Digital methods for measuring hair density, diameter and growth-cycle features in a target scalp area.
A phototrichogram uses magnified photographs of a defined scalp area to measure hair counts and growth characteristics over time. TrichoScan is a digital version used in some clinics and studies. These tools can quantify density, shaft diameter, terminal-to-vellus ratios and sometimes anagen/telogen proportions. They are useful when progress is subtle or when treatment response needs objective tracking. The limitation is standardisation: hair length, lighting, selected area, software settings and operator technique all affect reliability. For patients, the main value is measuring change rather than relying on memory or mirror impressions.
Anastassakis K. Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z, Vol. 1, Springer, 2022 — https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76111-0; Starace M et al. Female Androgenetic Alopecia: Diagnosis and Management, Am J Clin Dermatol, 2020 — https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-019-00479-x
