What a scalp assessment is
A scalp assessment is a consultation where a provider looks closely at your scalp and the pattern of your hair. They may note where hair seems thinner, whether the scalp shows flaking or redness, and how the strands look up close.
Much of the visit is conversation. Expect questions about your health history, any medicines you take, recent stress, illness or childbirth, your diet, and whether hair changes run in your family. Depending on what they see and hear, a provider may suggest blood tests or refer you to a dermatologist.
This site passes your request to a provider in or near San Diego. A licensed provider decides what, if anything, is suitable for you.
Pattern, history and the scalp itself
A provider usually weighs three things. First, the pattern: thinning along the part looks different from a receding hairline, and both look different from a single smooth patch. Second, your history: medicines, diet, stress, illness, childbirth and what relatives went through. Third, the scalp itself, including flaking, redness, oil or soreness.
You can ask how each of these shapes their thinking. A fair question is what they can and cannot tell from one visit, and when they would want tests or a dermatologist to take a look. A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you.
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.
Will the provider order blood tests?
Some may. Depending on your history and what they see, a provider might suggest blood work, refer you to a doctor who can order it, or decide it is not needed for now. Ask what any test would look for and how you will hear back.
Will one visit tell me what is going on?
Sometimes a provider has a clear view after one visit. Often they want tests, a referral or a follow-up to compare how things look over time. Ask at the visit what they can tell now and what they would want to check later.
Write down what you have noticed, then send it to a local hair and scalp provider.
Ask a providerMore consultation topics
Noticing thinner hair?
Learn the options you can ask about and the questions that help you weigh them.
Scalp treatments
Scalp facials and treatments for flaking and itch. See what each one involves before you ask.
Care at home
Plain notes on shampoo, heat, tight styles and products, written as general information.