The best way to determine if a hair root is dead is to do a scalp examination. A scalp examination involves looking at the scalp and hair under a microscope to check for signs of life. This can be done by a dermatologist or trichologist. During a scalp examination, the dermatologist or trichologist will look at the hair root, the dermal sheath, and the sebaceous gland. They will also check for signs of infection or inflammation.
Signs of Dead Hair Root
When examining the scalp for signs of a dead hair root, there are several indicators to look out for. These include:
• Loss of Elasticity: The hair root should be elastic and springy. If it is not, this may mean the hair root is dead.
• Loss of Shine: Healthy hair should have a natural sheen. If the hair has lost its shine, this may be an indicator that the hair root is dead.
• Fragile Hair: Healthy hair should be strong and resilient. If the hair is brittle and easily breaks, this may indicate a dead hair root.
• Thinning Hair: If the hair is thinning, it may mean the hair root is dead.
• Alopecia: If the hair is falling out in patches, this may indicate a dead hair root.
Treating Dead Hair Roots
If a scalp examination reveals that a hair root is dead, there are several treatments available. These include:
• Medications: Medications such as minoxidil can help stimulate the growth of new hair roots.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove dead hair roots.
• Hair Extensions: If the hair is thinning due to dead hair roots, hair extensions can be used to fill in the gaps.
• Laser Therapy: Laser therapy can help stimulate the growth of new hair roots.
• Scalp Massage: A scalp massage can help stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which can help promote the growth of new hair roots.