Standardized Hair Photography

In 1996, DiBernardo, Giampapa, and Vogel published a paper on the necessity of standardized photography in hair restoration surgery, detailing the equipment and techniques required for consistent and reproducible photographs. They recommended using a 35-mm single lens reflex camera with a grid screen, medium telephoto lenses, and standardized lighting to avoid distortion and shadows. A sky blue background was suggested for its complementary effect, and the use of a tripod and a log book for documentation was emphasized. The paper also described the use of specific films, standardized views for photography, and the importance of consistent head size and patient positioning. Additionally, it acknowledged the emerging potential of digital photography in clinical documentation. The authors concluded that standardization is essential for accurately documenting and comparing surgical outcomes in hair restoration.