Before the Before: Why Your Day 1 Photo Is a Gift to Future You
You're starting treatment. You want to skip the baseline photo because you're embarrassed by how thin your hair looks right now.
Don't. That Day 1 photo will be the most valuable documentation you ever take.
Why Baseline Photos Matter
Human memory is terrible at gradual change. Your brain adapts to slow improvements, making it impossible to recognize progress without objective comparison.
Without baseline photos:
- You won't remember how thin you actually were at Day 1
- You'll underestimate your progress at Month 6
- You'll second-guess whether treatment is working
- You'll be tempted to quit during plateaus
With baseline photos: You have objective proof of progress that defeats negative self-talk.
How to Take Perfect Baseline Photos
Lighting: Natural light, same location, same time of day (10 AM ideal)
Angles: Front, both temples (45° angles), crown (overhead), back
Hair state: Dry, no product, combed in natural direction
Camera: Same device every time (phone is fine), consistent distance
Frequency: Monthly on the same date (1st of month works well)
Storage & Review Protocol
Store photos in dedicated folder labeled by month (2024-12-Day1, 2025-01-Month1, etc.)
DON'T review them obsessively. Check quarterly only (Month 3, 6, 9, 12).
Comparing Month 2 to Month 1 = frustration. Comparing Month 6 to Day 1 = motivation.
Your Future Self Thanks You: That Day 1 photo you're embarrassed to take today will be the proof you need at Month 6 when doubt creeps in. Take it. Store it. Trust it.