Scalp assessments, explained plainly

Two parts: looking and asking

A scalp assessment usually has two parts that run side by side.

• Looking. The provider examines your scalp and hair pattern, often in good light and sometimes with magnification.
• Asking. They ask about your history, medicines, diet, recent stress or illness, childbirth, and any family pattern of thinning.
• Next steps. They may suggest blood tests, a follow-up visit, or a referral to a dermatologist.

Nothing is decided until a licensed provider has seen you and talked it through with you. When you are ready, you can send a request from the request page.

Signs that point to a doctor

Part of what a provider considers is whether your situation needs a doctor or dermatologist. Some signs usually call for one:

• Hair loss that came on suddenly
• Round or patchy bald spots
• Pain, burning or tenderness on the scalp
• Bleeding, oozing, crusting or other signs of infection
• Hair changes that arrived with other new symptoms, such as unusual tiredness or weight change

If any of these sound familiar, see a doctor or dermatologist. If you are already talking with a provider, you can ask them about a referral and what to bring.

Photos make a difference

Hair changes are hard to judge from memory. Photos help both you and the provider see what has actually shifted.

If you have older pictures that show your part, hairline or crown, pick out a few. For the weeks before your visit, you could also take your own: same room, same light, hair dry and parted the usual way, from the top, the front and each side. Keep them on your phone so you can show them at the consultation.

Photos are only a reference. A licensed provider will still want to look at your scalp in person.

Questions about scalp assessment

More consultation topics