Do I Believe the Camera or the Mirror?

Hi Doctor,

I was just wondering which is most reliable to check for hair loss, a camera or a mirror? I have a red scalp due to seborrheic dermatitis, and I have naturally blonde, straight hair.

If I use a mirror, you can hardly see my crown. If I use a camera, the red scalp stands out more. If I’m under a harsh light, using a mirror, then my scalp stands out more.

I’ve been to my doctor, and she’s said my hair is fine, no hair los or thinning at all, it’s just my scalp I’m noticing. What do I believe?

Thanks.

If you’re using a camera with a bright flash, you’re probably going to see more scalp. The same applies to harsh lighting, which routinely makes your hair appear thinner. I can not tell you what is better. A camera gives you other people’s view, but make sure that the lighting does not distort what you are seeing.