How We Diagnose Hair Loss
We use a step-by-step approach to assess both your scalp and your internal health:
Understanding Hair Loss
Hair loss can affect anyone – and for many, it is a source of emotional stress and self-consciousness. But not all hair loss is the same.Â
At Eagle Aesthetics and Surgery, we begin by understanding why you are losing hair before recommending how to treat it. With a clear diagnosis, targeted and effective solutions become possible.
Types of Hair Loss We See
Whether you are dealing with sudden shedding, a widening part, or a receding hairline, we provide an in-depth evaluation to uncover the root cause and recommend the right course of action.
Hair loss is broadly categorised into non-scarring and scarring forms.
Non-Scarring Alopecia
This is the most common type of hair loss – the follicles are still alive, and regrowth is often possible with timely treatment.
Common types include:
Androgenetic Alopecia
Often hereditary, this results in gradual thinning over the crown or frontal hairline.
Telogen Effluvium
Caused by physical or emotional stress, illness, or nutritional deficiencies, leading to temporary shedding.
Alopecia Areata
An autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp or other areas.
Traction Alopecia
Hair loss due to repeated pulling, often from tight hairstyles.
Stress- or Nutrition-Related Hair Loss
Often linked to sudden weight loss, anaemia, or vitamin deficiencies.
Scarring Alopecia
Also known as cicatricial alopecia, this involves permanent damage to hair follicles, often due to inflammation or autoimmune disorders.Â
As scarring types can progress silently and may not respond to standard treatments, it is important to diagnose them promptly to prevent further damage to hair follicles.
Clinical Consultation
We begin with a detailed history, lifestyle review, and physical examination to understand your hair loss timeline and patterns.
The doctor will examine your scalp macroscopically to identify patterns of hair loss, bald patches, recession of hairline, etc.
A hair pull test may be performed to assess if you have active shedding of hair. It also helps to categorise and monitor different types of hair loss like telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium and early androgenetic alopecia.
We then proceed with microscopic examination of the scalp
Trichoscopy
A non-invasive scalp imaging tool that magnifies your hair and follicle structures, helping us identify patterns of thinning, inflammation, or scarring. We look for specific signs that help us to identify the type of hair loss as well as to monitor it eg:Â
- Hair shaft abnormalities: broken hair shaft, miniaturisation, exclamation marks, etcÂ
- Follicular abnormalities: empty follicles, inflammation/ fibrosis, black dots, yellow dots, etc.Â
After a thorough examination, we classify types of hairloss based on universally accepted scales (eg: Norwood-Hamilton for men and Ludwig or Savin for women)
Laboratory Investigations
Blood tests may be done to check for hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies (like iron or Vitamin D), and autoimmune markers.
Why Diagnosis Matters
Without identifying the underlying cause, even the most expensive or advanced treatments may not work. A clear diagnosis ensures that your treatment plan – whether through the use of medication, supplements, or rejuvenation technologies – is targeted, efficient, and sustainable.
Not Sure Where to Begin?
Hair loss can be isolating, but we are here to help. Our team at Eagle Aesthetics and Surgery is here to guide you through the process: from diagnosis to treatment and long-term care
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Androgenetic alopecia – also known as male or female pattern hair loss – is the most common cause of gradual thinning, especially at the hairline or crown. It is often inherited and can begin at any age.
However, as there are many other causes of hair loss, it is important to have a thorough assessment to determine the cause of hair loss.
In non-scarring hair loss, regrowth is achievable with the right treatment plan. The earlier you start, the better your chances of preserving and restoring healthy follicles.Â
Scarring alopecia may cause permanent follicle loss, which is why timely diagnosis is important to prevent further damage to the follicles. However, the early stages of scarring alopecia may be reversible with medications like steroids. We can also explore supportive therapies to protect the surrounding areas and maintain scalp health.
Temporary shedding, like telogen effluvium, often follows a trigger (illness, stress, weight loss) and improves within a few months. If you are noticing ongoing thinning, patchiness, or progressive changes, it may indicate a chronic condition requiring medical attention.
Early diagnosis allows us to address any underlying causes and begin treatment sooner, and often with better results.
Blood tests can provide helpful insights into factors like iron levels, thyroid function, and vitamin D – all of which can impact hair health. Identifying and correcting these issues can significantly boost the effectiveness of your treatment.
Once we understand the type and cause of your hair loss, we will walk you through your options in detail. Your plan may include medication and supplements, scalp treatments technologies, or even a combination of these. We will be able to personalise everything to your goals, lifestyle, and comfort.
