell Eaton, Leeds and Barnsley
I’ve been involved in the family business since I was 16 years old, and I’ve always loved every aspect of the industry and salon life. I’ve entered and won many awards, mentored young people and presented live shows in front of hundreds of hairdressers.
I initially got interested in trichology as I was seeing clients coming into the salon experiencing hair loss and I wanted to understand more about why it was happening and how I could help them. I had been working with wigs and hair pieces for several years with clients suffering from chemo hair loss, so becoming a trichologist was a natural progression.
The training took place over two years with the Institute of Trichologists, followed by two more years of mentorship – it was intense! It was hard trying to fit it around clients and running a business, but the cost and investment in myself was important. There are some crossovers in the skillsets – such as knowing how to cut and style wigs – but having a hair consultation is very different to a trichology consultation. It has to be private, you have to be empathetic, and it can be quite emotional.
I will always love the creative side of my job, but I am also enjoying my clinic days in the salon. For me, it’s ultimately about becoming more knowledgeable, and developing myself in the industry is now a really fulfilling part of my job. Read more.
