Users who use community benchmarking features report 30% higher treatment satisfaction than those tracking in isolation. The myhairline.ai community feature lets you compare your density response with anonymized data from other users at your Norwood stage and treatment protocol, so you know whether your results are typical, above average, or worth discussing with your provider.
What the Community Feature Does
The community feature aggregates anonymized density data from all participating users and groups it by Norwood stage, treatment type, and treatment duration. When you view the community dashboard, you see your personal density trend plotted against the median trend for your peer group.
This answers the question every person tracking hair loss asks: "Are my results normal?"
How to Set Up Community Comparison
Step 1: Opt In to Data Sharing
Community comparison is opt-in only. Navigate to Settings, then Privacy, then Community Data Sharing. Toggle the feature on. Read the data sharing summary, which explains exactly what is shared and what is not.
Step 2: Confirm Your Profile Details
For accurate peer matching, confirm the following fields in your profile:
- Current Norwood or Ludwig stage (AI-classified from your most recent scan)
- Active treatment protocol (finasteride, minoxidil, both, PRP, post-transplant, none)
- Treatment duration (how long you have been on your current protocol)
- Age range (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60+)
- Ethnicity (optional, improves matching accuracy since baseline density varies by ethnicity)
Step 3: Access the Community Dashboard
Open the Community tab in the app. Your density trend line appears in blue. The peer median appears in gray. The 25th and 75th percentile range appears as a shaded band.
Step 4: Select Comparison Filters
Narrow your peer group using filters:
- Same Norwood stage only (e.g., all Norwood 3 users)
- Same treatment (e.g., all finasteride 1mg users)
- Same stage + same treatment (most useful comparison)
- Same stage + same treatment + similar duration (tightest match)
The tighter your filter, the more relevant the comparison. But tighter filters also mean a smaller sample size, so the median may be less stable.
Reading Your Community Report
Above the Median
If your density trend is above the peer median, your treatment response is stronger than average. This is encouraging but not a reason to change anything. Continue your protocol and keep tracking.
At the Median
If your trend tracks close to the median, you are having a typical response. For finasteride users, the median experience is 80 to 90% chance of halting further loss and 65% chance of regrowth. For minoxidil users, the median is 40 to 60% regrowth.
Below the Median
If your density trend is below the peer median, it does not mean your treatment has failed. Consider the following before making changes:
Treatment duration matters. Finasteride takes 3 to 6 months to show results. If you are at month two, being below the median is meaningless.
Individual variation is normal. The 25th to 75th percentile band exists because responses vary widely. Being at the 30th percentile still means the treatment is likely having an effect.
Discuss with your provider. Bring your community comparison report to your next dermatologist visit. It provides context for a conversation about whether to adjust dosage, add a complementary treatment, or continue the current protocol.
What Data Is Shared (and What Is Not)
Transparency about data sharing matters. Here is the complete breakdown.
| Shared (Anonymized) | Never Shared |
|---|---|
| Density values per scan | Name |
| Norwood/Ludwig stage | Email address |
| Treatment type and duration | Photos |
| Age range | Exact age |
| Ethnicity category (if provided) | Location |
| Scan dates (month/year only) | Device information |
Your data is aggregated into the community pool with a random identifier. There is no way for other users to see your individual data points. They only see the aggregate statistics (median, percentiles) that your data contributes to.
Using Community Data Responsibly
Community comparison is a powerful tool, but it requires responsible interpretation.
Do not compare across different Norwood stages. A Norwood 2 user on finasteride will have a different density trajectory than a Norwood 5 user on the same drug. Always filter to your stage.
Do not make treatment changes based on community data alone. If you are below the median, that is a data point to discuss with your provider, not a reason to self-prescribe a different protocol.
Do not check the community dashboard daily. Monthly check-ins aligned with your scan schedule are sufficient. Daily checking creates the same anxiety that compulsive mirror checking does.
Remember that survivor bias exists. Users who get good results may be more likely to keep tracking (and thus stay in the data pool). Users who abandon treatment may stop tracking, removing their below-median data. The community median may skew slightly optimistic.
Comparison by Treatment Type
The community feature is especially useful for evaluating treatment protocols. Here is what typical community data shows.
| Treatment | Typical 6-Month Community Median | Typical 12-Month Community Median |
|---|---|---|
| Finasteride 1mg only | Density stabilized, minimal change | +5 to 10% density in responders |
| Minoxidil 5% only | +3 to 8% density | +8 to 15% density in responders |
| Finasteride + Minoxidil | +5 to 12% density | +10 to 20% density in responders |
| Post-FUE transplant | N/A (transplant growth phase) | +30 to 50% in transplanted zones |
| PRP (3 to 4 sessions) | +5 to 10% density | +15 to 25% density |
These ranges are based on community data and align with published clinical trial results. Your individual response may fall anywhere within or outside these ranges.
Opting Out
You can opt out of community data sharing at any time. Navigate to Settings, then Privacy, then Community Data Sharing, and toggle it off. Your historical data will be removed from the aggregate pool within 7 days.
Opting out does not affect your personal tracking features. You will still have full access to your own density data, trends, and reports.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized treatment decisions.
Ready to see how your results compare? Start tracking your density at myhairline.ai/analyze and access anonymous community benchmarks from your dashboard.