Part exam, part interview
Hair changes can be linked to things going on elsewhere in the body, so a scalp assessment is part examination and part interview. A provider will look at your scalp and hair pattern. They will also want to hear about recent stress, a recent illness or surgery, a pregnancy or birth in the past year, changes to how you eat, new medicines, and whether parents or siblings had similar thinning.
From there, they might suggest blood work or refer you to a dermatologist. Some people leave with a clear next step, others with a few things to follow up. Both are normal outcomes of a first visit.
Questions worth bringing
It helps to arrive with a few questions written down. People often find these useful:
- What are you looking for when you examine my scalp?
- Could anything in my history, medicines or recent health be linked to this?
- Do you suggest any blood tests, and what would they look for?
- Is this something a dermatologist should see?
- What is your license, and how much of your work involves hair and scalp concerns?
- What does a follow-up look like, and what does it cost?
There are more ideas on the questions to ask page.
On the day
When the provider confirms your appointment, ask whether they would like your hair washed or unwashed, and whether to skip styling products that day. Some prefer to see the scalp as it usually is.
Wear your hair in a way that is easy to take down, and skip anything that hides the scalp, such as dry shampoo, fibers or a tight style, unless they say otherwise. If you wear a wig or topper, it is fine to come in it and mention that you will take it off. Bring your list of medicines and your questions, and allow time to talk.
Questions about scalp assessment
What happens at a scalp assessment?
A provider looks at your scalp and the pattern of your hair, then asks about your health history, medicines, recent stress or illness, childbirth, diet and family pattern. They may suggest blood tests or refer you to a dermatologist. A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you.
Should I see a dermatologist instead?
If your hair loss is sudden or patchy, or your scalp is painful, bleeding, crusting or shows signs of infection, see a doctor or dermatologist. For other concerns, a provider at an assessment may also refer you to one if they think it would help.
Does Throatefficient Scalp Consult do the assessment?
No. Throatefficient Scalp Consult is a request service. We pass your request to a provider in or near Austin, and that provider runs the assessment and sets the cost. The how it works page explains the steps.
Share only what you are comfortable sharing. A local provider decides what is suitable at a consultation.
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