Lesson 1Family and genetic history: patterns of hair loss in first- and second-degree relatives and age of onsetThis lesson explores how to elicit family patterns of hair loss and scalp disease. Learners will map inheritance, age of onset, and severity to aid in diagnosing androgenetic alopecia and genetic syndromes, enhancing precision in clinical assessments.
Ask about hair loss in first-degree relativesExtend history to second-degree relativesClarify age of onset and progression in familyIdentify family history of scarring alopeciasExplore ethnic and racial pattern differencesDraw a simple family hair loss pedigreeLesson 2Styling and mechanical factors: heat tool use, drying practices, tight hairstyles, hair accessory use, and parting habitsThis lesson investigates mechanical and styling practices contributing to hair and scalp damage. It emphasises traction, heat, friction, and product buildup, with targeted questions to quantify frequency and technique for better client guidance.
Assess frequency of blow-drying and hot toolsClarify temperature and heat protection useAsk about tight styles, braids, and extensionsReview use of wigs, weaves, and hair systemsEvaluate combing, brushing, and detangling habitsIdentify helmet, headwear, and friction sourcesLesson 3Symptom-specific questioning: onset, pattern, duration of shedding, pruritus, pain, scalp symptoms, and seasonal variationThis lesson concentrates on targeted symptom enquiries for hair and scalp issues. Learners will hone skills in detailing onset, duration, pattern, associated sensations, and triggers to differentiate common alopecia and scalp disease types effectively.
Clarify onset, tempo, and duration of symptomsCharacterise shedding pattern and daily amountLocalise hair loss distribution and symmetryAssess pruritus, pain, burning, and tendernessAsk about flaking, pustules, and crustingExplore seasonal or cyclical symptom changesLesson 4Psychosocial and stress assessment: recent life events, occupational stress, sleep, and mental health screening questionsThis lesson directs structured questioning on stress, mood, and sleep. Learners will associate psychosocial stressors, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep with telogen effluvium and maladaptive hair behaviours, fostering holistic patient support.
Explore recent major life events and lossesAssess occupational and caregiver stress loadScreen for anxiety, depression, and burnoutAsk about sleep duration and sleep qualityIdentify hair-focused body repetitive behavioursDiscuss coping strategies and support systemsLesson 5Medication, supplement, and hormonal history: prescription drugs, OTCs, steroids, contraceptives, and recent changesThis lesson details obtaining a precise inventory of medications, supplements, and hormonal agents. It stresses timing of changes, dosage, and known drug-induced alopecia or telogen effluvium triggers to inform safe management strategies.
Compile full prescription medication listReview over-the-counter and herbal productsScreen for retinoids, anticoagulants, and chemoAssess contraceptives and hormone therapiesClarify recent dose or regimen modificationsCorrelate drug timeline with hair changesLesson 6Lifestyle, nutrition, and substance use: diet patterns, protein and micronutrient intake, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and recent weight loss or dietingThis lesson delves into lifestyle, diet, and substance use factors impacting hair. Learners will evaluate nutritional adequacy, restrictive eating, weight fluctuations, and exposure to alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine for comprehensive advice.
Assess typical daily and weekly diet patternScreen for restrictive or fad dieting historyDocument recent weight loss and appetite changeEvaluate protein and micronutrient intakeAsk about alcohol, smoking, and vapingReview caffeine intake and energy drink useLesson 7Red flags and urgent symptoms: sudden hair loss, scarring signs, pustules, systemic symptoms, or rapid progression that require immediate referralThis lesson trains clinicians to spot red flag symptoms needing urgent action. It highlights rapid loss, scarring, pustules, systemic illness, and criteria for expediting dermatology or emergency referrals to ensure timely intervention.
Identify sudden diffuse or patchy hair lossRecognise signs of scarring and atrophyScreen for painful, boggy, or purulent lesionsLink fever, weight loss, or night sweatsFlag rapid progression despite gentle careDefine criteria for urgent specialist referralLesson 8Structured medical history: systemic illnesses, recent infections, surgeries, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, and chronic conditionsThis lesson instructs on structuring a concise yet complete medical history. It focuses on systemic illnesses, endocrine and autoimmune diseases, infections, surgeries, and chronic conditions affecting hair growth for informed diagnostics.
Screen for thyroid and other endocrine diseaseReview autoimmune and connective tissue diseaseAsk about recent infections and high feversDocument surgeries, anaesthesia, and hospital staysAssess chronic liver, kidney, and gut disordersReview chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptomsLesson 9Reproductive and endocrine history: menstrual pattern, pregnancies, menopausal symptoms, libido changes, and signs of androgen excessThis lesson outlines reproductive and endocrine history pertinent to hair. Learners will link menstrual patterns, pregnancy, menopause, libido, and androgen excess signs with common hormonal alopecias for targeted evaluations.
Clarify menarche, cycle length, and regularityAsk about pregnancies, births, and miscarriagesReview postpartum hair shedding episodesScreen for hot flushes and menopausal timingAssess hirsutism, acne, and androgenic signsDiscuss libido changes and sexual functionLesson 10Haircare and chemical exposure history: frequency and type of colouring, bleaching, perming, relaxers, professional salon treatments, and at-home productsThis lesson covers systematically exploring haircare routines and chemical exposures. Learners will associate colouring, relaxing, bleaching, and product use with breakage, fragility, scalp irritation, and chronic damage patterns.
Document hair wash and conditioning frequencyAssess salon versus at-home chemical treatmentsClarify history of colouring, bleaching, and toningReview relaxers, perms, and keratin treatmentsIdentify use of harsh shampoos or cleansersRecord leave-in, oil, and styling product use
