What zones this covers
This protocol focuses on: overall, hairline, temples, crown. Track zones separately so you do not average away the signal.
Why this matters
- Most false alarms come from setup drift, not biology.
- A repeatable baseline is what makes 4-8 week comparisons meaningful.
What to photograph
- Front hairline straight-on.
- Left and right temples at the same head-turn angle.
- Crown top-down at the same height and distance.
- Optional: midscalp part line under the same overhead light.
What to log
- Room + overhead light used (keep the same).
- Camera lens used (keep the same lens).
- Hair state (dry, similar styling; note haircut dates).
How to interpret what you see
- If you cannot recreate the same setup, retake before comparing.
- Compare windows, not single photos. Week-to-week is mostly noise.
Decision points (when to wait vs act)
- If setup is inconsistent, fix setup before interpreting trends.
- If trend is stable across 2 windows, keep measuring before changing anything.
- If trend worsens across 2-3 windows, consider a clinician conversation.
When to get evaluated
- Sudden shedding, patchy loss, or scalp pain/redness/scale.
- Rapid change that persists across multiple consistent windows.
Common mistakes that fake progress
- Changing rooms or lighting between sessions.
- Switching lenses (wide vs regular).
- Comparing wet hair photos to dry hair photos.
FAQ
How often should I take baseline photos?
Take a baseline at week 0, then track weekly with the same setup. Compare 4-8 week windows instead of single photos.
What lighting is best?
Consistency is best. Pick one overhead light in one room and stick with it so your comparisons are honest.
