Hair Pull Test for Shedding and Early Signs of Hair Loss

If you're noticing a receding hairline, diffuse thinning, or other early signs of hair loss, a hair-pull test can be part of the evaluation. Your healthcare provider may also call it a tug test, and it can help explain why you're losing hair.

In a hair-pull test, a clinician gently tugs on a small section of hair. They’re looking for signs of active or excessive shedding.

Providers often use it when they're evaluating conditions like androgenetic alopecia (the clinical term for male pattern hair loss), and telogen effluvium (a form of temporary shedding). It can also support evaluation of other causes like alopecia areata and scarring alopecia.

We’ll break down what a hair-pull test is and what usually happens during it. You’ll also learn how to try a careful at-home version and what treatment options exist for hair loss.

Key Takeaways

• A hair-pull test looks for active shedding by gently tugging on about 20 to 60 hairs.

• If more than 10 percent of the hairs you grasp come out, it can suggest active shedding.

• You can try it at home, but a clinician’s technique is usually more accurate and easier to interpret.

• Don’t test on wet hair or after styling products, since breakage can mimic a positive result.

What Is the Hair Pull Test?

A hair-pull test is a quick in-office check a primary care provider or dermatologist may use to see if a patient is actively shedding hair. It’s meant to check for active shedding. You may also hear it called a hair loss pull test, a traction test, or a Sabouraud’s maneuver.

During the test, your provider will grasp around 20 to 60 hairs between their thumb, index, and middle fingers, staying close to the scalp. They’ll then use a gentle, steady tug with only a small amount of force. To check for hair loss or excessive shedding, they’ll see how many hairs come free.

What the Hair Pull Test Checks

With minimal force, a hair-pull test looks at how many hairs release from the scalp. The count is the key part. If more than 10 percent of the hairs you grasp come out, it’s generally seen as active shedding.

The test may also help your provider spot broken or brittle hairs. It can point to hair-shaft changes, too. In some cases, it’s used to monitor how a hair transplant is doing.

How to Do a Hair Pull Test

You can do a hair pull test at home. But it’s usually best done by a dermatologist. They know how much force to use, how to spot telogen hairs under magnification, and how to interpret the result.

A self-test can give you an early clue. Without proper technique and clinical context, it may not be very reliable.

What to Avoid Before the Hair Pull Test

To keep the hair pull test as accurate as possible, start with a few basics. Keep these points in mind:

• Don’t do the test on wet hair, since it breaks more easily and may look like a false positive.

• Before testing, skip styling products or treatments that change texture or strength, like oils, gels, or heat styling tools.

• Don’t do it too often, because repeated pulling can lead to traction alopecia from ongoing tension on follicles.

If you’re not sure you’re doing it correctly, a professional can do it for you. They can also explain what it means.

Step-by-Step Hair Pull Test Instructions

If you want to try a hair pull test at home, use these steps. Keep your pull gentle and steady.

1. Start with clean, dry hair and avoid any styling products.

2. Separate a pencil-width section of hair (about 50–60 strands).

3. Hold the section close to the scalp between your thumb and first two fingers.

4. Tug the hair away from the scalp with a gentle but steady pull.

5. Count the hairs that come out and take a quick look at them.

6. Repeat on the top, sides, and back of the scalp for a broader check.

For the most useful result, keep the section size and the firmness of the pull consistent each time. That makes it easier to compare areas.

How Many Hairs Is Too Many?

During a hair pull test, losing more than 6 hairs from a gentle tug on a cluster of 50–60 hairs may suggest active shedding. Still, shedding 50 to 100 hairs per day is normal. That range is part of the natural hair growth cycle.

Shedding can jump for simple reasons and still be temporary. Stress, illness, poor diet, or even how often you wash your hair can raise shedding for a while. That doesn’t always point to a chronic condition.

Can You Do a Hair Pull Test at Home?

You can do it at home since there’s no special equipment involved. But if you want a real diagnosis, see a healthcare professional. They know what to look for, and they can keep the pull gentle so you don’t cause extra discomfort or unnecessary hair release.

How to Treat Hair Loss Naturally Step by Step

Hair loss often improves when you stay consistent, support your scalp, and reduce breakage. A simple daily routine can help create a healthier scalp environment. Sleep, nutrition, and lower stress support your hair from the inside.

Step 1: Reduce Breakage Triggers

Cut back on tight styles, harsh brushing, and high heat. Use gentle detangling so you don’t snap strands. Pick low-tension hairstyles to protect roots and reduce breakage.

Step 2: Apply Keyoma Batana Oil With Rosemary

Keep the amount small so you can stay consistent. Make a few parts so you can reach the scalp. On dry or slightly damp hair, apply a small amount of pure batana oil directly to thinning-prone areas.

Step 3: Massage Your Scalp Gently

Using your fingertips, massage your scalp for 3 to 5 minutes. Focus on the hairline, crown, and any areas that feel tight or tender. Skip nails and don’t use aggressive pressure.

Step 4: Leave It On, Then Cleanse Gently

Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if your scalp tolerates it. Then wash with a mild shampoo, focusing on the scalp, and keep conditioner on mid-lengths to ends.

Step 5: Do It Daily and Track Changes

Use it daily for at least 8 to 12 weeks to give your scalp time to respond. Take monthly photos in the same lighting and with the same part to track visible changes. Keep your routine vegan and simple, focusing on nourishment, scalp care, and consistency.

Use the Hair Pull Test to Spot Active Shedding

Use the Keyoma Hair Care blog and the pull-test details here to choose your next move. One helpful benchmark is this: pulling more than 10% of the hairs you grasp may signal active shedding. It’s a useful check, not a diagnosis.

The hair pull test is most useful for spotting a pattern, not for panic. When you repeat the same method in different scalp areas, you get a clearer signal than counting hairs in the shower drain. Keep expectations grounded, since shedding can change for many reasons and one result isn’t a diagnosis.