hair & scalp analysis
Bloods for Hair Loss
Specialist Scalp Investigations
When you’re asking, “why am I losing my hair?” it can feel concerning not having the answers.
Diagnostic tests can help us see what’s really going on so we can recommend the right interventions and avoid treatments that won’t work for you.
By taking this approach, we tailor every treatment plan to your specific condition, giving you the best possible chance of healthy, long-lasting results.
DrThomas
Dr Peter Thomas
BSc (Hons) MBBS MRCGPFUE Hair Transplant Surgeon UK
Hair loss
blood tests
Bloods for Hair Loss
Bloods for hair loss can help identify internal factors that may affect healthy hair growth. These may include low iron, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid changes or hormone imbalance. As a result, we can understand your hair loss more clearly and guide the next steps with greater confidence.
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How bloods for hair loss are takenBloods for hair loss can start with a home finger-prick test. It works well if you want a convenient first check before deciding on further investigations. Alternatively, a venous blood sample from the arm may suit markers that need a larger sample.
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What can be testedBloods for hair loss can look at key areas that support healthy hair growth. These may include iron levels, thyroid function, vitamins and inflammation markers. In selected cases, a hormone profile may also help.
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What blood tests can help diagnoseBlood tests cannot diagnose every type of hair loss. However, they can identify internal triggers that may worsen shedding or thinning. These may include iron deficiency, anaemia, thyroid imbalance, vitamin deficiencies or hormone changes.
At home blood test
Dr Thomas recommends Medichecks, a trusted UK provider offering home blood tests from £99. Get 10% off via the links below.
Results within 1-2 days from accredited labs. These are reviewed by Medichecks’ doctors and an advice report provided.
Which blood tests for hair loss should I get?
Hair Loss Blood Test
Covering iron, vitamin D, B12, thyroid function and hormones.
Ultimate Performance Blood Test
Comprehensive screen looking at wide range of markers for hair health and general wellbeing.
Selenium
Important for hair and scalp health and should be considered if deficiency or thyroid issues are suspected.
Biotin
Another important vitamin for hair health and should be considered if deficiency suspected.
Scalp
biopsy
Scalp Biopsy for Hair Loss
If you’re asking “why am I losing my hair?” then a scalp biopsy can help when the cause remains unclear. It involves taking small samples from the scalp to help diagnose the cause of hair loss or scalp symptoms. It’s usually recommended for unexplained hair thinning, sudden patchy loss, suspected scarring hair loss, or persistent scalp inflammation.
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How a scalp biopsy is takenA small area of the scalp is numbed, a tiny piece of skin (usually 3–4 mm) is removed from two separate areas. The site is covered with a small dressing. The sample is then examined under a microscope by a histopathologist.
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What a scalp biopsy assessesThey assess the hair follicles, scalp tissue, and any inflammation or scarring patterns. These microscopic details help pinpoint the exact type of hair loss or scalp condition.
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What a scalp biopsy can help diagnoseA scalp biopsy can help diagnose complex or unclear hair loss conditions. These may include scarring alopecia, alopecia areata or inflammatory scalp disorders.
Need more information? Try these pages:
- Frequently Asked Questions about hair transplants
- Expert advice on Dr Thomas’s Blog
- Dr Thomas’s Instagram
- Do dermatologists help with hair loss?
Scalp
skin scraping
Hair Loss Investigations: What's a skin scrape test?
If you’re asking “why am I losing my hair?”, scalp symptoms can sometimes give important clues. A skin scrape test can help check for infection or inflammation affecting the scalp. It's a simple and quick test to help explain why you may have persistent itching, flaking, redness or scaling.
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How a skin scrape sample is takenA skin scrape test is a quick sample taken from the surface of the scalp. The clinician gently scrapes loose skin cells, scale or flakes from the affected area. The sample then goes to a laboratory for analysis.
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What a skin scrape tst can assessThey check for fungal elements, bacteria, mites, or specific patterns of skin cells that point to conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis. This test focuses on the surface of the scalp. Therefore, deeper analysis of hair follicles or scarring conditions may need further assessment with a biopsy.
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What can be diagnosed?Fungal infections, seborrheic dermatitis, scalp mites, overgrowth of yeast, inflammatory scalp conditions. It cannot diagnose every cause of hair loss and is best suited when symptoms suggest a scalp infection or surface problem.
Need more information? Try these pages:
- Frequently Asked Questions about hair transplants
- Expert advice on Dr Thomas’s Blog
- Dr Thomas’s Instagram
- Do dermatologists help with hair loss?
Reasons to trust Dr Thomas and his expert FUE team
Why choose Dr Thomas and his team for your Sapphire FUE hair transplant or other hair loss services?