Lesson 1Family and genetic history: patterns of hair loss in first- and second-degree relatives and age of onsetThis part covers gathering family patterns of hair loss and scalp conditions. Learners map inheritance, starting age, and severity to aid diagnosis of hereditary baldness and genetic disorders.
Ask about hair loss in close family membersInclude extended family in the historyClarify when and how hair loss started in familyNote family cases of scarring hair lossLook at ethnic and racial differences in patternsSketch a basic family tree for hair lossLesson 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 harm hair and scalp. It focuses on pulling, heat, rubbing, and product build-up, with questions to measure how often and how they are done.
Check how often blow-drying and hot tools are usedAsk about heat levels and protection productsInquire on tight styles, braids, and extensionsReview wigs, weaves, and hair piecesEvaluate combing, brushing, and untangling routinesSpot helmets, head covers, and rubbing sourcesLesson 3Symptom-specific questioning: onset, pattern, duration of shedding, pruritus, pain, scalp symptoms, and seasonal variationThis part targets symptom questions for hair and scalp issues. Learners sharpen details on start, length, pattern, feelings, and triggers to separate common hair loss and scalp disease types.
Clarify start, speed, and length of symptomsDescribe shedding pattern and daily amountLocate hair loss areas and evennessCheck itching, pain, burning, and sorenessAsk about flakes, spots, and crustsExplore seasonal or repeating symptom shiftsLesson 4Psychosocial and stress assessment: recent life events, occupational stress, sleep, and mental health screening questionsThis part guides questions on stress, mood, and sleep. Learners link social stressors, worry, sadness, and bad sleep to shedding phases and unhelpful hair habits.
Explore recent big life changes and lossesAssess work and caring stress levelsScreen for worry, sadness, and exhaustionAsk about sleep length and qualitySpot hair-related body habitsDiscuss ways to cope and support networksLesson 5Medication, supplement, and hormonal history: prescription drugs, OTCs, steroids, contraceptives, and recent changesThis part explains getting a clear list of medicines, supplements, and hormones. Focus is on change times, amounts, and known drug links to hair loss or shedding triggers.
List all prescribed medicines fullyReview shop-bought and herbal itemsScreen for skin treatments, blood thinners, and cancer drugsAssess birth control and hormone treatmentsClarify recent changes in dose or routineMatch drug times with hair changesLesson 6Lifestyle, nutrition, and substance use: diet patterns, protein and micronutrient intake, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and recent weight loss or dietingThis part explores daily life, food, and substance factors affecting hair. Learners check food balance, strict eating, weight shifts, and exposure to drink, smoke, and caffeine.
Assess usual daily and weekly eating habitsScreen for strict or trendy diet pastNote recent weight drop and hunger changesEvaluate protein and small nutrient intakeAsk about alcohol, smoking, and e-cigarettesReview caffeine 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 spotters of warning signs needing quick action. Focus is on fast loss, scarring, spots, body-wide illness, and when to speed up skin specialist or emergency help.
Spot sudden wide or spotty hair lossRecognise scarring and thinning signsScreen for sore, swollen, or pus-filled spotsLink fever, weight loss, or night sweatsFlag fast worsening despite careSet rules for urgent expert helpLesson 8Structured medical history: systemic illnesses, recent infections, surgeries, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, and chronic conditionsThis part teaches building a short but full medical history. Focus is on body-wide illnesses, hormone and immune diseases, bugs, operations, and long-term conditions affecting hair growth.
Screen for thyroid and other hormone issuesReview immune and joint tissue diseasesAsk about recent bugs and high feversNote operations, sleep drugs, and hospital timesAssess long-term liver, kidney, and gut problemsReview ongoing pain, tiredness, and other signsLesson 9Reproductive and endocrine history: menstrual pattern, pregnancies, menopausal symptoms, libido changes, and signs of androgen excessThis part details family planning and hormone history for hair. Learners link monthly cycles, pregnancies, change of life, drive, and male hormone signs to common hormone hair losses.
Clarify first monthly, cycle length, and steadinessAsk about pregnancies, births, and lossesReview after-birth hair shedding timesScreen for hot spells and change of life timingAssess extra hair, spots, and male signsDiscuss drive changes and body functionLesson 10Haircare and chemical exposure history: frequency and type of coloring, bleaching, perming, relaxers, professional salon treatments, and at-home productsThis part details systematic checks of hair care routines and chemical contacts. Learners link colouring, straightening, lightening, and product use to breaks, weakness, scalp itch, and long-term harm patterns.
Document hair washing and conditioning frequencyAssess salon vs home chemical treatmentsClarify past of colouring, lightening, and tintingReview straighteners, curls, and smooth treatmentsIdentify harsh wash or clean productsRecord stay-in, oil, and style product use
