Hair Loss & Scalp Health FAQs
Hair Shedding
How much shedding is normal?
Most people naturally shed 50 to 100 hairs each day as part of the normal hair growth cycle. If you're noticing a sudden increase in hair shedding or your hair feels noticeably thinner, a Hair & Scalp Evaluation can help identify possible contributing factors.
Why is my hair shedding so much?
Hair shedding can occur for many reasons, including stress, illness, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, medications, thyroid conditions, rapid weight loss, and scalp inflammation. Because hair shedding is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, understanding the cause is the first step toward personalized recommendations.
Can stress cause hair shedding?
Yes. Physical or emotional stress can interrupt the normal hair growth cycle, causing more hairs to enter the shedding phase. In many cases, increased shedding doesn't appear until two to three months after the stressful event.
Is Hair shedding the same as hair loss?
No. Hair shedding is often temporary and occurs when more hairs than normal enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. Hair loss refers to a reduction in hair density and may have different underlying causes. A Hair & Scalp Evaluation can help determine which type you're experiencing.
How long does hair shedding last?
The duration depends on the underlying cause. Once the trigger has been identified and addressed, shedding often improves over time. Because every case is different, understanding why your hair is shedding is essential before beginning treatment.
Hair & Scalp Evaluation
What is a hair & scalp evaluation?
A Hair & Scalp Evaluation is a comprehensive hair loss consultation designed to help identify the factors contributing to your hair concerns. It includes a detailed health history, scalp evaluation, Tricho Scan imaging, polarized microscopy, hair strand testing, and personalized recommendations based on your clinical findings.
What happens during a hair & scalp evaluation?
Your appointment includes a review of your health history, medications, lifestyle, nutrition, and hair concerns, followed by a comprehensive scalp evaluation using advanced technology. Depending on your individual case, additional testing may also be recommended to help personalize your care.
Should I wash my hair before my appointment?
Yes. For the most accurate evaluation, wash your hair approximately 48 hours before your appointment. Keep styling products to a minimum and avoid applying products directly to your scalp. This allows me to evaluate how your scalp is naturally functioning rather than seeing a freshly washed scalp or one that has gone too long without cleansing.
How long does the evaluation take?
Most Hair & Scalp Evaluations take approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your individual concerns and the questions you have. I take the time to thoroughly understand your history, evaluate your hair and scalp, answer your questions, and explain my recommendations, so every appointment is personalized to your needs.
Will I receive treatment at my first visit?
Your first visit is focused on understanding your hair and scalp so I can make personalized recommendations based on your clinical findings and goals. If we have a clear path to begin treatment and time allows, many clients choose to start treatment the same day.
Will I leave with a treatment plan?
Every client receives a detailed written report following their Hair & Scalp Evaluation. Depending on your clinical findings, I may recommend additional testing or spend additional time reviewing your photos and evaluation findings before finalizing your personalized recommendations. Your report includes a summary of your appointment, my findings, personalized recommendations, and a video overview explaining your results and next steps.
Scalp Health
What is scalp health important for hair growth?
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. The scalp provides the environment where hair grows, so inflammation, buildup, excess oil, or other scalp conditions can affect the health of your hair and the hair growth cycle.
Why is my scalp itchy?
An itchy scalp can be caused by dryness, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, product buildup, allergies, or scalp inflammation. A Hair & Scalp Evaluation can help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Can dandruff cause hair loss or hair shedding?
Dandruff itself doesn't usually cause hair loss, but the inflammation associated with dandruff and frequent scratching may contribute to increased hair shedding and an unhealthy scalp environment.
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory scalp condition that can cause redness, itching, flaking, and excess oil production. Managing scalp inflammation is an important part of creating a healthier environment for hair growth.
What is scalp psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes thick, scaly patches and inflammation on the scalp. Proper management can help improve scalp comfort and support a healthier environment for hair growth.
What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles that may cause redness, tenderness, itching, or small bumps on the scalp. Because several scalp conditions can appear similar, a proper evaluation is important before determining the most appropriate recommendations.
Can scalp inflammation cause hair loss?
Yes. Chronic scalp inflammation can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and create a less favorable environment for healthy hair growth. Identifying and addressing inflammation is an important part of supporting long-term scalp health.
How do you evaluate my scalp?
Your scalp is evaluated during your Hair & Scalp Evaluation using Tricho Scan imaging, polarized microscopy, and a comprehensive clinical examination. Together, these tools help assess scalp health, hair density, hairs per follicle, hair thickness, scalp oil production, sensitivity, and other clinical findings while providing baseline images to monitor your progress over time.
