Hair diameter diversity - A clinical sign reflecting the follicle miniaturization

Background: The degree of androgenetic alopecia is generally evaluated eith er by global clinical scales or time-consuming methods like phototrichogram or histological studies. We describe a new clinical and reliable scoring m ethod based on hair diameter diversity. Observations: (1) The clinical macroscopic scoring we propose for hair dens ity was significantly correlated with Hamilton classification and with hist ological hair density. (2) Diversity in hair diameter was the main and most accurate clinical parameter linked to follicle miniaturization. (C) The an agen-telogen ratio decreased in parallel with the decrease in clinical hair density score. Conclusions: Considering that hair follicle miniaturization is the key poin t during androgenic alopecia onset and development, diversity in hair diame ter represents an important feature to consider as an accurate clinical sig n reflecting hair follicle miniaturization. Moreover, diversity in hair dia meter seems to be an easily accessible and reliable parameter that should b e taken into consideration for further characterization of hair disorders. By itself, we believe that this clinical feature constitutes a new tool of substantial help for the diagnosis and management of androgenic alopecia.