Hair assessment protocols have become considerably more refined in recent years. With increasingly targeted skincare (anti-hair loss, strengthening, soothing, anti-dandruff), expectations in terms of evidence have become more pointed.
Faced with these challenges, clinical imaging is evolving. The C-Cube Clinical Research embodies this new generation of tools designed to reconcile scientific rigor and field effectiveness in hair and scalp studies.
Standardizing to better compare
The C-Cube is based on ultra-high-resolution optics, patented homogeneous LED lighting, and above all metric and colorimetric calibration. With each shot, these elements ensure perfectly reproducible images, regardless of the operator, the environment or the study time. This rigorous standardization not only makes it possible to objectively compare the evolution of a parameter, but also to establish a reliable basis for automated analyses, without time-consuming manual reprocessing.
A solution designed for clinical studies
The format of the C-Cube is designed for the field:
- Compact, it can be easily integrated into your laboratories.
- Simple to use, it does not require heavy training.
- Accurate, it ensures full reliability of results.
- Versatile, one-stop tool for 2D, 3D, capillary, and ex-vivo measurements.
The C-Cube Clinical Research provides reproducible data on the most frequently studied hair parameters. Here’s a look at the key metrics that the C-Cube can extract, and the claims they can help validate.
Hair density
The C-Cube automatically detects visible follicles on the surface of the scalp. This analysis yields the following metrics:
- Total number of hairs
- Hair density per cm²
- Average density per zone (N/cm²)
- Total number of follicles
- Follicle density per cm²
- Average hair per follicle
These analyses can help in the objectification of anti-fall, densifying, regrowth, and strengthening claims.
Hair diameter
The analysis of the capillary diameter is based on a measurement of each fiber detected in the field. This precision makes it possible to obtain a complete mapping of the thicknesses, with an automatic classification of the hair into Vellus or Terminals.
- Number of Vellus and Terminals
- Hair Rate (Vellus and Terminals)
- Density (Vellus per cm² and Terminals per cm²)
- Average thickness in μm
- Cumulative thickness mm/cm²
Relevant to evaluate the effect of a fortifying, thickening or stimulating treatment intended to stimulate the conversion of vellus into terminals.
Hair length
The C-Cube allows hair length to be calculated automatically from an image. This analysis is relevant in the context of studies on regrowth or to compare the condition of the hair before and after the procedure. The parameters to be studied are the following:
- Number of Anagens and Telogens
- Hair content (Anagen and Telogen)
- Density (Vellus per cm² and Terminals per cm²)
- Average thickness in μm
- Cumulative thickness mm/cm²
Redness of the scalp
The system is able to calculate an erythema index on the scalp, without interference from the hair. The analysis is done by automatically excluding hair areas, thanks to intelligent segmentation.
This analysis is ideal for validating the following claims: “soothes the scalp”, “reduces redness and itching”, or “improves skin comfort”.
Ex vivo measurements
Combined with a sample reader and Sebutape®, Sebufix®, D-Squame® or Corneofix® patches, the C-Cube has the ability to perform ex-vivo analyses.
Sebum
- Sebum index (%)
- Classification into 5 categories according to the size of the sebum spots
Peeling
- Desquamation Index (%)
- Classification into 5 categories according to the thickness of the scales
These data are used to complement studies on sebum-regulating, anti-dandruff or balancing scalp treatments.
The C-Cube Clinical Research integrates artificial intelligence algorithms dedicated to hair analysis. These models, trained on annotated images, ensure the automatic detection of follicles, the segmentation of fibers and the classification of hair according to their type (vellus, terminal, anagen, telogen). This automation ensures fast and consistent analysis, while reducing inter-operator variability. However, the system always remains under human control: the software offers the operator the possibility of checking and correcting detections, when necessary, for example in the case of complex areas or very high capillary densities. This hybrid approach, combining AI and expert validation, makes it possible to obtain measurements that are both automated and scientifically robust, reconciling processing speed, traceability and clinical reliability.
As hair care becomes more sophisticated, it is becoming essential to have tools that meet the scientific and operational requirements. By automating these analyses, the C-Cube saves a significant amount of time, while providing greater reliability and reproducibility than manual visual evaluations. The system thus becomes a real strategic support for the validation of hair claims, in direct connection with the regulatory and marketing expectations of brands.
The C-Cube, the essential ally for hair and scalp studies.
Commercial and editorial
Sébastien MANGERUCA – CEO
sales@pixience.com
https://www.pixience.com/en/c-cube-cr/
Discover more about Pixience Clinical expertise here: https://www.skinobs.com/c/manufacturer.php?id=107
