II. Indications

III. Preparation

  1. Do not Shampoo hair 24 hours before test

IV. Technique

  1. Grasp small clump (40-60 hairs) in index, middle and thumb
  2. Pull hairs gently but with firm pressure

V. Interpretation: Count hairs shed with maneuver

  1. Normal shedding: <10% of hairs pulled (or 4-6 or fewer hairs shed)
    1. May also be falsely negative due to inadequate force
  2. Active shedding: More than 10% of hairs pulled or 4-6 or more hairs shed
    1. Telogen Effluvium
    2. Anagen Effluvium
    3. Alopecia Areata

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