How to Photograph Your Hair Progress (and Spot Early Results)
Hair regrowth is gradual. So gradual that it’s almost impossible to see in the mirror from one day to the next.
That’s why progress photos are one of the most helpful things you can do. Here’s how to take photos you can actually compare, and what early signs to look for.
Key points
- Take photos once a month, on the same date.
- Use the same spot, lighting, part and distance every time.
- Take four views: top of the part, crown, front hairline and temples.
- Compare Month 1 with Month 4 and Month 6, not week to week.
Why photos beat the mirror
When you look in the mirror every day, you can’t see slow changes. You’re also more likely to notice a “bad hair day” than real progress.
Photos taken the same way each month give you a fair comparison, so you can see what’s really happening.
What you’ll need
- your phone
- a spot near a window, or a room with the same bright light each time
- a comb to make a straight part
- a helper, a phone stand or a mirror for the back views
- a phone album named “Hair Progress”
How to take consistent photos
- Choose one spot and stick with it. Soft, even daylight near a window works well. Avoid a single bright light directly overhead, which can make any scalp look thinner.
- Choose the same time of day. Morning light near a window is easy to repeat.
- Start with clean, dry, unstyled hair. No volumizing spray or root powder. Photograph before applying your treatment.
- Part your hair the same way every time. Use a comb to make your usual part, in the same place.
- Keep the same distance. Hold your phone about 12 inches (30 cm) from your head. Use the regular camera, not zoom, and turn off beauty filters.
- Take the same four photos:
| View | How to take it |
|
Top of your part Head |
Tilt your head down slightly and photograph straight down onto your part. |
|
Crown |
Have a helper take it, or use a phone stand and a timer. |
|
Front hairline |
Pull your hair back gently and face the camera. |
|
Temples |
One photo of each side. |
7. Write a few notes. Jot down anything that changed: a new medication, illness, stress, or a new product.
When to take photos
- Day 1, before your first application
- The same date each month after that
- Key comparison points: Day 90, Month 4, Month 6 and Month 12
What to look for
Place your Day 1 photo next to your latest one. Look for:
Early signs (often Months 2–4):
- less shedding than before
- short, fine, soft hairs along your part or hairline, sometimes lighter in color
- your thinning hasn’t gotten worse
Later signs (often Months 4–12):
- a narrower-looking part
- less visible scalp in the same lighting
- fine hairs becoming longer and thicker
- more volume when you style your hair
Remember: Stopping further thinning is real progress. For many women, it’s the first sign the treatment is working.
Other easy ways to track progress
- The ponytail test: Note how many times your hair tie wraps around a ponytail.
- The brush check: Notice whether you’re finding less hair in your brush over time.
- A simple journal: Rate your shedding each week (low, medium, high).
Your next step
Take your first set of photos today. Then download our printable progress tracker to keep everything in one place.
Have questions about what you’re seeing? Contact Customer Care.
Questions? We’re here to help. Keranique Customer Care: 888-237-4129 or CustomerSupport@keranique.com
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Results vary, and minoxidil does not work for everyone.