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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 7, 2026

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Developing Best Practices for Inclusion in fNIRS Research: Equity for Participants With Afro-Textured Hair.

Abria S Simmons1, Gavkhar Abdurokhmonova1, Ellie K Taylor-Robinette1

  • 1University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.

Developmental Psychobiology
|February 6, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Researchers developed culturally responsive methods to improve Afro-textured hair preparation for functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). These techniques enhance sensor-scalp contact, increasing Black participant inclusion in neuroimaging research.

Keywords:
Afro‐textured hairbest practicesfNIRSinclusion

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Optical Spectroscopy
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a widely used neuroimaging technique.
  • Participants with Afro-textured hair are frequently excluded from fNIRS studies due to challenges in achieving adequate sensor-scalp contact.
  • This exclusion contributes to racial disparities in neuroimaging research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate culturally responsive best practices for preparing Afro-textured hair for fNIRS.
  • To enhance participant interaction and hair preparation methods to increase the inclusion of Black participants in fNIRS research.
  • To address racial bias in neuroimaging by creating more inclusive research protocols.

Main Methods:

  • Development of an intake survey, researcher training guidelines, and customizable hair preparation techniques.
  • Evaluation of methods including braiding cornrows, using gels/clips for parting, and increasing hair tension for sensor contact.
  • Testing with 19 Black participants (11 adults, 8 children) with diverse hair types and styles.

Main Results:

  • Average signal quality improvement of 50%, with notable gains in anterior brain regions.
  • Hair preparation techniques generally improved signal quality to an acceptable level for inclusion.
  • Demonstrated feasibility of including participants with Afro-textured hair in neuroimaging datasets.

Conclusions:

  • Culturally responsive hair preparation is crucial for increasing Black participant inclusion in fNIRS.
  • Recommendations include raising awareness of racial bias in neuroimaging and promoting diversity in research teams.
  • Adoption of inclusive approaches is essential for equitable representation in neuroscience research.