Trichology is the branch of medicine that deals with the scientific study of the health of hair and scalp. Trichologists themselves are not normally licensed healthcare workers, although members of the medical profession can undertake courses and/or careers within trichology. Trichology can be used in forensic studies of hairs to find suspects. Forensic trichology can determine the approximate age, body mass, race, and other important traits of the hairs' owner.
The Institute of Trichologists is the oldest professional association for trichologists in the world, the largest provider of trichology training in Europe and, at over 100 years old, is the longest established body of its type anywhere in the world. Registered members of The Institute of Trichologists indicate this with the postnominal letters AIT, MIT or FIT after their names (designating, respectively, an Associate Member, Member or Fellow of the Institute).
The International Asociation of Trichologists (IAT) offers a course developed at the University of Southern California in 1974 and trains most students from several countries. The IAT course is also offered in India at the Mumbai Educational Trust (MET). Both the IAT and MET offer special condensed courses for medical doctors. Clinical training is offered in Australia,America and India.
