Lesson 1Family and genetic history: patterns of hair loss in first- and second-degree relatives and age of onsetThis section addresses gathering family patterns of hair loss and scalp conditions. Learners will chart inheritance, onset age, and severity 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 section reviews mechanical and styling habits that lead to hair and scalp harm. It emphasises traction, heat, friction, and product accumulation, with queries to measure frequency and methods.
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 section concentrates on targeted symptom queries for hair and scalp problems. Learners will hone onset, duration, pattern, related sensations, and triggers to differentiate 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 section directs structured queries on stress, mood, and sleep. Learners will link psychosocial stressors, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep to telogen effluvium and unhelpful hair behaviours.
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 section describes obtaining a detailed list of medications, supplements, and hormonal agents. Focus is on timing of changes, dosage, and known drug-induced 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 section investigates lifestyle, diet, and substance use factors impacting hair. Learners will evaluate nutritional sufficiency, restrictive diets, weight changes, and exposure to alcohol, nicotine, 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 section prepares clinicians to spot red flag symptoms needing urgent response. It stresses rapid loss, scarring, pustules, systemic illness, and when to fast-track dermatology or emergency referrals.
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 section instructs on structuring a concise yet thorough medical history. Emphasis is on systemic illnesses, endocrine and autoimmune diseases, infections, surgeries, and chronic conditions affecting hair growth.
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 section outlines reproductive and endocrine history pertinent to hair. Learners will associate menstrual patterns, pregnancy, menopause, libido, and androgen excess signs with common hormonal 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 colouring, bleaching, perming, relaxers, professional salon treatments, and at-home productsThis section explains systematically exploring haircare routines and chemical exposures. Learners will relate colouring, relaxing, bleaching, and product use to 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
