Hair Rub Test - A Novel Method to Assess Hair Loss

Clinical Challenge

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous blood-derived material, has platelet concentrations that are two to three times higher than typical and is high in growth factors that encourage hair growth.[1] Due to the lack of established methodologies, measuring hair growth during subsequent sessions of PRP therapy remains an area of concern.

Solution

We describe a novel approach for quantifying hair loss during PRP therapy sessions. The scalp is stroked vertically and horizontally three times with a damp gauze before each session and imaged clinically and trichoscopically [Figure 1 and Video 1]. Thirty patients who had PRP therapy were observed in the same manner, and we noticed a reduction in the number of hairs with each session [Figure 2].

Figure 1.

(a and b) Hair rub test revealing eight hairs in a piece of gauze before the first PRP therapy session. (c and d) After four sessions of PRP therapy, there was a clinical improvement in hair growth that was associated with a hair rub test gauze piece showing one hair

Figure 2.

(a) Hair rub test showing 08 hairs, (b) trichoscopy of the same showing telogen hairs, (c) hair rub test showing 04 hairs during the second visit, and (d) hair rub test showing one hair during the third visit

We recommend using the same method to assess active hair shedding after standardizing the test with a large population because it is more patient-friendly and less time-consuming than conventional tests, such as the hair pulling test, which is a rough method with higher false inference due to interindividual variance (pulling force intensity).[2]

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.