Critical Study of Hair Growth Analysis with Computer-Assisted Methods

April 2006 in “ Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology ”

D. Van Neste, R M Trüeb

Trichoscan contrast-enhanced phototrichogram CE-PTG scalp biopsies hair fibers anagen phase male pattern hair loss hair growth measurement hair count hair growth analysis

Studysummary This study reported that Trichoscan, a computer-assisted hair measurement system, was not supported as accurate for clinical trials due to errors in signal detection, despite its analysis speed.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study from 2006 critically evaluated the Trichoscan automated system for hair growth measurement and found it to be inaccurate when compared to the reference method of contrast-enhanced phototrichogram (CE-PTG) analysis validated with scalp biopsies. Trichoscan had significant limitations in detecting and measuring hair fibers, leading to errors in hair count and anagen phase percentage estimations, particularly in thin hair, which is crucial for assessing male pattern hair loss. The study concluded that despite its speed, Trichoscan's inaccuracies made it unsuitable for diagnostic purposes and clinical trials without substantial software improvements. The analysis was based on images from four scalp areas and one beard area of a subject, aiming for a paired analysis of 1000 hair fibers.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

7 / 7 results

research Natural Scalp Hair Regression in Preclinical Stages of Male Androgenetic Alopecia and Its Reversal by Finasteride

24 citations , January 2006 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

This study found that finasteride (1 mg/day) appeared to reverse the shortening of the hair cycle in androgen sensitive sites but did not convert miniaturized hair into terminal hair.

research Recent Findings with Computerized Methods for Scalp Hair Growth Measurements

26 citations , November 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

TrichoScan effectively measures hair growth improvements in people using minoxidil.

research Differential Diagnosis of Hair Loss in Children

30 citations , May 2004 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

This review proposes a classification system for childhood hair loss based on clinical appearance, age of onset, and associated symptoms, but reports no new clinical results.

research EEMCO Guidance for the Assessment of Hair Shedding and Alopecia

51 citations , January 2004 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

This review discusses various techniques for evaluating hair shedding and alopecia but reports no new clinical results. The authors emphasize the value of specific clinical and instrumental methods in assessing hair growth.

research TrichoScan: A Novel Tool for the Analysis of Hair Growth In Vivo

70 citations , June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This study reports that the TrichoScan method effectively measures hair growth parameters and detected significant improvements in hair counts and thickness in men with androgenetic alopecia after finasteride treatment.

research Methods of Evaluating Hair Growth

63 citations , February 2003 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

This review discusses various methods for measuring scalp hair growth in androgenetic alopecia and reports no new results; the authors suggest that computer-assisted technology has untapped potential.

research Hair Problems in Women: A 1997 Study on Prevalence, Psychological Impact, and Treatment Approaches

37 citations , January 1997 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

This study found that women with androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata had significantly lower serum ferritin levels compared to women without hair loss.