Lesson 1Family and genetic history: patterns of hair loss in first- and second-degree relatives and age of onsetThis part covers asking about family patterns of hair loss and scalp conditions. Learners will chart inheritance, starting age, and seriousness to aid diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia and genetic disorders.
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 part looks at mechanical and styling habits that cause hair and scalp damage. Focus is on pulling, heat, rubbing, and product build-up, with questions to measure how often and how they do it.
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 part targets symptom questions for hair and scalp complaints. Learners will sharpen details on start, length, pattern, feelings, and triggers to separate common alopecia and scalp disease 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 questionsThis part guides asking about stress, mood, and sleep in a structured way. Learners will link social stressors, worry, sadness, and bad sleep to telogen effluvium and unhelpful hair habits.
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 changesThis part explains getting a clear list of medicines, supplements, and hormones. Stress is on timing of changes, dose, and known drug-caused alopecia or telogen effluvium triggers.
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 part checks lifestyle, food, and substance use that affect hair. Learners will check if nutrition is enough, strict eating, weight change, and exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.
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 part trains clinicians to spot warning symptoms needing quick action. Focus is on fast loss, scarring, pustules, body-wide illness, and when to rush to dermatology or emergency care.
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 conditionsThis part teaches how to build a short but full medical history. Focus is on body-wide illnesses, hormone and immune diseases, infections, operations, and long-term conditions affecting 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 excessThis part covers reproductive and hormone history for hair. Learners will link menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, desire, and male hormone excess signs to common hormone alopecias.
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 productsThis part shows how to check haircare routines and chemical exposure step by step. Learners will connect coloring, relaxing, bleaching, and products to breakage, weakness, scalp itch, and long-term 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
