Families with genetic androgenetic alopecia benefit from comparing progression rates and treatment responses across members, and myhairline.ai's family plan allows up to 4 individual tracking profiles under one subscription at a 20% per-profile discount. This guide explains how to set up family tracking, manage privacy between profiles, and use cross-member data to make better treatment decisions.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Why Family Tracking Makes Sense for Hair Loss
Androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss, is strongly genetic. If one family member is experiencing hair loss, there is a high probability that others in the household share similar genetic risk factors. Tracking multiple family members provides advantages that individual tracking cannot.
Benefits of Family Tracking
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Genetic pattern comparison | See how the same genetic background produces different progression rates |
| Treatment response data | If finasteride works for one sibling (80 to 90% halt rate), it may work for another |
| Early detection for younger members | Catch early signs before significant loss occurs |
| Cost efficiency | 20% per-profile discount vs. individual subscriptions |
| Shared knowledge | Family members learn from each other's treatment experiences |
Hair loss genetics are complex. The androgen receptor gene on the X chromosome is one of many contributing factors. Two siblings can share the same parents and experience very different progression timelines. Tracking both provides data points that help predict each person's trajectory.
Step 1: Create the Family Plan Account
The account owner (typically the family member who first subscribed) initiates the family plan from account settings. Here is the setup process.
- Log into your myhairline.ai account
- Navigate to Account Settings, then Subscription
- Select "Upgrade to Family Plan"
- Choose the number of profiles (2, 3, or 4)
- Enter email addresses for each family member you want to invite
Each invited member receives a setup email with instructions to create their individual profile. They will set their own password and configure their privacy preferences independently.
Profile Setup Requirements
Each family member should complete these profile fields during setup:
- Full name (or nickname for privacy)
- Age and gender (affects baseline comparisons and treatment recommendations)
- Current Norwood stage (for males) or Ludwig scale (for females)
- Any current hair loss treatments and their duration
- Known family history of hair loss (useful for cross-referencing)
Step 2: Configure Privacy Settings
Privacy between family members is controlled at the individual profile level. The system is designed to respect each person's comfort with data sharing.
Full privacy (default): No other family member can see your photos, density readings, or treatment logs. Only you have access.
Shared with account owner: The account owner can view your density trend line and treatment log. This setting is useful for parents monitoring younger family members or for couples who want to discuss treatment decisions together.
Shared with all family members: All profiles on the plan can view each other's density trends and treatment logs. This setting maximizes the comparative data available.
Each member can change their privacy setting at any time without affecting other profiles.
Step 3: Establish Individual Baselines
Each family member needs their own baseline density scan. Even though they share genetic background, their current hair loss stage, treatment history, and progression rate will differ.
Follow the standard myhairline.ai baseline protocol for each member:
- Take scalp photos under consistent natural lighting
- Capture frontal, temporal, crown, and vertex views
- Record current density readings from the AI analysis
- Document all active treatments and their start dates
- Note any known medical conditions that affect hair (thyroid, iron deficiency, hormonal issues)
Baseline Comparison Table Example
| Family Member | Age | Gender | Current Stage | Active Treatments | Baseline Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member A | 35 | Male | Norwood 3 (1,500 to 2,200 grafts if transplant) | Finasteride 1 mg daily | Recorded in profile |
| Member B | 28 | Male | Norwood 2 (800 to 1,500 grafts if transplant) | Minoxidil 5% | Recorded in profile |
| Member C | 55 | Female | Ludwig II | Spironolactone | Recorded in profile |
| Member D | 22 | Male | Norwood 1 (preventive monitoring) | None | Recorded in profile |
Each member tracks independently but the family context provides valuable comparison data.
Step 4: Set Up a Synchronized Tracking Schedule
While each member tracks independently, synchronizing your monthly photo sessions simplifies the process and improves consistency.
Pick one day per month as the family tracking day. Having everyone take their photos on the same day:
- Ensures consistent seasonal conditions across all profiles
- Makes it easier to remember (one reminder for the whole household)
- Allows same-day comparison of progression rates
- Creates aligned timelines for family data analysis
Monthly tracking protocol for each member:
- Take photos using standardized angles and lighting
- Upload to your individual myhairline.ai profile
- Record any treatment changes in the notes section
- Review your density trend line for changes
- (Optional) Discuss findings with family members who have shared access
Step 5: Use Cross-Member Data for Treatment Decisions
The most valuable aspect of family tracking is comparing treatment responses across members who share genetic backgrounds.
Scenario 1: Sibling treatment comparison. If one brother responds well to finasteride (65% experience regrowth) while another does not, the non-responder may benefit from switching to a different approach. Shared genetics does not guarantee shared treatment response, but it provides useful predictive data.
Scenario 2: Father-son progression tracking. A father's documented progression pattern can help predict a son's timeline. If the father progressed from Norwood 2 to Norwood 4 over 10 years, the son can use that data to plan early intervention.
Scenario 3: Early intervention for younger members. A 22-year-old at Norwood 1 may not feel urgent about treatment. But if family tracking data shows that other members progressed rapidly between ages 25 and 30, starting preventive treatment early becomes a data-driven decision.
For detailed treatment tracking methods, see the hair loss treatment tracker guide.
Step 6: Export Family Data for Dermatologist Visits
Individual family members can export their own tracking data for dermatologist appointments. If privacy settings allow, the account owner can also export a family summary showing:
- Progression rates across family members
- Treatment responses for the same genetic background
- Timeline of disease onset for each member
This data helps dermatologists understand the genetic context. A doctor treating a 28-year-old can make more informed recommendations when they see that his father's hair loss accelerated in his early 30s and responded well to finasteride.
For more on how family history influences hair loss patterns and treatment choices, see the family history and hair loss tracking guide.
Family Plan Pricing
| Plan | Profiles | Monthly Cost | Per-Profile Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | 1 | Standard rate | None |
| Family (2 profiles) | 2 | 1.6x individual | 20% per profile |
| Family (3 profiles) | 3 | 2.4x individual | 20% per profile |
| Family (4 profiles) | 4 | 3.2x individual | 20% per profile |
The family plan caps at 4 profiles per subscription. Each profile includes all individual plan features: AI density analysis, progress photos, treatment logging, and data export.
Start Your Family Tracking Plan
Hair loss runs in families, and tracking it as a family provides insights that individual tracking cannot. myhairline.ai's family plan gives each member their own private profile while enabling the comparative analysis that makes genetic hair loss more predictable and manageable.
Set up your family plan at myhairline.ai/analyze and start building the cross-generational dataset that will help every member of your household make informed decisions about their hair.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Each family member should consult their own healthcare provider for personalized hair loss treatment recommendations.