Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for a seizure, severe confusion, breathing difficulty, collapse, or difficulty waking someone.
Hair breakage alone is not an emergency.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if a child with unusual hair fragility also has poor growth, developmental concerns, repeated vomiting, marked weakness, or episodes of unusual sleepiness.
These symptoms are not typical effects of trichorrhexis nodosa, but they can be clues to a separate underlying condition.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if hair breakage is persistent, widespread, or not improving after gentler care.
Assessment is also appropriate if you are unsure whether the problem is breakage, shedding, or another form of hair loss.
Routine medical review is especially useful when:
Breakage started during infancy or early childhood
Eyebrows, eyelashes, or body hair are also affected
Several relatives have similar fragile hair
The scalp is itchy, painful, inflamed, or scaly
There are bald patches or signs of scarring
Breakage occurs without an obvious source of damage
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Trichorrhexis nodosa. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.