On this page
Everything on HairBench is for general education. It is not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a doctor, dermatologist, or other qualified health professional. Please don't ignore professional medical advice, or delay getting it, because of something you read here.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor or dermatologist if you have:
- Sudden, patchy, or heavy hair loss
- Scalp pain, sores, or a rash that is spreading
- Hair loss along with other symptoms, such as fatigue or weight change
- Any scalp or hair concern during pregnancy or breastfeeding
If your symptoms are severe or you feel unwell, get medical care promptly.
Medical review
Unless an article names a medical reviewer, it has not been reviewed by a medical professional. Our articles are researched and fact-checked against their cited sources, as described in our Editorial Policy, but that is not the same as medical advice for you.
Evidence grades are not recommendations
Our evidence grades describe how strong the research is for a claim. They do not tell you whether a treatment is right or safe for you. See How We Grade the Evidence for details.
Products and tools
Information about scalp-care tools or products is not a promise that they will work for you or that they are safe for your situation. Stop using any product that causes pain, irritation, or a reaction, and check with a health professional.
No personal medical advice
Reading HairBench or contacting us does not create a doctor-patient relationship. We can't give personal medical advice, diagnose conditions, or recommend treatments for you by email.
Accuracy
We work to keep our content accurate and up to date, but research changes and mistakes can happen. Every article shows the date it was last updated. A contact email for reporting errors is coming soon and will be listed on our Contact page.