When you ask for an assessment before travelling, photos are usually the first thing a clinician looks at. They cannot replace an in-person examination, but good photos make the initial review more accurate and help avoid surprises later. Poor lighting, wet hair or unusual angles can make hair loss look better or worse than it really is.
What the clinician is trying to see
From your photos, the reviewing team is looking at a few specific things: the pattern and extent of hair loss, the position of your hairline, the density of the donor area (usually the back and sides of the head), and the general condition of the scalp. They use this to suggest a provisional plan and an estimated range of grafts. The final number is only set after an examination in person.
Before you start
- Wash and fully dry your hair. Do not use styling products, fibres, concealers or hair sprays.
- If your hair is long, you do not need to cut it, but make sure it can be moved away from the areas being photographed.
- Find a room with even, bright light. Daylight from a window is ideal; avoid strong light directly overhead, which can make thinning look more pronounced.
- Ask someone to help. The back and top of the head are very difficult to photograph on your own.
- Use the main (rear) camera of your phone rather than the front camera, and turn off beauty filters or portrait effects.
The standard set of views
Most clinics ask for a similar set of photos. Take each one from about an arm’s length away, keeping the whole area in frame and in focus:
- Front: face the camera directly with your head level, hair pushed back from the forehead so the hairline is visible.
- Front, tilted: tilt your head forward slightly so the camera sees the hairline and the front of the scalp from above.
- Top: photograph straight down onto the crown of the head.
- Crown: from behind and slightly above, to show the whorl at the back of the top of the head.
- Left and right sides: profile views showing the temples and sides.
- Back (donor area): straight on from behind, with the hair combed down naturally.
If you have had a hair transplant before, include a close-up of any existing scars in the donor area.
Small details that make a difference
- Keep the background plain and uncluttered.
- Take several shots of each view and send the sharpest.
- Do not edit, crop heavily or apply filters.
- If you are sending photos taken over time, note the date of each.
Information to send with your photos
Photos are more useful with some context. It helps to mention your age, how long you have been losing hair, whether hair loss runs in your family, any medication you take for hair loss, previous procedures, and any scalp or general health conditions. You do not need to send full medical records at this stage — only what is relevant to the first review.
Privacy
Photos of your head and face are personal information. Send them only through the channel your coordinator gives you, and feel free to ask how they will be stored and who will see them. Our Privacy Policy explains how we handle images and health information.
What happens next
After reviewing your photos, a clinician can usually say whether you appear to be a suitable candidate, which technique may be considered, and an estimated range of grafts. Treat this as a starting point rather than a promise. The treatment plan is confirmed after an examination on the day of your consultation, when the team can assess your donor density and scalp in person.
This article is general information, not medical advice.
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