How a TrichoScan examination works
What happens during TrichoScan?
TrichoScan is a photographic hair analysis method. A small area of the scalp is captured and evaluated by software. This makes it possible to document objectively how dense the hair is and how the hair pattern changes over time.
The examination is painless. Its purpose is to make hair characteristics visible and comparable across different points in time.
Preparation
Depending on the method used, either TrichoScan FAST or a classic workflow, the area is prepared briefly so that the hairs can be measured reliably.
With TrichoScan FAST, trimming the hair is not necessary. For other TrichoScan software versions, a small inconspicuous area of the scalp is shaved. The area is about the size of a 1-cent coin and can usually be covered easily by the surrounding hair. The hair naturally grows back afterward.
Dyeing the hair is generally not required with current TrichoScan versions. Only in some cases, for example when there are many gray hairs, can hair dyeing still be useful.
Image capture
The scalp is recorded in high magnification with a dedicated camera. The images show the hairs and hair emergence points far more precisely than would be possible with the naked eye.
Procedure
Procedure for a digital trichogram
For a TrichoScan® analysis, an area of about 2 cm² is first shaved in a thinning part of the scalp. That corresponds roughly to the size of a 1-cent coin and is usually barely visible to others once the surrounding hair is combed over it. The trimmed hairs naturally grow back. The shaved area is then photographed with a dedicated camera. The image is evaluated automatically on the computer. Determining hair density, hair thickness, hair mass and the number of terminal and vellus hairs allows reliable monitoring of hair growth. The measurement can be performed immediately, although the anagen/telogen parameter is not available in that case.
From version 5 onward, dyeing the hair is normally no longer necessary. Only in cases with very many gray hairs, which can appear translucent because of camera polarization, may dyeing still be required.
TrichoScan procedure video for longer hair (German video)
TrichoScan procedure video for shorter hair (German video)
If the telogen rate, meaning the share of hairs in the shedding phase, is to be determined, the measurement is performed only two days after shaving. After several months, the same image capture procedure is repeated to compare results. This makes it possible to monitor changes in hair loss well and assess them objectively. The advantages of this method are simple and fast image capture, a painless procedure, reproducibility and archiving of the results.
Procedure without a trichogram
If no digital trichogram is required, an image can be captured at a representative parted location without shaving. With TrichoScan FAST, parameters such as hair density, hair thickness and hair mass can be determined. A basic prerequisite for TrichoScan FAST is that the hair in the measurement area is parted as precisely as possible. This is usually done by moistening the hair and combing it to both sides with a fine comb. The parted hair can then be held in place with two fingers or hair clips. For very curly or bristly hair, uncolored ultrasound gel is often better than liquid because it fixes the parted hair more effectively.
Evaluation
The images are evaluated on a computer. The TrichoScan software automatically detects the hairs and calculates important characteristics of the hair pattern, such as hair density, hair distribution and other key metrics.
In practical terms, this means the assessment is based not only on visual impression but on traceable image data.
When are results available?
A simple measurement can often be performed immediately. If the goal is also to determine how many hairs are currently in a resting or shedding phase, the hairs in the measurement area must be trimmed and the measurement is then carried out two days after shaving.
TrichoScan becomes especially informative when the same area is examined again after some time. That makes changes easy to compare reliably. A small red dot tattoo in the center of the measurement area has proven useful for that purpose. Tattoo ink is available from specialist suppliers.
Why is this helpful?
Many changes in hair growth are difficult to assess objectively in everyday life. TrichoScan helps make developments visible and compare results more reliably over time.
The method is painless, highly reproducible and particularly suitable for follow-up monitoring.
Important to know
TrichoScan is used for the objective analysis and documentation of hair characteristics. The examination does not replace a medical diagnosis, but it can help document changes in the hair pattern clearly and understandably.
Related information
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