As we start our 2026, we are taking a moment to reflect on the meaningful progress made throughout 2025 and the collective efforts that continue to shape our community. What began as a vision to bring clarity, credibility, and connection to the field of trichology has grown through collaboration, education, and shared purpose. While there is still important work ahead, we want to take this time to recognize our momentum, honor the contributions of our members, and highlight the initiatives that will guide and support the profession in the year to come.

2025: A Year of Growth and Connection

APT White Paper

Trichology has long suffered from a visibility and identity challenge which means many people are still unclear about what trichology is, what trichologists do, and why the field matters. In response, APT published Advancing Trichology Through Unified Standards and Credentialing, a foundational whitepaper designed to clearly articulate the value of trichology and the role it plays in global hair and scalp health.

Developed with input from practitioners, educators, and industry stakeholders, the paper examines the current state of the field, the need for shared standards, and how collaborative credentialing can strengthen professional credibility and public trust. We framed it to be more than a position statement because of our desire to have a unifying resource. The goal was to help key stakeholders understand who we are, what we stand for, and how we can collectively shape the future of evidence-based trichology. If you haven’t read it, be sure to check it out here: https://trichologyassociation.org/2025whtpaper

Our Members and APT Have a Symbiotic Relationship

Connecting those in need with trusted professionals is a cornerstone of what we do. Our APT Member Directory helps the public find serious, conscientious practitioners and creates a symbiotic relationship where service and visibility go hand in hand. As awareness continues to grow for trichology and APT, so does engagement. We have doubled the number of people searching for trichologists using our member directory since last year. In the final week of December 2025, five U.S. members each received 79 searches, while our international members in Australia, the Netherlands, and the U.K. saw up to 73 searches within the same week. This growing global activity highlights the increasing demand for trichology services worldwide and the value of being visible through the APT directory.

We Make Industry Connections

APT has become a trusted resource for industry leaders seeking qualified practitioners of trichology. From spokesperson and influencer opportunities to research collaboration and expert insight, our members are being recognized and sought after by product companies and brands. Several members have already secured meaningful collaborations, reinforcing APT’s role as a connector and advocate for the profession. Staying engaged and visible within the Association helps ensure you are positioned to be considered as we continue advancing the industry together.

2025 Virtual Unity Summit

In October 2025, we expanded our reach and hosted our first Virtual Unity Summit, bringing together distinguished panelists and professionals from across the hair care community for open and impactful dialogue. This past year’s summit focused on shaping the future of trichology through conversations around credentialing, education, research collaboration, and professional standards. Attendees engaged directly with key stakeholders, shared perspectives, and contributed to meaningful discussions that will help guide the next era of trichology. We thank everyone who joined us and helped make our conversations fruitful. If you missed the Summit or would like to revisit the sessions, you can register for the 2025 replay here: https://trichologyassociation.org/2025summitpage

Public Trichology Think Tanks

In 2025, we expanded our Trichology Think Tanks by opening select sessions to the public, creating a new entry point for practitioners who were curious about the field and eager to grow their practices. These public Think Tanks highlight key insights from our educational resources and offer practical guidance for those navigating the business and professional side of trichology. By making these conversations more accessible, we are able to extend our mission beyond our membership and invite the broader community into meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and learning. This initiative strengthens awareness of professional standards while reinforcing APT’s commitment to education, connection, and sustainable growth within the trichology industry.

What Lies Ahead in 2026

APT Leadership Transition

Several board members have completed their tenure, and we are grateful for the service of Dr. Andrea Echeverry, Dr. Clodagh Ryan, Iain Sallis, and Dana Wilson. We now have new active members who have joined the executive board. We welcome the following appointed members:

Mika Smith – Vice President

Mia Anglin – Secretary

Rebecca Anderson – International Member-At-Large

Trina Arce – Medical Member-At-Large

A complete roster of our leadership teams can be found here

APT Leadership I Meet Our Board of Directors

If you are a current member in good standing and would like to serve, reach out to us! Most positions have a commitment of 5 – 10 hours per month. If you don’t have that amount of time, we’d love for you to serve on a committee. Your voice matters so get involved! https://trichologyassociation.org/getinvolved

Our First Credentialing Module

During our 2025 virtual summit, we had open dialogues about the importance of trichological skills and how the assessment of competencies are needed to ensure practitioners provide safe and evidence-based recommendations to their clients. Therefore, we will be developing our first credentialing module this year. We have laid the framework and will start reaching out to subject matter experts to design the assessment. Stay tuned! Let us know if you’d like to contribute. Your passion and expertise are the only requirements. You DO NOT need to be an APT member to help formulate credentialing standards.

Trichology Spotlights

We are revitalizing Trichology Spotlights as a way to share trusted, evidence-based information with the public while highlighting the expertise of our members. This initiative invites members to contribute educational content that helps individuals make informed decisions about their hair and scalp health without the pressure of keeping up with multiple social media platforms. Through vetted blogs, audio, and video features, APT will help distribute your insights to a wider audience. Together, we can reduce confusion, increase awareness, and ensure credible trichology education remains accessible to those who need it most.

Vetted Content Templates

To support our Trichology Spotlights initiative, APT is introducing Vetted Content Templates designed to make education and outreach easier for practitioners. For those who are unsure what to share or simply do not have the time to plan content, these templates will serve as an easy button grounded in science and best practices. We will kick off this effort with our first educational webinar of 2026 on Monday, January 12, featuring ElijahTheeCreative, who will explore scalp health myths and evidence-based care alongside responsible social media strategies that educate and convert. Attendees will walk away with practical guidance and free vetted content they can use immediately, allowing practitioners to focus on client care while confidently sharing trusted information with the public.

To learn more and to register for the LIVE or REPLAY, click on the image below

Our Next Steps are Based on Your Needs

Everything we build at APT is guided by the voices of our members and the needs of stakeholders within the trichology community. Your ideas, feedback, and shared experiences help shape our initiatives, education, and advocacy efforts. Whether you need resources, connections, or new ways to elevate your work, we are here to listen and respond. Together, we will continue strengthening the profession and ensuring trichologists have the support they need to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact. Contact us if you want to share ideas about elevating trichology: Get in Touch | Contact Us for Support and Inquiries

As APT continues to grow, our mission remains clear: to elevate the profession of trichology through standards, education, visibility, and community. Membership provides access to educational webinars and replays, opportunities to be featured through our directory and spotlights, and connections to industry leaders seeking qualified practitioners. Members also benefit from collaborative forums like the Trichology Think Tank, discounted services and events, and a trusted platform that amplifies your voice without the pressure of constant content creation. By joining APT, you are not just gaining resources, you’re contributing to a collective effort to advance trichology and ensure those in need can find credible, conscientious care. Become a member today: Join Us Today | Become a Member for Exclusive Benefits

And always remember, we’re in this together – in unity.