How to Tell If Hair Follicles Are Alive

• 1). Inspect your scalp and head in a mirror. If new hair growth is apparent in the thinning areas, then the follicles are likely to be alive. Dead follicles will produce no new growth.
  
  
• 2). Visit with a physician to discuss your hair loss. The physician will take your history and visually inspect your scalp.
  
  
• 3). Allow the physician to perform a hair pull test. He will pull several strands of hair to examine them under a microscope to assess them for abnormalities.
  
  
• 4). Undergo a scalp biopsy if recommended by the physician. A scalp biopsy removes a section of scalp and hair follicles for examination under a microscope to determine the health of the follicles.
  
  
• 5). Follow any treatments provided by the doctor to encourage hair regrowth. Medications like minoxidil and finasteride may be able to regrow hair in follicles that are alive.