How to photograph and monitor hair-loss progress
Practical method to take comparable photographs of the hair and assess changes without being fooled by the light or the hairstyle.
The essentials in less than a minute
- Photos are only useful if they are repeated with the same light, distance, angle and hair preparation.
- It is advisable to record the front, entrances, upper part and crown, as well as a global view.
- Comparing daily increases the noise; Monthly intervals and multi-month clinical milestones are more useful.
- Photographs do not replace trichoscopy, examination or diagnosis.
Create a reproducible reference
Choose a room, light and background that you can repeat. Place your phone at the same height and distance, turn off filters, and avoid mixing photos with wet and dry hair. A simple tripod or discreet markings for feet and camera reduce variations.
Keep the cut the same or note major changes in length and color.
The five views
| View | How to take it |
|---|---|
| Front | Camera at eye level, straight face and visible line. |
| Right and left entry | Same lateral angle, without tilting the head. |
| Top | Slightly tilted head, repeatable stripe. |
| Crown | Camera centered behind and above. |
| Global | An image with a usual hairstyle to assess cosmetic impact. |
Frequency and file
A series every four weeks can help maintain the method, but decisions about effectiveness often require comparisons at 3, 6, and 12 months. Save date, treatment, dose or concentration and any interruptions. Don’t edit exposure, contrast or sharpness afterwards.
Protect images as health information: avoid shared clouds or public metadata if you don’t need it.
What they can and cannot prove
The photos show appearance, not the exact number of follicles. Longer hair, cosmetic fibers, sun or flash can simulate density. Trichoscopy and standardized counts provide additional information when the diagnosis or response is uncertain.
Check first if plaques, inflammation, scarring or rapidly progressive hair loss appear.
Medically reviewed by Dr Paola Blanco
Medical information reviewed for clinical coherence, safety and source quality.
Spanish medical registration 292891820
Official and clinical sources
- AEMPS · Topical minoxidil: Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)
- American Academy of Dermatology · Diagnosis of hair loss
- American Academy of Dermatology · Male pattern alopecia
Regulatory information may change. Always check the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and the leaflet of the dispensed presentation.
Do you need a medical evaluation?
We review pattern, evolution, history and treatments to decide if online management is appropriate or if you need in-person dermatology.