Achieving luscious locks is a journey that requires time, patience, and consistent care. While professional evaluations are available, monitoring your hair growth at home can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of your routine. In this blog, we’ll explore various DIY methods for evaluating and tracking your hair growth progress, including hair count tests, hair wash assessments, and more.

 1. Hair Count Tests 

Baseline Measurement 

Before starting a new hair care routine, establish a baseline count by gently brushing or combing your hair and collecting the shed strands.

Regular Monitoring 

Repeat the process at regular intervals (weekly or monthly) to observe changes in the number of shed hairs. An increase or decrease in shedding can indicate changes in your hair growth cycle.

 2. Hair Wash Test 

Standardised Wash Test 

In this Test, the patient refrains from shampooing for five days, then shampoos and rinses the hair in the basin with the hole covered by gauze. Collected hairs are examined, counted, and divided into ≤3cm and ≥5 cm lengths. This Test is vital for differentiating telogen effluvium from female-pattern hair loss.

Merits and Demerits 

While informative, the wash test can be cumbersome for patients who must abstain from shampooing for five days. Daily hair collection over four days after the last shampooing is suggested for a more practical approach. Results should be interpreted cautiously, considering the subjective nature of the method.

 3. 60-S Hair Count 

 Technique Steps 

• Before shampooing, comb your hair for 60 s over a pillow or sheet of contrasting colour.
• Repeat the procedure before three consecutive shampooings using the same comb or brush.
• Count the hairs and record the results, repeating monthly for tracking.

Merits and Demerits 

While easy to perform, the 60-S hair count may not adequately measure hairs shed from certain scalp areas. Results may vary among individuals, and caution is needed in interpreting the numbers, as they are not standardised or diagnostic.

 4. Pull Test 

 Procedure 

Approximately 20-60 hairs are grasped between the thumb, index, and middle fingers, tugged away from the scalp. If more than 10% of hairs are pulled out, it indicates active hair shedding.

Merits and Demerits 

Helpful in assessing the severity and location of hair loss, the pull test may vary among individuals. Negative tests do not exclude the diagnosis, and the Test is considered pathological if anagen hairs with thickened root sheaths are present.

5. Global Photography 

Ask someone to take clear pictures of the scalp from all sides. Capture any receding hairline or bald spots accurately. Four standard views (vertex, midline, frontal, and temporal) are advocated for accurate comparisons. Save the pictures with date and repeat clicks at 15-30 days intervals. 

Merits and Demerits 

A paired comparison of global photographs provides a precise appreciation of hair growth. However, this method requires strict adherence to standardised practices and may require more time.

Also Read: Is Hair Transplant Safe? Unveiling the Research and Efficacy Behind the Procedure

Conclusion 

Incorporating these DIY methods into your routine empowers you to monitor your hair growth progress effectively. While these techniques offer insights, it’s essential to approach the results with caution, and one must seek professional advice for a comprehensive evaluation of your hair health. By following your dermatologists’ advice, you can achieve better outcomes. 

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Ref

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938572/
2. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26370640/