A hair pull test is a quick, simple diagnostic procedure performed by a dermatologist to assess the severity of hair loss and determine if it is currently active.
Understanding the Hair Pull Test
This non-invasive test is a common tool used by healthcare professionals to gain insight into the state of a patient's hair shedding. It helps to differentiate between normal hair shedding and active hair loss, which might indicate an underlying condition.
How the Test is Performed
The hair pull test is straightforward and typically involves the following steps:
- Sectioning: A dermatologist carefully grasps small sections of hair from various parts of the scalp.
- Strand Count: Each section usually consists of approximately 40 strands of hair.
- Gentle Tug: The dermatologist then applies a gentle, steady tug to each of these sections.
The test is designed to see how easily hairs are detached from the scalp, indicating the rate of shedding.
Interpreting the Results
The number of hairs that come out during the pull test provides crucial information about the hair loss activity:
- Active Hair Loss: If six or more strands of hair fall out during the gentle tug, it is typically indicative of active hair loss. This suggests that the hair follicles are prematurely entering the shedding phase.
- Normal Shedding: A smaller number of strands (fewer than six) usually indicates normal daily hair shedding, which is a natural part of the hair growth cycle.
This assessment helps the dermatologist determine the next steps in diagnosing the specific cause of hair loss and formulating an appropriate treatment plan.
