How is hair loss diagnosed?

    Researchedby:
    Morgan Pfiffner

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Mike Murray
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    A medical professional may use various methodologies to diagnose hair loss, including visual examination, medical history, biopsy, and laboratory testing.[1]

    One procedure often employed is a hair pull test.[2] In this test, a small section of hair is grasped and gently pulled on, with the process repeated at various areas of the scalp. The number of hairs that come out upon pulling can indicate if hair loss is occurring and its severity.

    References

    1. ^T Grant Phillips, W Paul Slomiany, Robert AllisonHair Loss: Common Causes and TreatmentAm Fam Physician.(2017 Sep 15)
    2. ^Katherine A McDonald, Amanda J Shelley, Sophia Colantonio, Jennifer BeeckerHair pull test: Evidence-based update and revision of guidelinesJ Am Acad Dermatol.(2017 Mar)