2026-11-03
What Tests Are Done for Hair Loss at the Clinic? From 3D Scalp Imaging to Diagnosis | Seolleung Hair Loss Clinic
Learn what tests are done at a hair loss clinic, from medical history and magnified scalp observation to 3D scalp imaging and when blood tests are needed.
Hello. I am Kim Dajeong, Director of Cordia Clinic.
If you notice more hair shedding than before or your crown starting to look thinner, you may wonder whether you should get a hair loss examination.
But when you actually plan to visit a clinic, you may find yourself wondering what kinds of tests you will receive.
To put it simply, a hair loss examination is based on a medical interview and a check of the scalp's condition, and not every patient needs a blood test.
Recently, methods using 3D scalp imaging and AI analysis are also being used to assess hair thickness, density, and the pattern of hair loss progression.
Today, let's look at which tests are actually performed during hair loss treatment and what each one checks.
1. The Hair Loss Exam Starts with a Medical Interview
The first thing checked in hair loss treatment is the patient's symptoms and medical history.
We check not only how much hair is falling out, but also when it started and how it has been progressing.
Typical questions include the following.
When the hair loss started and how fast it is progressing
Whether anyone in the family has hair loss
Whether you have recently experienced rapid weight loss or are on a diet
Current medications and underlying medical conditions
Recent illnesses, surgeries, or childbirth
This information is important for distinguishing the causes of hair loss.
For example, if the hair on the crown has gradually thinned over several years, pattern hair loss may be suspected.
On the other hand, if hair sheds diffusely after rapid weight loss, telogen effluvium should be considered.
2. What Does Magnified Scalp Observation Reveal?
Even if hair simply looks sparse to the naked eye, magnified observation can reveal a variety of features.
What matters most are the thickness and density of the hair and the state of inflammation on the scalp.
In male and female pattern hair loss, follicular miniaturization occurs, in which previously thick hairs gradually become finer.
Because of this, a mix of thick and thin hairs in an irregular pattern may be observed.
In alopecia areata, on the other hand, characteristic hair changes may appear, and when scalp conditions are present, redness, scaling, or inflammation around the hair follicles may also be seen.
Magnified close-up of the scalp surface showing hair follicle openings and a few fine hairs.
As such, scalp observation helps not only assess how much hair remains but also distinguish the type of hair loss.
3. How Is the 3D Scalp Imaging Exam Different?
Recently, devices that photograph the scalp from multiple angles and use AI technology to analyze hair condition have also come into use.
At Cordia Clinic, we use the AFS 3D scalp imaging diagnostic system.
The AFS 3D method rotates a camera 360 degrees around the head to capture images of the scalp from multiple angles.
The captured images are analyzed by an AI program, allowing the following information to be checked.
Hair density and distribution by area
Hair thickness and differences in thickness
Areas and patterns where hair loss is progressing
Changes compared with previous imaging results
In particular, repeated imaging under the same conditions helps compare how the hair condition has changed over time.
However, AI analysis results alone cannot confirm the cause of hair loss.
Imaging results should be interpreted together with the medical interview and clinical findings.
4. Do You Need Blood Tests as Part of a Hair Loss Exam?
Not every hair loss patient needs a blood test.
Typical male and female pattern hair loss can often be diagnosed based on medical history and scalp examination alone.
On the other hand, if hair loss occurs suddenly or conditions such as nutritional deficiency or thyroid disease are suspected, additional tests may be needed.
Typical tests include hemoglobin, ferritin, and thyroid function, depending on the patient's condition.
In women with menstrual irregularities, severe acne, or hirsutism, hormone-related evaluation may also be necessary.
At Cordia Clinic, we do not perform blood tests directly during hair loss treatment; instead, we base our assessment mainly on medical history, scalp imaging, and clinical findings.
If we determine that additional blood tests or specialized examinations are needed, we refer patients to medical institutions where those tests are available.
5. Is One Hair Loss Exam Enough?
Because hair loss patterns can change over time, it is important to compare changes before and after treatment.
Top-view scalp photo dated 2026-06-15, showing thinning hair at the crown.
Especially for patients using hair loss medication or undergoing treatment, it helps to check how hair thickness and density have changed.
In consultations, it is important to review together whether the changes patients feel match the actual imaging results.
Top-view scalp photo dated 2026-10-27, with the hair sectioned by clips along the part.
This is because hair may still be thinning even if you feel it is shedding less, and conversely, hair condition can improve even when the amount of shedding has not changed much.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does a hair loss exam hurt?
Scalp imaging and magnified observation are generally non-invasive examinations that involve no puncturing or incisions, so they cause no pain at all.
Q. Can I get tested even if my hair loss isn't severe?
Yes. If you notice early changes, such as thinning hair or a widening part, it can help to have your condition checked.
Q. Can 3D imaging alone reveal all the causes of hair loss?
No. 3D imaging helps objectively assess hair condition, but determining the cause of hair loss requires combining medical history, examination, and additional tests when necessary.
7. What Matters Most in a Hair Loss Exam Is Accurately Identifying the Cause
Hair loss is a condition in which treatment varies depending on the cause.
Therefore, rather than simply looking at how much hair is falling out, it is important to determine which areas are thinning and whether hair loss is actually progressing.
If you are concerned about hair loss, it is better not to wait until symptoms worsen; instead, check your current hair condition and, if needed, decide on an appropriate management plan.
References
American Academy of Dermatology. Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment.
Mayo Clinic. Hair loss – Diagnosis and treatment.
DermNet. Trichoscopy of generalised noncicatricial hair loss.
AFS. Introduction to the AFS 3D AI Hair Loss Diagnosis System: Product and Technology.
※ This article is intended to provide general medical information. Actual examination methods may vary depending on symptoms and clinical findings.
〈Cordia Clinic Appointment Information〉
Cordia Clinic operates on a 100% appointment-only basis to allow for thorough consultations and individualized care. Please make a reservation by phone, KakaoTalk, or Naver before your visit.
〈Reservations and Inquiries〉
Phone: 02-568-8575
Feel free to contact us through KakaoTalk, Naver reservations, or any other convenient method.
〈Clinic Hours〉
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Lunch break: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
We see patients on Saturdays without a lunch break.
〈Directions〉
429 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Cordia Clinic, 6th Floor, KR Tower
Seolleung Station, Exit 3, Burger King building
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