To properly treat an issue, you need to know what is wrong. Hair loss can be caused by factors ranging from genetics to a change in season. Determining the root cause of hair loss can help you treat it more effectively and save you from wasting time on treatments that may not work for you.
At Daniel Alain, we know how distressing hair loss is. We also know you do not have time to spare in attempting to determine what is causing your hair to fall out. In this article, we’re going to break down different tests for hair loss. By the end, you’ll understand what each test involves and how a test can help you find and address the cause of your hair loss.
Hair Pull Test
Purpose: Performed during a physical, the hair pull test is designed to determine whether you have active hair loss.
How it works: A doctor will pull on small sections of hair on different parts of the scalp. The doctor will pull on about 40 strands of hair. If six or more strands easily come out, you have active hair loss.
Best used for: To diagnose if you are currently experiencing hair loss.
Cost: Varies
Trichometric Analysis
Purpose: This test is meant to analyze the hair and scalp and assess any damage or abnormalities that may be present.
How it works: A doctor uses a camera to get a highly detailed look at hair, its follicles, and the scalp.
Best used for: Diagnosing the primary cause of hair loss, ruling out certain causes
Cost: Varies
Fungal Culture
Purpose: Designed to test for tinea capitis or scalp ringworm.
How it works: A swab is taken from the scalp and that sample is sent in for testing.
Best used for: Determining if your hair loss is caused by scalp ringworm.
Cost: $117
Punch Biopsy
Purpose: Helps a doctor diagnose hair loss if other tests are inconclusive.
How it works: A dermatologist removes a small tissue sample from the scalp and sends it to a lab. Stitches are applied after.
Best used for: Helps differentiate between the six different types of scarring alopecia and can provide a definitive answer on what type of alopecia the patient is experiencing.
Cost: $100-300
At-Home Tests
Purpose: To see if a medical condition, vitamin deficiency, or hormonal imbalance is causing hair loss.
How it works: Purchase a kit, then either take a mouth swab, collect a urine sample, or perform a finger prick (dependent on which test is being taken) and return the samples via mail. Results are provided via a reporting website.
Best used for: Determining if there’s an underlying health cause that is triggering hair loss.
Cost: $49-199
New At-Home Diagnostic Tests
Purpose: To assess whether one has genetic hair loss, has a high level of androgen activity, and to see whether the scalp has enough of the SULT1A1 enzyme needed for the patient to respond to Minoxidil treatments.
How it works: First, you'll pluck a few strands of hair from any affected area. After you send your strands into the lab, you'll receive results in 7-14 business days.
Best used for: Diagnosing the cause of hair loss from the comfort of your own home, no insurance required.
Cost: $139-199
Choosing a Hair Loss Test
After reading this article, you now understand which types of hair loss tests are available to help you determine the cause of your hair loss. Some of these tests may require referrals from doctors to see specialists, such as a dermatologist, or may require an office visit. To determine which test is best for you, consider the following:
- Do you have an idea of what is causing your hair loss?
- How much can you spend on a hair loss test?
- Are you comfortable with a potentially invasive test?
- Do you have time to coordinate an in-office visit?
Considering the above questions, you may be wondering if there are diagnostic at-home hair loss tests. While many tests have been made to help determine underlying medical causes of hair loss, such as low iron or a hormonal imbalance, it’s rare to find an at-home diagnostic test that tests for specific hair loss conditions, such as androgenetic alopecia.
The research and development team at Daniel Alain has introduced the first of its kind at-home diagnostic hair loss tests. Beginning with the world's first Minoxidil Response Test, the kit is the only test designed to give you answers to your hair loss-related questions in 7-14 days. The test only requires a few strands of hair that are sent into our CLIA-certified labs and analyzed to provide you with answers to help create a personalized treatment plan. Order the Minoxidil Response Test to take action and find a solution that works for you.
