Hair Health Assessment

I. Visual Inspection (Hair and Scalp)

Overall Appearance

• Shine/Luster: Healthy hair typically has a natural shine, reflecting light. Dullness can indicate damage, dryness, or a raised cuticle.
• Texture:
  • Smoothness: Healthy hair feels smooth and soft to the touch, with individual strands gliding easily between the fingers. Roughness, frizz, or a bumpy feeling can suggest a damaged cuticle.
  • Coarseness/Fine: Note the thickness of individual strands (fine, medium, coarse). This is a natural characteristic but can change with damage.
  • Evenness: Is the hair consistent in texture throughout its length, or are there areas of more damage (e.g., ends)?
• Volume/Density: Observe the overall fullness and thickness of the hair. Thinning or noticeable hair loss can be a sign of underlying issues.
• Movement/Bounce: Healthy hair tends to have natural movement and bounce. Stiff or heavy hair might lack vitality.
• Color: Note the natural hair color and any color variations (e.g., due to dye, sun exposure, or graying).

Hair Ends

• Split Ends: Examine the ends for individual strands splitting into two or more. This is a classic sign of damage.
• Breakage: Look for short, broken hairs, especially near the scalp or throughout the length, indicating weakness.

Scalp Health

• Cleanliness: Is the scalp clean, or is there visible product buildup or oiliness?
• Color: The scalp should generally be a healthy, even tone. Redness or inflammation can indicate irritation or conditions.
• Lesions/Lumps: Check for any sores, bumps, cysts, moles, or other skin abnormalities.
• Scaliness/Flaking (Dandruff): Observe for dry, white flakes or oily, yellowish scales.
• Oiliness/Dryness: Assess if the scalp appears overly oily or dry.
• Infections/Infestations: Look for signs of lice (nits or live lice) or other scalp infections.
• Odor: An unusual or strong scalp odor can indicate an imbalance in sebum production or fungal issues.

II. At-Home Hair Tests

These simple tests can provide insights into hair health:

III. Professional Hair and Scalp Analysis (Trichoscopy)

For a more in-depth assessment, a trichologist or dermatologist can perform a professional analysis:

Microscopic Examination

Specialized equipment (trichoscope) with magnification and lighting allows for detailed visualization of the hair follicles, hair shafts, and the surrounding scalp. This can reveal:

• Hair Density: The number of hair strands per square centimeter.
• Hair Thickness (Diameter): The diameter of individual hair shafts. Miniaturization (thinning of hair shafts) is a key indicator of hair loss.
• Follicle Health: Condition of the hair follicles, including signs of inflammation, blockage, or miniaturization.
• Scalp Conditions: Detailed view of dandruff, psoriasis, excess sebum, or other scalp issues.
• Hair Shaft Abnormalities: Detection of structural damage to the hair shaft that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Questionnaire and Medical History

A professional will ask about:

• Hair care routine (products used, styling habits, chemical treatments).
• Diet and nutrition.
• Lifestyle factors (stress levels, sleep).
• Medical history (underlying health conditions, medications).
• Family history of hair loss or scalp conditions.

Key Indicators of Healthy Hair