Measurement of beard hair removal efficacy using image analysis

Synopsis Using an image analyzer, a method was developed for measuring differences in the beard hair removal efficacy of shaving systems. The method involves the collection of shaved whiskers from three panels of shavers. The panelists use two different shaving products on the two sides of their faces which they alternate from day to day. The lengths or projection areas of about 200 whiskers from each shave is then measured using an electronic image analyzer. By comparing the mean values of the whisker lengths (areas), differences in hair removal efficacies less than 1% can be measured at statistically significant levels. The protocol allows the determination of differences in both the first and second cuts of hair lengths, when twin bladed razors are used.