Hair thinning and loss is a reality for the vast majority of us. Not only will approximately 85% of men experience some amount of balding by the age of 50, but more than half of all women will experience noticeable hair thinning or loss in their lifetimes as well.
The largest percentage of that hair loss is male or female pattern hair loss, which is genetic. There are many other factors that can come into play as well including poor diet, illnesses, stress, and more that can contribute to hair loss.
Sometimes it can be hard to tell if we’re actually experiencing some form of hair loss early on. After all, men naturally get a more mature hairline as they age. So, what can we do to be sure that we are in fact experiencing hair loss? Are there any tests that can be done?
What Tests Can Be Done For Hair Loss?
There are a number of tests that can be done to help diagnose hair loss. One of the less invasive approaches is the pull test. This involves a doctor gently pulling on dozens of hairs on your scalp and examining how many hairs came out as a result. By doing so, the doctor can tell what stage in the shedding process your scalp is in and determine if there are any abnormalities. While some shedding is perfectly normal, if it’s excessive it could be a sign of hair loss.
Beyond that, blood tests can help identify a potential medical condition that could be causing hair loss. Light microscopy can also be used to examine hair. By examining trimmed hairs at the base under a microscope, a doctor can determine if there are any abnormalities from the hair that could be a result of abnormalities in the hair shaft itself.
Should I Get A Scalp Biopsy For Hair Loss?
The other test that can be performed to help diagnose hair loss would be a scalp biopsy. This test involves taking a small skin sample from your scalp or fully intact plucked hairs so the doctor can closely examine the roots under a microscope.
By doing so, the doctor can help to determine if the cause of hair loss is a result of an infection affecting your scalp or attacking your hair follicles. While a scalp biopsy is helpful in the above instances, it is not useful in determining if you are simply experiencing male or female pattern hair loss.
RHRLI Can Help Determine If Hair Restoration Is Right For You
Regardless of whether you’re experiencing hair loss as a result of previous hair treatments, illness, or simply genetics… the experts at Robotic Hair Restoration Long Island are here to help. We utilize the minimally invasive ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System – a procedure that produces exceptional results and will get you back to your day-to-day life in just a few days. Contact us today for a free consultation and let RHRLI restore your hair and your confidence.