Guides & How-Tos

How to Read Your Hair Loss Tracking Data: A Plain-Language Guide

February 23, 20265 min read1,200 words

Users who understand their tracking data are 55% more likely to remain engaged with treatment at 12 months. This guide translates every number, chart, and metric in your myhairline.ai dashboard into plain language so you can make informed decisions about your hair.

The Four Key Metrics

Your myhairline.ai dashboard shows four primary data points. Each one tells you something different about your hair health and treatment response.

1. Density Score (FU/cm2)

This is the most important number. It measures follicular units per square centimeter in each scalp zone. Here is what the ranges mean by ethnicity:

EthnicityLow DensityNormal RangeHigh Density
CaucasianBelow 140170 to 230Above 230
AsianBelow 110140 to 200Above 200
AfricanBelow 90120 to 180Above 180
HispanicBelow 115145 to 195Above 195
Middle EasternBelow 120150 to 210Above 210

Your density score is not a grade. It is a measurement. A score of 150 FU/cm2 on a Caucasian scalp tells you density is below the population average, but the real value comes from comparing that number to your own previous readings.

2. Trend Line (Direction Over Time)

The trend line connects your density readings across multiple scans. Think of it like a stock chart for your hair.

Flat line: Your density is stable. If you are on treatment, this means the treatment is preventing further loss. This is a positive result.

Rising line: Density is increasing. Your treatment is producing regrowth. Finasteride achieves this in 65% of users. Minoxidil achieves this in 40-60% of users.

Declining line: Density is decreasing. Your current approach is not fully controlling your loss. Time to adjust treatment.

Wavy line: Normal variation. Density fluctuates by 2 to 4% month to month due to hair cycling, seasonal shedding, and measurement variance. Look at the 3 to 6 month direction, not individual spikes or dips.

3. Zone Comparison

Your scalp is divided into zones: frontal, mid-scalp, vertex, and temporal. Each zone responds differently to both hair loss and treatment.

Frontal zone (hairline): Most visible, first area most men notice loss. Responds moderately to finasteride, well to minoxidil.

Vertex (crown): Highly sensitive to DHT. Responds strongly to finasteride and minoxidil. Often shows the fastest treatment gains.

Mid-scalp: Bridge between frontal and vertex. Responds proportionally to treatment.

Temporal (sides): Most resistant to androgenetic alopecia. Typically maintains density longest. This is your internal reference zone.

4. Treatment Response Rate

This metric calculates how much your density has changed since you started a specific treatment. It is expressed as a percentage change from your pre-treatment baseline.

Response RateMeaning
+10% or moreStrong positive response
+3% to +9%Moderate positive response
-2% to +2%Stabilization (still a good outcome)
-3% to -7%Slow decline despite treatment
-8% or worseTreatment is not effective, consider changes

How to Read Your Dashboard Step by Step

Step 1: Check Your Latest Density Score

Open your dashboard and note the density reading for each zone. Do not react to the number in isolation. Your first reading is just a starting point.

Step 2: Look at Your Trend Line

Zoom out to at least 3 months of data. Is the line going up, down, or sideways? A slight downward blip after your most recent scan is normal. A consistent downward trend across 3 or more scans requires attention.

Step 3: Compare Zones Against Themselves

Click into each zone and compare its current reading to its baseline. A frontal zone at 155 FU/cm2 that started at 140 FU/cm2 is improving, even though 155 is below the population average. Progress is relative to your starting point.

Step 4: Evaluate Treatment Response

If you have been on a treatment for 6+ months, check your treatment response rate. Finasteride users should see stabilization or improvement by month 6 to 12. Minoxidil typically shows results by month 4 to 6.

Common Misinterpretations to Avoid

"My density dropped this month, my treatment is failing." Single-month dips are normal. Hair cycles through growth and resting phases. A 2 to 3% fluctuation is within normal range.

"My vertex is denser than my frontal zone, so my frontal zone must be worse." Different zones have different baseline densities. Compare each zone to its own history, not to other zones.

"I started treatment 2 months ago and see no change." Most treatments take 3 to 6 months to show measurable results. Early scans establish a treatment baseline, not treatment proof.

"My friend has a higher density score than me." Density varies significantly by ethnicity, age, and genetics. Your data is only meaningful compared to your own history.

When to Share Your Data with a Doctor

Bring your myhairline.ai report to a dermatologist appointment if:

  • Your trend line shows consistent decline over 6+ months despite treatment
  • You want to add or change a treatment and need medical guidance
  • You see a sudden density drop of 10% or more in a single zone

Learn more about what hair density means for a deeper dive into the science behind the numbers.

Start Tracking Today

The sooner you establish your baseline, the sooner your data becomes actionable. Take your first scan at myhairline.ai/analyze and start building the data that turns confusion into clarity.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized treatment recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your density score represents follicular units per square centimeter (FU/cm2) in each scalp zone. A healthy Caucasian scalp averages 170 to 230 FU/cm2, while Asian scalps average 140 to 200 FU/cm2. Your score tells you how your current density compares to population norms and your own baseline.

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