Analysis of the efficiency of hair removal by different optical methods: comparison of Trichoscan, reflectance confocal microscopy, and optical coherence tomography

May 2012 in “ Journal of Biomedical Optics ”

M Kuck

TLDR Trichoscan® is best for measuring hair growth, RCM for analyzing hair follicles, and OCT is useful for both.

This study compared the efficiency of three noninvasive diagnostic tools—Trichoscan®, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT)—in evaluating hair shaft and growth. Conducted on six female volunteers, the study measured hair growth on the lower leg over five days following hair removal. The results indicated that all three methods were reliable for measuring hair after removal. Trichoscan® was found to be the most suitable for measuring hair growth, RCM was best for analyzing hair follicles, and OCT served as an additional tool for evaluating both hair follicle and length.

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