9 guides
Diagnosis & Testing
How hair loss is identified, which blood tests matter, and when to see a doctor.
- How to Tell If You're Going Bald: Early Signs & Self-Assessment Guide (2026)Normal shedding is 50-100 hairs/day. Pattern baldness shows temple recession, crown thinning, and hair miniaturization. Learn the Norwood scale stages and when to se
- Hair Loss Blood Tests: What to Request and Why (2026)Request CBC, ferritin (optimal >70 ng/mL), TSH, vitamin D for hair loss. Low iron found in 40% of women. Learn optimal ranges vs lab 'normal' and which tests you act
- The Norwood Scale Explained: Find Your Stage of Hair Loss (2026)The Norwood scale has 7 stages of male pattern baldness. Stage 2 is a mature hairline (not balding). Stage 3 is first clinical loss. Learn how to self-assess your st
- Article DL05: DraftLab 'normal' ferritin (10-15 ng/mL) isn't enough for hair. Aim for 70+ ng/mL. Learn why 70% of female hair loss is iron-related and how to test and treat.
- Article DL06: Draft50% with hyperthyroidism and 33% with hypothyroidism have hair loss. Learn which thyroid tests to request and why 'normal' TSH may not be optimal for your hair.
- Article DL07: Draft56% of hair loss patients are vitamin D deficient. Learn optimal levels (30-50 ng/mL), why D3 is 87% more effective than D2, and when to expect regrowth.
- Article DL08: DraftLosing 50-100 hairs daily is normal. Learn the red flags requiring urgent evaluation, what dermatologists do for hair loss, and when trichoscopy vs biopsy is needed.
- DHT and Hair Loss: Complete ExplanationDHT is 10x more potent than testosterone. Learn how 5-alpha reductase creates DHT, why genetics determine sensitivity, and how blockers like finasteride reduce DHT 7
- Tracking Hair Loss Progress: Photo GuideLearn how to track hair loss treatment progress with standardized photos every 3 months. Master the pull test, comb test, and 6-angle photo system for accurate resul