Lesson 1Family and genetic history: patterns of hair loss in first- and second-degree relatives and age of onsetLearn to ask about family hair loss and scalp issues. Map out inheritance patterns, when it started, and how bad it got to help diagnose male/female pattern baldness and inherited conditions.
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 habitsLook at how hairstyling and pulling cause hair and scalp damage. Focus on tight braids, heat from dryers and straighteners, rubbing, and product build-up, with questions to check how often and how it's done.
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 variationTarget questions for hair shedding and scalp troubles. Sharpen skills on start time, how it spreads, length, itching, pain, other scalp signs, and changes with seasons to spot different hair loss types.
Clarify onset, tempo, and duration of symptomsCharacterize shedding pattern and daily amountLocalize 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 questionsGuide questions on stress, feelings, and sleep. Link life pressures, work worries, anxiety, low mood, and bad sleep to sudden shedding and habits that harm hair.
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 behaviorsDiscuss coping strategies and support systemsLesson 5Medication, supplement, and hormonal history: prescription drugs, OTCs, steroids, contraceptives, and recent changesGet exact details on medicines, supplements, and hormones. Stress timing of switches, amounts, and drugs known to cause hair fall or shedding.
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 dietingCheck daily habits, food, and substances affecting hair. Assess if nutrition is enough, strict diets, weight shifts, and use of booze, smokes, and coffee.
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 referralSpot danger signs needing quick action. Focus on fast hair loss, scars, pus spots, body-wide illness, and when to rush to skin doctors or A&E.
Identify sudden diffuse or patchy hair lossRecognize 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 conditionsBuild a short but full medical history. Target body-wide sickness, hormones, immunity issues, bugs, operations, and long-term problems hitting hair growth.
Screen for thyroid and other endocrine diseaseReview autoimmune and connective tissue diseaseAsk about recent infections and high feversDocument surgeries, anesthesia, 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 excessDetail periods, babies, change of life signs, drive shifts, and male hormone overload linked to hair loss.
Clarify menarche, cycle length, and regularityAsk about pregnancies, births, and miscarriagesReview postpartum hair shedding episodesScreen for hot flashes and menopausal timingAssess hirsutism, acne, and androgenic signsDiscuss libido changes and sexual functionLesson 10Haircare and chemical exposure history: frequency and type of coloring, bleaching, perming, relaxers, professional salon treatments, and at-home productsSystematically check hair routines and chemicals. Connect dyes, straighteners, bleaches, and products to breaks, weakness, itch, and lasting damage.
Document hair wash and conditioning frequencyAssess salon versus at-home chemical treatmentsClarify history of coloring, bleaching, and toningReview relaxers, perms, and keratin treatmentsIdentify use of harsh shampoos or cleansersRecord leave-in, oil, and styling product use
