When we suspect we might be losing our hair, many of us don’t know what to do at first. We don’t want to wait for more visible balding, but are we overreacting? Rather than wait around to see if you lose more hair or trying to do a self-diagnosis, you can visit a doctor who can help determine if you may be experiencing hair thinning or loss.
How Do Dermatologists Test For Hair Loss?
Before testing, a dermatologist will likely want to ask you questions covering topics such as diet and family history with hair loss. Once that is figured out, one of the tools a dermatologist uses to test for hair loss is the card test.
By parting the hair and using a felt card against the scalp, a dermatologist can examine the hair to see if it is healthy and strong. This test can be used to detect telogen effluvium as well as abnormalities in the hair follicles.
Can Blood Tests Be Done For Hair Loss?
Yes! A dermatologist can utilize a blood test or scalp biopsy in order to diagnose hair loss. A blood test could be utilized if the cause of hair loss may be thought to be related to a disease, hormone imbalance, infection, vitamin deficiency, or something of that nature.
Some of these causes are easier to adjust or course correct than others. Depending on the nature of the cause of hair loss, you may need to seek medical help from a different kind of specialist.
What Tests Are Done For Hair Loss In Women?
All the same tests listed above are also done for women. Other tests that can apply to women or anyone with longer hair would be the pull test and tug test.
A pull test involves gently pulling on multiple sections of hair on the scalp. If half a dozen or so hairs fall out as a result, then you are actively experiencing hair loss. Tug tests are done with both hands. The dermatologist will use one hand to hold hair at the roots and the other hand at the tips and pull to see if it causes hair breakage in the middle. This test determines the fragility of the hair and can show abnormalities in the hair shafts.
RHRLI Can Restore Your Hair & Confidence
After you have received a diagnosis of your hair loss, RHRLI can help you restore your hairline. We offer a variety of non-surgical options as well as 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. As a board-certified surgeon, I have introduced this hair transplant system to the Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens areas and have more than 10 years of experience. Contact us today for a free consultation.