Miniaturized Hairs: Use of the Card Test for Assessing AGA

Card Test for Miniaturization

Terminal Hairs are normal caliber (thick) hairs that are typically found all over the scalp. Thinner caliber hairs can be seen in many hair disorders including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, traction alopecia as well as a few other conditions. 

Card Test

This photos shows a thinner "miniaturized" hair in an individual with androgenetic alopecia using a simple "card test." The card test is among the easiest of the means to evaluate hair caliber although other methods such as dermoscopy and videodermoscopy may allow actual quantification of hair caliber in terms of the precise dimensions.