What is TrichoScan?

TrichoScan^® is a digital method for determining different hair parameters by analyzing microscopic images of the scalp.

One particularly useful routine parameter is cumulative hair thickness density, also described as hair mass. It sums the diameters of all measured hairs into a robust follow-up parameter. Total hair density, vellus hair density, terminal hair density and other metrics can also be determined. Because the measurement site and the extent of hair loss vary from person to person, TrichoScan® is not a diagnostic method but a tool for longitudinal monitoring.

In a digital trichogram, anagen hairs are distinguished from telogen/catagen hairs. Anagen hairs typically grow by about 0.3 mm per day, whereas telogen and catagen hairs do not. Because this is a dynamic parameter, the hairs in a small area must be trimmed first so that the different regrowth lengths can be measured two days later and used to derive a digital trichogram.

With TrichoScan®, the main parameters measured are hair density, hair thickness and hair mass. Each measurement is performed individually in an area of thinning scalp. The measurable stage of hair loss depends, for example, on the selected measurement site and the timing of the measurement, meaning whether the person is in an early or late phase of hair loss. Natural hair density also differs, for example, between dark-haired and blond individuals. For that reason, there are no universally valid standard values.

Even so, TrichoScan® can be used to determine the individual extent of hair loss. To do this, the hair density in a thinning area on the top of the scalp is compared with the regular density on the back of the head. In this approach, the hair density on the back of the head serves as the individual reference value, meaning the density that was present before hereditary hair loss began on the top of the scalp. If the density on the back of the head is 250 hairs/cm² and the density on the top is 150 hairs/cm², the person has already lost 100 hairs/cm² in that area. In Central European populations, normal density typically ranges from about 230 to 280 hairs per cm².

For meaningful evaluation, it is important not only to determine the current condition but also to review changes over time. Digital image management helps with this. It can be implemented locally on a PC with a camera or more flexibly via a cloud-based database.

With cloud-based evaluation, hardware requirements are relatively low. Existing HEINE Delta 30 or Delta X dermatoscopes can, for example, be used together with common smartphones. If access to the HEINE cloud is available, results can be ready within seconds.

For a local database workflow, solutions with Dino-Lite, Dermoscan or Pixience systems may be suitable.

Hair loss?

Hair loss or thinning hair is a sensitive topic for many people and often difficult to judge. “Is this still normal?” or “Is something changing?” are typical questions. This is exactly where TrichoScan helps: it makes visible and measurable what is difficult to assess with the naked eye.

Objective instead of subjective

Many changes happen gradually. In the mirror, things may look “the same as always” one day and suddenly “less” the next. TrichoScan provides objective measurements, for example on hair density or the share of visible hairs.

Recognize changes early

Not every visible change in the hair pattern means the same thing. An analysis can help make developments visible early and put them into context, especially over time.

Document and compare developments

Whether it is care, styling or other measures, it is often difficult to judge change without measurement. TrichoScan enables comparisons over time, for example after 3 or 6 months, and shows how the measured values evolve.

Basis for focused consultation

Once the current hair situation has been captured objectively, further consultation can build on that information:

• How has the hair pattern changed?
• Which changes are visible?
• When does a repeat analysis make sense?

This makes consultation more focused and easier to understand.

Clarity instead of uncertainty

For many people, the most important benefit is better orientation. An analysis creates a reliable baseline and helps classify changes more clearly.

In short

TrichoScan helps capture hair and scalp characteristics objectively and make changes visible. This makes it easier to follow developments and base decisions on measurable values instead of purely subjective impressions.