Why do I need a hair loss examination done?  I shall buy the same products that my friends use or buy any shampoo they show on TV. This is the approach a lot of people take nowadays not realizing that just like them, their hair is unique too. Many people are aware that the reasons and symptoms for hair loss differs for men and women, but they are not aware is that it actually varies from person to person. Excess hair loss can result from any of the reasons: prolonged illness, major or minor surgery, stress, side effects of medication, hormonal imbalance, improper diet or nutrient deficiency, pollution, allergy etc. Many women face this problem after pregnancy. Now with so many causes for it, how can one choose the right solution to control hair loss? That’s where a hair specialist or a physician comes into picture. A hair loss examination by a hair specialist determines the exact cause for the hair loss and hence an exact remedy for it. The physician will not only examine the loss pattern, the broken hairs and the ones with irregular length but also the color, texture and caliber. He may also suggest a medical examination to check for other physical abnormalities. Some of the common tests conducted are explained below.

Nutrient Deficiency Test: It determines the level of vitamins (namely vitamin B6, vitamin B6, folate etc.) present in your hair and helps in defining a perfect diet.

Blood Test: This test also determines the nutrient content in the body and covers around 99% of the hair loss induced due to nutrient deficiency.

Density count: Using video microscopy the number of hairs per square centimeter over the scalp is measured and compared with a normal. The distribution of hair on the top, back and sides of the head is also calculated.

Hair pull test: It tests the strength of the hair.

Hair shaft examination: Hair breakage (common amongst many men) tests are conducted using this method.

Density diameter index: The pattern, density and thickness of hair are measured and a profile is created. Also determines the health of the scalp skin.

These are some of the modern day tests conducted in a hair clinic. However on a regular visit to the clinic, the physician may just check the scalp and ask a few routine questions. These questions are usually related to a person’s lifestyle, few are given below:

• The types of hair products used and the usage frequency
• Hair loss pattern: receding hairline, thinning, bald areas etc.
• Medical history and medications used
• Stress at home or work
• Symptoms of hair loss: itching, flaking, or redness of scalp etc

But sometimes a more detailed analysis is done based on the patient’s condition. With all these facilities available for diagnosis and the expert prognosis of the physician, everyone should avail of the hair loss examination because as far as hair loss is concerned…prevention is better than cure.

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