Millions of Americans have hair loss and don’t even know it. An estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the U.S. are experiencing some form of hair loss. Are you one of them? If you’re not sure, stop everything and take the hair pull test right now.

It’s the test everyone should know. Knowledge is power and once you know what you’re facing, you can empower yourself to do something about it. Hair loss is progressive, so the earlier you act, the more options you may have.

Watch this YouTube video about the hair pull test—plus it has some great advice on beauty, health and hair loss.

Many people think their hair won’t grow past a certain length anymore, or it’s just thinner overall. Do you have to loop the holder around your ponytail an extra time? These could all be signs of hair loss.

To do the hair pull test:

1. Think of the diameter of a drinking straw.
2. Using your index finger and thumb, grab a bit of your hair (about the diameter of a straw) at the root.
3. Pull gently, but firmly, along the hair shaft from the roots to ends.
4. Look at the hairs left between your fingers. If you pulled out more than six hairs, you may be experiencing hair loss.

If you have longer hair, take the ponytail test every few months to check for possible hair loss. This telling test takes less than a minute to complete, but the results can be eye-opening.

1. Start with dry, clean hair.
2. Leave your hair down and unstyled.
3. Pull your hair into a ponytail where it comfortably rests.
4. Using your thumb and middle finger, wrap your fingers around the circumference of your ponytail.
5. You can use your fingers as a rough guide, or pull out a measuring tape. Thin hair usually measures less than two inches in circumference, while thick hair generally measures four inches or more.
6. Repeat this process every three to four months to see if the circumference changes.

If you’re concerned about your hair loss test, you can learn more about hair loss and its common causes. If you’re suffering from hair loss, know that you’re not alone and you don’t have to live with it. You have options.