Clinical studies show that treatment response varies by up to 35% between the vertex and frontal zones in the same patient. Single-zone tracking misses these differences entirely. By mapping all 7 scalp density zones independently, you build a complete picture of how your hair responds to treatment across your entire scalp.
Why Single-Zone Tracking Is Not Enough
Most people track their hair by taking one photo of their most concerning area, usually the frontal hairline or crown. This approach has a fundamental flaw: it assumes the entire scalp behaves the same way.
In reality, different zones respond to hair loss and treatment differently:
| Zone | AGA Loss Pattern | Finasteride Response | Minoxidil Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontal | Early, progressive recession | Moderate | Moderate |
| Temporal L/R | Early recession, forms M-shape | Weak to moderate | Weak |
| Vertex | Thinning begins early-mid stage | Strong | Strong |
| Crown | Central thinning in mid-late stage | Strong | Strong |
| Parietal L/R | Usually preserved longest | N/A (donor area) | N/A |
If you only track the frontal zone and your finasteride is producing strong vertex improvement, you are missing half the picture. Conversely, if you only track the vertex, you may miss accelerating frontal recession.
The 7-Zone Map
Here is the complete scalp zone map used in clinical hair density assessment:
Zone 1: Frontal - The central hairline from the midpoint of the forehead to approximately 3 cm behind the hairline. This is where Norwood classification primarily focuses.
Zone 2: Left Temporal - The hairline and density from the left temple to the left sideburn. Recession here forms the left arm of the M-shape.
Zone 3: Right Temporal - Mirror of Zone 2 on the right side. Asymmetry between left and right temporal zones is common and worth tracking separately.
Zone 4: Vertex - The top of the scalp, roughly the area visible when looking straight down. This is where minoxidil and finasteride produce the strongest results.
Zone 5: Crown - The posterior vertex area, centered on the natural hair whorl. Crown thinning is a hallmark of mid-stage androgenetic alopecia (Norwood 3V to 5).
Zone 6: Left Parietal - The side of the scalp above the left ear. Typically part of the "safe" donor zone that resists androgenetic alopecia.
Zone 7: Right Parietal - Mirror of Zone 6 on the right side.
Step 1: Photograph Each Zone
For each zone, position your camera to capture that specific area with maximum clarity.
| Zone | Camera Position | Head Position |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal | Eye level, straight on | Looking directly at camera |
| Left Temporal | 45 degrees from left side | Looking straight ahead |
| Right Temporal | 45 degrees from right side | Looking straight ahead |
| Vertex | Directly above | Chin to chest |
| Crown | Behind and above | Chin to chest |
| Left Parietal | Level with left ear | Tilt head slightly right |
| Right Parietal | Level with right ear | Tilt head slightly left |
For detailed photography techniques, see our guide on consistent hair loss progress photos.
Step 2: Record Zone-Specific Readings
Upload your frontal photo to myhairline.ai for AI density analysis. For other zones, compare photos visually against your baseline set month over month.
Create a simple tracking sheet:
| Month | Frontal | L Temporal | R Temporal | Vertex | Crown | L Parietal | R Parietal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline | Score | Score | Score | Score | Score | Score | Score |
| Month 1 | |||||||
| Month 2 | |||||||
| Month 3 |
Use a consistent scoring method. Options include:
- AI density reading (where available)
- Visual density score (1 to 10 scale based on comparison to baseline photos)
- Hair count in a fixed reference area (for close-up macro tracking)
Step 3: Identify Zone-Specific Patterns
After 3 to 6 months of 7-zone tracking, patterns emerge that inform treatment decisions.
Common patterns:
Vertex responder, frontal non-responder: Your treatment works well at the vertex but the frontal hairline continues to recede. Consider adding a frontal-specific intervention (such as topical minoxidil applied specifically to the frontal zone) or discuss hairline-targeted approaches with your dermatologist.
Uniform improvement: All zones show similar positive trends. Your treatment protocol is working broadly, and you can continue the current approach.
Temporal-specific loss: The temples are receding faster than other zones despite treatment. Temporal hair loss is notoriously resistant to medical therapy. This data helps set realistic expectations and may inform future transplant planning for the temple areas.
Asymmetric loss: One side is thinning faster than the other. This is common and worth documenting, as it can indicate sleeping position effects, habitual styling tension, or natural asymmetry in androgen receptor density.
Step 4: Adjust Treatment by Zone
Zone-specific data enables zone-specific treatment optimization:
| Finding | Possible Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Vertex responding, frontal lagging | Add topical minoxidil to frontal zone specifically |
| Temporal zones non-responsive | Consider targeted PRP ($500 to $2,000/session) or accept as treatment-resistant |
| Crown thinning despite finasteride | Add minoxidil to crown, consider dutasteride (discuss with doctor) |
| Parietal zones thinning | Unusual for AGA, investigate other causes (consult dermatologist) |
Step 5: Use Zone Data for Transplant Planning
If you are considering a hair transplant, 7-zone tracking data provides your surgeon with a detailed map of loss distribution.
Graft allocation is zone-dependent:
| Norwood Stage | Typical Frontal Grafts | Typical Vertex/Crown Grafts | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 3 | 1,000 to 1,500 | 500 to 700 | 1,500 to 2,200 |
| Stage 4 | 1,200 to 1,800 | 1,300 to 1,700 | 2,500 to 3,500 |
| Stage 5 | 1,500 to 2,000 | 1,500 to 2,500 | 3,000 to 4,500 |
| Stage 6 | 1,800 to 2,500 | 2,200 to 3,500 | 4,000 to 6,000 |
Your zone-specific density history shows which areas are declining fastest and where graft placement would have the most impact. For the complete tracking framework, see our complete treatment tracking guide.
How Often to Track All 7 Zones
Monthly full 7-zone sessions provide the best data resolution. If monthly sessions feel burdensome, prioritize:
- Monthly: Frontal and vertex (the most treatment-responsive and loss-prone zones)
- Quarterly: All 7 zones for a complete map update
- Annually: Compare full 7-zone maps year over year for long-term trend analysis
Start Your Zone Mapping
Get your frontal zone AI reading at myhairline.ai/analyze, then photograph the remaining 6 zones to build your first complete scalp density map. This comprehensive baseline is the foundation for zone-specific treatment optimization.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Zone-specific density tracking is intended for personal monitoring and treatment optimization discussions with your healthcare provider. Treatment adjustments should be made in consultation with a dermatologist or hair restoration specialist. Graft counts are estimates and vary by individual anatomy and surgeon assessment.