6 Best Ways to Diagnose Hair Loss

Hair loss can be a very complex issue with a host of potential causes.

Our latest blog 10 Causes of Female Hair Loss & 10 Treatment Options looks at the reasons why women can suffer from losing their hair, while earlier blog Causes and Types of Hair Loss in Men looks at the problem for male patients, which can present in quite a different pattern.

The key to finding the best treatment for hair loss is to start with the correct diagnosis and properly understand the condition. As well as a variety of potential underlying causes, the pattern of hair loss can also vary as well.

For an accurate diagnosis, it is best to book an appointment in person with a medically trained and highly experienced hair loss practitioner, who has the skill and knowledge to properly examine your hair and scalp so as to give their expert assessment and recommendations

6 Best Ways to Diagnose Hair Loss

1. Trichoscopy
   Trichoscopy is the term for dermoscopic imaging of the scalp and hair using a dermatoscope. This is a simple, non-invasive and accurate way of investigating the exact pattern of hair loss through magnified visual inspection.
2. OligoScan
   At your initial consultation, you will have an OligoScan performed. Without a blood sample, this advanced technology scans your skin to highlight any mineral deficiencies, or presence of heavy metals which could be causing loss of hair.
3. Pull test
   This is a traditional way of assessing the rate of hair loss. The process is to gently pull on groups of around 50 hairs at 3 locations on the scalp and then count how many come out at each location.
   However, it should only be done by an experienced professional, who understands the exact amount of force to use. Patients should never attempt to assess their own hair loss through pulling, as this can be counterproductive and aggressive hair pulling can be damaging to the hair structure and scalp.
4. Lost hair counts
   Similar to the pull test, this method involves collecting and counting loose hair. It would be nearly impossible to catch and count all hairs lost in a day. Losing 50-100 hairs in a day is actually the normal and healthy rate of hair loss. So to assess whether a person is losing more hair than they should, the method is based around the first combing of the day. Patients need to use a clean comb and without applying any additional pressure, comb all over the head and then count how many hairs were lost. Hair loss varies day by day, so the process should be repeated for 14 days and all the results recorded. Anything above 100 hairs per day, this would be considered abnormal. Higher numbers indicate a faster rate of hair loss and a more severe problem. 
   
5. Microscopic examination
   Practitioners can use magnified examination of hair roots as part of their assessment. This can be helpful in identifying any particular conditions, as well as revealing information about what stage of the hair cycle the hair was at.
6. Scalp biopsy
   This is normally taken where an obvious and unusual patch has emerged, in order to help identify the cause. It is less appropriate in cases of diffuse hair loss (from all over the head). It is also not suitable for classic male pattern hair loss, which tends to follow a recognisable format. This is a well understood condition that is caused by hormonal changes (DHT).

Once the cause of hair loss is understood, there are many options and treatments are often combined for best results.  More information about non-surgical hair loss treatment.

Hair Loss Treatments, London

Clinicbe® in London was founded by experienced Aesthetic Physician Dr Barbara Kubicka MD, CIME/ICAM, MBCAM; a renowned Aesthetic Physician based in West London.

The clinic starts with intensive clinical examination in order to fully understand the nature of hair loss and its causes. Our hair loss consultations include as standard both:

• OligoScan to highlight any mineral deficiencies, or presence of heavy metals which could be causing loss of hair.
• Trichoscopy examination to identify any physical issues with the hair, follicles, skin or scalp.

Dr Kubicka takes a holistic approach to tackling hair loss; treating the patient as a whole in order to get the best possible results from any treatments they may have. Treatment programmes available at Clinicbe are tailor-made according to the individual’s requirements.

• 7-point treatment plans are tailor-made to the individual’s requirements
  • Detox and red light therapy included as standard, within our comprehensive treatment approach
• Triple Synergy Hair System, an exclusive approach that incorporates
  • Platelet Rich Plasma treatment for hair loss
  • Mesotherapy for scalp nourishment and stimulation
  • Vitamin supplements to ensure that the body is receiving the correct nutrients

Clinicbe also offers home care options including:

• Glycolic shampoo for gentle yet thorough cleansing of the scalp, creating a good environment for replenishment of hair.
• Supplements are often recommended for hair loss. We can provide oral or injection. In addition, topical solutions may be prescribed/supplied for regular use at home

Clinicbe’s non-surgical hair loss clinic is based in Knightsbridge, London – easily accessible from Chelsea, Belgravia, Mayfair and Kensington.

For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please contact us on 0207 125 0521 or email info@clinicbe.com

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Best Ways to Diagnose Hair Loss

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Correct diagnosis and understanding are key treating hair loss. 6 Best Ways to Diagnose Hair Loss. Choose a medically trained, highly experienced practitioner.