Hair changes slowly, and you see your own head every day. That combination makes it almost impossible to judge progress from memory. The fix is boring and it works: take photographs under controlled conditions.
The method
- Same light. One spot, ideally daylight from a window, never overhead bathroom lighting. Overhead light exaggerates scalp show and will make you miserable.
- Same angles. Four shots: front hairline, crown from above, and both sides. Take them in the same order each time.
- Same hair state. Dry, clean, unstyled, parted the same way. Wet hair always looks thinner.
- Same interval. Once a month. Not weekly. Weekly photos show noise, not change.
Do not compare consecutive months
Compare month four with month zero. Consecutive months look identical and that is discouraging for no good reason.
Be willing to conclude it is not working
If you have been consistent for six months and the month-zero and month-six photos look the same, that is a real answer and worth acting on. Something not working for you is useful information, and it is a better reason to talk to a dermatologist than to buy another device.