Your absolute follicle count tells you where you stand clinically, while your percentage change tells you how well your treatment is working. myhairline.ai displays both numbers together because each answers a different question. This guide explains how to read your follicle count display, what the numbers mean, and how to use both metrics to understand your hair loss status.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Understanding the Two Numbers
Every myhairline.ai density reading shows two values for each tracked zone:
- Absolute count (FU/cm2): The estimated number of follicular units per square centimeter in that zone right now
- Percentage change (%): How much that count has increased or decreased since your previous scan
These two numbers serve different purposes. The absolute count is your clinical benchmark. The percentage change is your treatment response indicator.
Why Both Numbers Matter
Consider two users who both show a +8% improvement:
| User | Previous FU/cm2 | Current FU/cm2 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| User A | 82 | 89 | +8% |
| User B | 34 | 37 | +8% |
User A is improving within the healthy range and likely maintaining a full appearance. User B is improving from a significantly thinned state and, despite the same percentage gain, remains below the 40 FU/cm2 threshold that marks clinical thinning. Their next steps are very different.
What Is a Normal Follicle Count?
Normal follicular unit density varies based on ethnicity, age, and scalp region. The following ranges represent healthy, non-thinning scalp density:
| Ethnicity | Hairs per cm2 | Approximate FU/cm2 |
|---|---|---|
| Caucasian | 170 to 230 | 80 to 100 |
| Asian | 140 to 200 | 70 to 90 |
| African | 120 to 180 | 60 to 80 |
| Hispanic | 145 to 195 | 70 to 90 |
| Middle Eastern | 150 to 210 | 75 to 95 |
These numbers reflect that each follicular unit typically contains an average of 2.2 individual hairs. So a reading of 80 FU/cm2 represents approximately 176 individual hairs per square centimeter.
How to Read Your Display Step by Step
Step 1: Check Your Absolute Number Against the Healthy Range
Look at your FU/cm2 reading and compare it to the normal range for your ethnicity. This tells you where you are on the clinical scale:
- 65 to 100+ FU/cm2: Healthy density range. No clinical thinning.
- 40 to 65 FU/cm2: Early to moderate thinning. Treatment may be beneficial.
- Below 40 FU/cm2: Significant thinning. Clinical intervention is typically recommended.
Step 2: Check Your Percentage Change
Your percentage change tells you the direction of travel:
- Positive percentage: Density is increasing. Treatment is likely working.
- Zero or near-zero: Density is stable. If on treatment, this means the medication is holding the line.
- Negative percentage: Density is decreasing. Review with your prescriber.
Step 3: Combine Both Readings
The combination of absolute count and percentage change gives you the full picture:
| Absolute FU/cm2 | Percentage Change | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Above 65 | Positive | Healthy and improving |
| Above 65 | Stable | Healthy and maintained |
| Above 65 | Negative | Still healthy but trending down, monitor closely |
| 40 to 65 | Positive | Thinning but responding to treatment |
| 40 to 65 | Stable | Thinning but stabilized |
| 40 to 65 | Negative | Thinning and worsening, consult prescriber |
| Below 40 | Positive | Severely thinned but recovering |
| Below 40 | Stable | Severely thinned and not responding |
| Below 40 | Negative | Actively progressing, urgent review needed |
Step 4: Compare Across Zones
myhairline.ai tracks multiple scalp zones independently. Comparing your follicle count across zones reveals your loss pattern:
- Even density across zones: Diffuse thinning pattern
- Lower frontal/temporal readings: Typical male pattern (Norwood progression)
- Lower vertex readings: Vertex-first pattern (Norwood 3V or similar)
- Lower midline readings: Potential female pattern hair loss (Ludwig pattern)
Step 5: Track the Trend Over Multiple Scans
A single reading is a snapshot. Three or more readings create a trend. When evaluating your follicle count:
- Compare each new scan to your baseline, not just the previous scan
- Look for consistent direction rather than scan-to-scan fluctuations
- Allow at least 2 to 4 weeks between scans for meaningful change to register
- Account for variables that affect individual scans (lighting, hair wetness, scan angle)
Common Questions About Follicle Count Readings
Why did my count go down slightly between two scans?
Small fluctuations of 2 to 5% between consecutive scans are normal and may reflect differences in scan conditions rather than actual density change. Focus on the trend over three or more scans rather than any single comparison.
What if different zones show different trends?
This is expected. Hair loss rarely progresses uniformly across the scalp. Zone-specific tracking is exactly why myhairline.ai measures multiple areas independently. You may need different treatment approaches for different zones.
How does my follicle count relate to Norwood stage?
Norwood staging describes the overall pattern of loss, while follicle count measures density in specific zones. A Norwood 3 classification (typically requiring 1,500 to 2,200 grafts if transplanted) might show 45 FU/cm2 in the temples but 85 FU/cm2 in the vertex. Both pieces of information are useful.
Should I compare my numbers to other people?
Only as a general reference. Natural density varies significantly between individuals and ethnic backgrounds. Your most meaningful comparison is always against your own baseline and previous scans.
Make Your Numbers Count
Your follicle count display is most valuable when you understand what both numbers mean and how they work together. The absolute count positions you on the clinical scale. The percentage change shows whether you are moving in the right direction.
Take your next density scan at myhairline.ai/analyze and start building the data that tells your complete story.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for clinical interpretation of your hair density measurements.