About Hair Change Tracker Project

Part of the Skin Change Initiative a participant-powered hub that collects standardized images of skin and hair conditions over time, the project aims to create the first open science platform for longitudinal dermatology imaging.

🚀 Project Phases

  • Phase 1 (Now): Create the first high-quality open science scalp imaging dataset. Once we reach 100 participants, contributors will unlock access to a computer vision tool to visualize their own hair changes. This work is being developed as part of the CSCI E-25 Computer Vision course at Harvard Extension School taught by Stephen Elston
  • Phase 2: Expand the dataset and launch the first AI-powered analysis tools, giving participants meaningful feedback while supporting open research in hair science.
  • Phase 3 (Future): Build a secure platform where users can track changes, hair clinics and researchers can collaborate, and the models continuously improve as the dataset grows. User will gain access to tailored AI-powered Automated newsletters, literature reviews and treatment option explainers, as well as research opportunity matching. This work will be developed as part of the CSCI E-115 Advanced Practical Data Science course at Harvard Extension School, taught by Pavlos Protopapas.

By contributing, you are helping to build the first open science dataset of its kind — and gaining early access to the tools that will grow from it.

Why Participate?

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Access AI Tools

Contributors of high-quality images will gain free access to computer vision tools to visualize their own changes.

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Stay Informed

Receive newsletters with the latest treatment options, scientific breakthroughs, and research updates.

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Support Open Science

Your photos help build the first open scalp imaging dataset — a resource for researchers worldwide.

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Connect with Research

In future phases, discover opportunities to join clinical studies and collaborate with dermatology experts.

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Be Part of Innovation

Every contribution advances the development of AI tools for tracking skin and hair change over time.

How it works

1. Read & Accept Consent

Understand how your data will be used and stored securely.

2. Upload Your Image

Follow our instructions to take a standardized photo.

3. Track Your Contribution

See progress toward unlocking the Phase 1 tool.

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