A Clinical Study of the Normal Values and Guideline for Hair Pull Test in Koreans / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Background@#The hair pull test is a quick and easy examination to monitor hair loss. It was recently studied in a large group consisting primarily of Caucasians. Considering the ethnic differences in hair and follicles characteristics, hair pull test results could differ in Asians, including Koreans. @*Objective@#To determine the normal hair pull test value in Koreans and which factors influenced the results. @*Methods@#After the participants (n=102) completed a questionnaire, the experimenter performed the hair pull test on five parts of the scalp including the vertex, right parietal, left parietal, occipital, and frontal areas in two different methods. @*Results@#The normal hair pull test value among the Koreans in this study was less than 1. The results were not affected by tugging (p=0.628) or site (p=0.934). No significant differences in results were observed regardless of time since the last washing (p=0.319) or brushing (p=0.851). However, participants over 50 years of age (p=0.035), those who washed their hair less than once daily (p=0.000), and those who never used a dryer (p=0.037) showed significantly increased values, with normal values of less than 2, while those who washed their hair before sleep showed significantly lower values (p=0.027). @*Conclusion@#The normal hair pull test value in Koreans was less than 1, less than that in Caucasians. Age, number of washings per day, and the use of a dryer affected the hair pull test results. Therefore, care must be taken when interpreting the results.