How is hair loss diagnosed?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Hair loss is diagnosed through various methods, including visual examination, medical history, biopsy, laboratory testing, and the hair pull test.

    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.