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
- Stacking changes destroys attribution: you will not know what helped or harmed.
- A one-variable protocol reduces regret and prevents endless tinkering.
What to photograph
- Baseline week 0 photos in your normal setup.
- Weekly zone photos (hairline/temples/crown) with the same setup.
What to log
- Exactly what changed and the date (one change).
- Adherence and any confounders (haircut, styling, illness, stress).
- Your reassessment window (4-8 weeks).
How to interpret what you see
- Do not interpret single weeks. Compare windows.
- If setup drifted, retake before comparing.
Decision points (when to wait vs act)
- Pick a window (4-8 weeks) before you start.
- If trend is stable, keep going and keep measuring.
- If trend worsens across multiple windows, reassess with a clinician.
When to get evaluated
- Concerning symptoms or side effects should be discussed with a clinician.
- Sudden shedding or patchy loss warrants evaluation.
Common mistakes that fake progress
- Changing multiple variables in the same month.
- Not logging dates (then guessing later).
- Comparing across haircuts and lighting changes.
FAQ
What is the fastest way to waste months?
Changing multiple things at once and relying on memory. Baseline first, then one variable at a time, then compare windows.