Advanced Testing
What blood work is recommended for hair loss?
Blood work can provide valuable information about nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances, inflammation, thyroid function, and other factors that may contribute to hair loss. Based on your health history and Hair & Scalp Evaluation, I can recommend and order appropriate laboratory testing and interpret the results as they relate to hair loss and my scope of practice. If additional medical evaluation is needed, I'll coordinate recommendations with your healthcare provider or refer you to the appropriate specialist.
What is DNA hair testing?
DNA Hair Testing evaluates your genetic blueprint to identify inherited traits related to hair loss, hormone sensitivity, nutrient metabolism, inflammation, circulation, collagen support, and how you may respond to certain therapies. The goal is to personalize your treatment plan based on your genetics.
What is Epigenetic testing?
Unlike DNA testing, Epigenetic Hair Testing evaluates how your body has been functioning over approximately the past 90 days. It can identify nutritional priorities, inflammatory patterns, environmental stressors, and other factors that may be influencing your hair today.
Do I need both DNA and Epigenetic testing?
Not necessarily. Some clients benefit from one test, while others benefit from both. Recommendations are based on your health history, clinical findings, goals, and the additional information needed to better understand your hair concerns.
What is polarized microscopy?
Polarized microscopy allows me to examine your hair and scalp at a microscopic level. It provides valuable information about the hair shaft, hair root, scalp condition, and other clinical findings that help guide personalized recommendations.
What is a Tricho scan?
A Tricho Scan is an advanced imaging system used during your Hair &Scalp Evaluation to examine your scalp and hair in detail. It measures hair density, hairs per follicle, hair thickness, scalp health, sebum production, scalp sensitivity, and other clinical findings. It also provides baseline images so we can accurately monitor your progress throughout your hair restoration journey.
Will everyone need advanced testing?
No. Advanced testing is recommended only when it provides additional information that may help personalize your treatment plan. My goal is to recommend only the testing that is appropriate for your individual case.
Why do you recommend advanced testing?
Advanced testing doesn't provide all the answers, but it helps reduce guesswork. It gives us another layer of information so recommendations are based on your individual biology, clinical findings, and health history rather than assumptions.
Getting Started
How do I get started?
Getting started begins with scheduling a Hair & Scalp Evaluation. During your appointment, we'll discuss your health history, hair concerns, lifestyle, and goals while performing a comprehensive evaluation of your hair and scalp using advanced technology. Based on your clinical findings, you'll receive personalized recommendations, and if appropriate, treatment may begin the same day. Every client also receives a detailed written report and a video overview
Do I need a Hair & Scalp Evaluation before treatment?
For most clients, yes. A Hair & Scalp Evaluation allows me to understand why your hair is changing so I can make personalized recommendations based on your clinical findings rather than guesswork.
However, some people have already done extensive research or have an established diagnosis and know exactly which treatment they're interested in. In these cases, I'm happy to discuss treatment options without a full Hair & Scalp Evaluation. Before beginning treatment, I still require baseline Tricho Scan images, clinical photographs, and polarized microscopy so we can document your starting point and objectively monitor your progress over time.
What makes you different?
Why choose Root Revival?
At Root Revival Hair Restoration, I believe successful hair restoration begins with understanding why your hair is changing, not simply choosing a treatment. Every Hair & Scalp Evaluation is personalized and combines a detailed health history, Tricho Scan imaging, polarized microscopy, hair strand testing, and, when appropriate, blood work, DNA Hair Testing, or Epigenetic Hair Testing to better understand the factors contributing to your hair concerns.
Why should I see a trichologist
A board-certified trichologist specializes in hair and scalp health. My role is to evaluate the many factors that may be contributing to your hair concerns and create personalized recommendations while working within my scope of practice.
Do you treat men and women?
Yes. I work with both men and women experiencing hair shedding, hair thinning, scalp conditions, and other hair and scalp concerns.
Do you only recommend one treatment?
No. Every recommendation is personalized. The right treatment depends on your health history, clinical findings, goals, and the factors contributing to your hair concerns.
What if I’ve already seen a dermatologist?
Many of my clients have already seen a dermatologist or other healthcare provider before coming to Root Revival. My Hair & Scalp Evaluation complements your medical care by providing a detailed evaluation of your hair, scalp, and other contributing factors while working collaboratively with your healthcare team when appropriate.
Do you guarantee results?
No. Because every individual is different, no ethical provider can guarantee results. My commitment is to provide an honest, evidence-informed evaluation and personalized recommendations while monitoring your progress over time.