Hair Loss Slideshow Pictures Hair and Scalp Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Gary W. Cole, MD

Gary W. Cole, MD

Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency.

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Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Hair Loss Diagnosis

Physicians, generally dermatologists, diagnose hair loss by performing a physical examination and looking at the underlying skin and the pattern and distribution of hair loss.

• Charts with pictures of hair loss help to classify the amount and type of hair loss. These include the Hamilton and Ludwig classification charts.



• Extra tests may be necessary if the diagnosis is uncertain, especially if you have symptoms besides hair loss.



• A hair pull test can be performed to examine multiple hair shafts microscopically for thickness, length, structure, and growth phase.


• Different thickness and length occurs in the most common type of hair loss, androgenic alopecia.



• Skin problems leading to hair loss may be diagnosed by taking a sample of skin and hair from the affected area. A doctor looking at this under a microscope might find a specific cause.



• If hair loss is severe or other signs of illness are present, many tests might be used, including X-rays and blood tests.