Hair Health & Hair Loss Test
- Randombeibei
- Oct 5, 2024
- 5 min read
Hair Loss Self-Test at Home
1. Pull Test
This simple test helps measure if you're experiencing active hair loss.
What you'll need:
Clean hands
A mirror (optional)
Steps:
Select small sections of hair from different areas of your scalp (about 40 strands each).
Gently grasp each section of hair between your fingers.
Tug lightly but firmly, pulling down toward the ends of the hair.
What to observe:
If 6 or more strands fall out from any section, you may be experiencing active hair loss. This can be a sign of conditions like:
Telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding)
Anagen effluvium (due to medical treatment)
Loose anagen syndrome (common in children)
Early androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss)
Advanced alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder)
2. Tug Test
This test helps determine the strength and fragility of your hair strands.
What you'll need:
A section of your hair
Steps:
Choose a section of hair and hold it with both hands: one hand near the scalp (root) and the other near the tip.
Gently tug the strand, checking if the hair breaks in the middle.
What to observe:
If the hair breaks easily, this may suggest that your hair is fragile, which could be related to conditions like hair shaft abnormalities.
Note: If you notice significant hair loss or brittleness during these tests, it may be worth consulting a dermatologist for further evaluation.
General Hair Health Quiz:
Finger Glide Test
Question: Divide your hair into two halves and run your fingers from the midsection of your head towards the end. Are there any tangles that stop your fingers from smoothing along?
When: Anytime your hair is dry and untangled, especially after exposure to wind or dry weather.
Frequency: Weekly, or after spending time in windy conditions.
Interpretation:
a) Quite a few tangles: Hair might be dry, damaged, or prone to breakage.
b) A few tangles: Hair is moderately healthy but could use more moisture or care.
c) No tangles: Hair is likely healthy, smooth, and well-nourished.
Knot Test
Question: Wet your hair thoroughly and try to make a knot. Does it loosen out when you release it?
When: After thoroughly wetting your hair, typically after a shower or exposure to mixed weather like storms.
Frequency: Monthly, or after experiencing fluctuating weather.
Interpretation:
a) Loosens immediately: Hair is likely smooth and healthy.
b) Slight loosening: Hair is somewhat healthy but might have a bit of dryness or damage.
c) Knot stays: Hair might be dry, porous, or damaged.
Strand Smoothness Test
Question: Take a single strand of hair and run your fingers along it from root to tip. Does it feel smooth and even, or bumpy and rough?
When: Anytime your hair is dry, especially after exposure to cold, dry, or windy weather.
Frequency: Monthly or bi-weekly, or when you notice static or roughness.
Interpretation:
a) Very bumpy and rough: Indicates damaged hair with split ends or breakage.
b) A few bumps: Some damage, but hair is still relatively healthy.
c) Smooth and even: Hair is likely healthy and undamaged.
Post-Wash Feel Test
Question: After washing your hair, before applying any products, how does your hair feel?
When: Right after washing your hair, particularly during dry or cold weather.
Frequency: After every wash, or weekly during winter.
Interpretation:
a) Rough and hard: Hair might be over-processed or lacking moisture.
b) Slightly rough: Hair could use more conditioning but isn’t severely damaged.
c) Soft and smooth: Hair is likely well-conditioned and healthy.
Elasticity Test
Question: Take a strand of dry hair and gently stretch it. Does it spring back to its original length, stretch a little, or break?
When: Anytime your hair is dry and free of styling products, especially after rain or humid weather.
Frequency: Monthly, or after exposure to rain without protection.
Interpretation:
a) Breaks or stays stretched: Indicates poor elasticity, likely due to damage or dehydration.
b) Springs back slightly: Hair is moderately healthy but could be strengthened.
c) Springs back fully: Hair has good elasticity and is healthy.
Hair Shedding Test
Question: After brushing your hair, how much hair do you see in the brush?
When: After brushing, ideally when your hair is dry, especially during seasonal changes.
Frequency: Daily or weekly, and at the start of a new season.
Interpretation:
a) A large amount: Hair might be weak or damaged, leading to breakage.
b) Moderate shedding: Normal but might indicate a need for strengthening.
c) Minimal shedding: Hair is strong and healthy with minimal breakage.
Texture Feel Test
Question: Rub your fingers along a section of your dry hair. Does it feel coarse and dry, or soft and silky?
When: Anytime your hair is dry, especially after sun exposure or in hot, humid weather.
Frequency: Weekly, or after a day in the sun.
Interpretation:
a) Coarse and dry: Hair might be dehydrated and damaged.
b) A mix of textures: Hair is in moderate condition and could benefit from more targeted care.
c) Soft and silky: Hair is well-moisturized and healthy.
Air-Dry Test
Question: After washing your hair and letting it air-dry, how does it look and feel?
When: After washing, letting it dry naturally, especially on a humid day.
Frequency: Monthly, or during the humid season.
Interpretation:
a) Frizzy and tangled: Hair might be damaged, dry, or in need of better hydration.
b) Slight frizz with a few tangles: Hair is moderately healthy but could use more moisture.
c) Smooth and manageable: Hair is likely healthy and well-nourished.
Stretch Test
Question: Take a few strands of dry hair and gently pull them. Do they stretch easily or snap quickly?
When: Anytime your hair is dry and clean, particularly after exposure to different weather conditions.
Frequency: Monthly, or after noticing a change in hair behavior due to weather.
Interpretation:
a) Strands snap easily: Hair might be weak or damaged, needing strengthening.
b) Strands stretch slightly: Hair has some elasticity but could use more care.
c) Strands stretch considerably before snapping: Hair is strong and healthy.
Split Ends Test
Question: Look closely at the ends of your hair. Do you see any splits or frayed ends?
When: Anytime your hair is dry, especially after a season of extreme weather (summer, winter).
Frequency: Every 4-6 weeks, or at the beginning of each new season.
Interpretation:
a) A lot of split or frayed ends: Hair might be damaged and needs a trim and more care.
b) Some split ends: Moderate damage; regular trims and treatments can help.
c) Mostly intact ends: Hair is well-maintained and healthy.
Scalp Condition Test
Question: After washing and drying your hair, how does your scalp feel and look?
When: After washing and drying, preferably under natural light, especially during hot, sweaty weather or after exposure to extreme cold.
Frequency: Monthly, or whenever you notice changes in your scalp condition.
Interpretation:
a) Dry, flaky, or very oily: Scalp might be imbalanced and require attention.
b) Slightly dry or oily: Scalp is in decent health but could benefit from more balanced care.
c) Clean, balanced, and healthy: Scalp is likely in good condition, contributing to overall hair health.
Scoring:
Mostly "a" responses: Consider more intensive hair care, such as deep conditioning, reducing heat and chemical exposure, and possibly trimming damaged ends.
Mostly "b" responses: Your hair is in moderate condition. More targeted care, such as regular moisturizing and strengthening treatments, could improve its health.
Mostly "c" responses: Your hair is likely healthy. Maintain your current routine and continue to nourish your hair to keep it in good condition.
Comments