Hi Sam -
I too have been eagerly following the line of discussion regarding anything to do with A&G (thats what prompted me to sign-up to your forum)
This progress/picture section sounds like a great idea - this way members can have some control over the "honesty" of the photos shown so we all can compare real, rather than percieved progress/results of a given product.
Maybe a set of guidelines like P__ posted on the general discussion board for A&G or some form of it would suffice?
by p__ on Mon Mar 09, 2009 8:35 pm
If you are going to release photos, which I think is unavoidable, please consider the following:
1. Make sure the subject does not tilt his head differently between photos, not even the slightest.
2. Make sure hair length is the same.
3. Make sure the hair is styled the same way.
4. If the hair in the before photo is wet then make sure the hair in the after photo is wet as well. Dry before -> dry after.
5. Make sure the lighting is exactly the same.
6. Make sure the zoom, distance to subject and all other relevant variables in the camera and elsewhere are the same.
7. Make sure that no "concealers" such as Toppik are used and that the hair has not been dyed in any way. Also, clearly state so in conjunction with the photos to avoid confusion or speculation. This extends to all other treatments which might change the tint or appearance of the hair, such as copper peptides, styling products etc.
8. Make sure that any other treatments used by the subject are listed along with the respective treatment lengths. This goes for topical as well as systematic treatments, past and present. Subjects using only your products are naturally preferred.
9. Show photos of subjects who are obviously suffering from androgenic alopecia. Subjects who basically already had a normal head of hair, albeit a little thin, will typically not impress the average MPB sufferer, since the nature of their problem is considered very different. Also, do not use subjects with alopecia areata or any other condition unless clearly stating so.
10. Make sure the photos are clear, in focus and available in high resolution.
11. The photos must be of the same subject and it must clearly be stated so.
Also - since you yourself are going to try a course of A&G complex, are you going to kick-off the photo/progress thread with your photos?!
Jajo