Get clarity with your Hair Loss Home Assessment Centre. Below, you will find 3 simple tests and methods to help you assess your hair loss situation and track your progress.
"Although these tests cannot replace clinical assessments, they can help you keep track of your progress and give an indication of your current situation."
Celestine Gitau - Certified Trichologist
Hair Pull Test
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Grasp a clump of hair, approximately 60-100 hairs, between your thumb and forefinger. -
Gently pull the hair outward and away from the scalp, running your fingers through the hair.
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Repeat steps 1-2 for 3-4 times, using any clump of hair.
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Count the number of hairs pulled off each time.
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Normal shedding is considered to be around 2-5 hairs per pull, while 6 or more may indicate hair loss.
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If you are undergoing hair loss treatment or therapy, record the number of hairs pulled off and repeat the test after 4, 8, and 12 weeks to assess progress.
Comb Test
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Use a comb or brush to comb your hair from front to back or back to front repeatedly for a minute.
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Start combing from the root or mid-hair length for accurate results.
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Lean over a white or light-colored towel or cloth to make fallen hairs visible.
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Remove any hairs on the comb or brush and add them to the hairs on the fabric.
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Count the hairs and record the number.
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Normal hair shedding is considered to be 1-10 hairs, while more than 10 hairs may indicate excessive shedding.
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Keep a record of the 10+ hairs and repeat the test every 4, 8, 12 weeks, and so on to monitor progress.
Picture Progress Test
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Take photos of the affected area at different times before and after hair restoration therapy.
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Ensure the pictures are taken from the same angle and, if possible, under the same lighting conditions.
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Maintain consistent hair parting or styling in subsequent photos for accurate comparison.
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If needed, ask someone to help take photos of areas that are difficult to capture by yourself.
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It is recommended to take the photos on a clear background.
Hair Shedding or Hair Breakage?
Hair Shedding
Hair shedding is when hair falls from the root. One end of the fallen hair shaft has a white speck (hair bulb). Running your fingers along the hair shaft, you feel a bump on one end of the hair shaft.
Hair Breakage
Hair breakage is when the hair shaft breaks, resulting in split ends and shorter hair strands. Hair breakage can happen from any part of the hair shaft but not from the roots. Most often, hair breakage will be a result of too much heat, excessive bleaching, chemical treatments, and improper hair care.
