Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Hairook and how to get the most out of your personalized hair care experience.
Getting Started
What is Hairook?
Hairook is a hair and scalp care analysis app that helps you find products that match your specific hair profile. Search our extensive product database to discover products, see match scores showing how well they fit your profile, and get personalized advice from our AI assistant to build your perfect hair care routine.
How do I get started?
After creating an account, you'll complete a brief profile about your hair type, scalp condition, concerns, goals, allergies, and lifestyle factors. Then you can start searching our product database to find products that match your profile and see their match scores.
Is Hairook free to use?
Hairook offers both free and premium subscriptions. The free version includes limited searches and matches per month, while premium offers unlimited searches, matches, and access to advanced features. The free version may include advertising.
Your Hair Profile
What is a hair profile and why do I need one?
Your hair profile is a personalized snapshot of your unique hair characteristics, including your hair type, scalp condition, concerns, goals, allergies, and sensitivities. This profile is essential because it powers our smart matching algorithm to find products that truly fit your needs. The more complete your profile, the more accurate your match scores will be.
What information should I include in my profile?
Your profile includes: Hair Type (straight, wavy, curly, etc.), Scalp Condition (oily, dry, sensitive, etc.), Hair Concerns (frizz, breakage, dandruff, etc.), Hair Goals (volume, shine, growth, etc.), Allergies (ingredients to avoid), Sensitivities (ingredients that may irritate), and Lifestyle Factors (climate, water hardness, etc.). All fields except hair type and scalp condition are optional, but providing more details improves recommendations.
Can I update my profile after creating it?
Yes! You can update your profile at any time through the Profile section in the app. Changes will immediately affect future product recommendations and match scores. Your profile evolves with your needs, so keep it updated for the best results.
How does my profile affect product recommendations?
Your profile is the foundation of our personalized matching algorithm. It considers your hair type to recommend appropriate formulations, your scalp condition for compatibility, your allergies to avoid harmful ingredients, your concerns to address specific issues, and your goals to align with desired outcomes. Each product match score is calculated specifically for your unique profile.
How It Works
How do I search for products?
Use the search feature in the app to find products by name, brand, or category. Our extensive product database includes thousands of hair care products. Simply type what you're looking for, and you'll see results with match scores showing how well each product fits your personal hair profile.
Can I search for products from any brand?
Yes! You can search our extensive product database for products from any brand. The app will show you match scores and detailed analysis for products that match your search. Our database is continuously growing with new products and brands.
How accurate are the recommendations?
Our smart matching algorithm is based on scientific research, comprehensive ingredient databases, and proprietary analysis methods. However, individual results may vary, and the app is designed as an informational tool to help guide your decisions. Always patch test new products and consult with a dermatologist for specific concerns.
What makes Hairook different from other hair care apps?
Hairook uses a proprietary smart matching algorithm that creates a personalized experience for each user. Our algorithm considers multiple factors including ingredient safety, efficacy for your specific hair type, compatibility with your scalp condition, and alignment with your goals. Combined with our AI assistant that provides personalized routine advice, Hairook offers a comprehensive, tailored hair care solution.
Match Score & Algorithm
What does the match score mean?
The match score (0-100%) indicates how well a product aligns with your personal hair profile. Scores above 80% are excellent matches, 60-79% are good matches, 40-59% are moderate matches, and below 40% may not be suitable. The score is calculated using our proprietary smart matching algorithm that considers multiple factors specific to your profile.
How is the match score calculated?
Our personalized matching algorithm calculates match scores by analyzing several key factors: Safety (checking for allergens and problematic ingredients), Efficacy (how well ingredients address your hair type and concerns), Compatibility (alignment with your scalp condition and sensitivities), and Quality (overall ingredient quality and formulation). The algorithm weights these factors based on your specific profile, with higher importance given to allergies and critical concerns.
What is an ingredient score?
The ingredient score (also called quality score) evaluates the overall quality and safety of a product's ingredient list. It considers factors like the presence of potentially harmful ingredients (carcinogens, endocrine disruptors), common allergens, irritants, and pollutants. Ingredients are weighted by their position in the list (top ingredients have more impact). This score contributes to the overall match score calculation.
Why does a product have a low match score?
Low match scores can result from several factors: Ingredients that conflict with your allergies (instant 0% match), ingredients that don't align with your hair type or concerns, problematic ingredients (carcinogens, irritants) that may affect you, or formulations that work against your goals. Each product page shows a detailed breakdown explaining specific reasons for the score.
Can I see why products match or don't match?
Yes! Each product includes a detailed breakdown showing: Which ingredients are beneficial for your profile, which ingredients may be concerns, how the product aligns with your hair type and scalp condition, specific reasons for the match score, and ingredient explanations. This transparency helps you make informed decisions.
What is smart matching?
Smart matching is our proprietary algorithm that goes beyond simple ingredient checking. It uses personalized analysis that considers your unique combination of hair type, scalp condition, concerns, goals, allergies, and sensitivities. The algorithm learns from ingredient interactions, position-based weighting (top ingredients matter more), and multi-factor scoring to provide truly personalized recommendations.
How does the personalized algorithm work?
Our personalized algorithm creates a unique matching formula for each user based on their profile. It dynamically adjusts scoring weights based on your specific needs - for example, if you have allergies, safety factors are weighted more heavily. If you have specific concerns like frizz or breakage, the algorithm prioritizes ingredients that address those issues. This ensures every match score is calculated specifically for you, not a generic rating.
Do match scores change if I update my profile?
Yes! Match scores are calculated in real-time based on your current profile. When you update your profile (add allergies, change concerns, update goals, etc.), all product match scores will be recalculated to reflect your new information. This ensures recommendations always stay aligned with your current needs.
AI Hair Assistant
What is the AI Hair Assistant and how do I use it?
The AI Hair Assistant is your personal hair care advisor available 24/7. To use it, simply open the AI Chat feature in the app and start asking questions. You can ask about: Product recommendations tailored to your profile, ingredient explanations and their effects, complete hair care routines, scalp health advice, styling tips, and product-related questions. The assistant uses your hair profile to provide personalized advice.
What can the AI Hair Assistant help me with?
The AI assistant can help you: Build personalized hair care routines based on your profile, understand what ingredients do and how they affect your hair type, get product recommendations that match your specific needs, learn about scalp health and care, receive guidance on addressing your hair concerns and achieving your goals, and get explanations about why certain products match or don't match your profile. It's like having a hair care expert available whenever you need advice.
How does the AI assistant personalize its advice?
The AI assistant has access to your complete hair profile, including your hair type, scalp condition, concerns, goals, allergies, and sensitivities. It uses this information to tailor every recommendation specifically for you. For example, if you have curly hair and want more volume, it will suggest products and routines designed for curly hair volume. If you have allergies, it will never recommend products containing those ingredients.
Is the AI chat private and secure?
Chat conversations are stored securely to improve the service and provide better responses. However, we recommend not sharing highly personal medical information in chat conversations. The AI is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical conditions, always consult a dermatologist directly.
How accurate is the AI advice?
The AI provides evidence-based informational guidance using comprehensive hair care knowledge and your personal profile. However, it is not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat conditions. The advice is designed to help you make informed decisions, but always consult a dermatologist for serious scalp conditions, medical concerns, or before making significant changes to your hair care routine.
Are there limits on using the AI assistant?
Free users have daily limits on AI chat messages (typically 15 messages per day), while premium users enjoy significantly more messages per month (typically 500+). These limits reset daily for free users and monthly for premium users. This ensures fair usage and helps us maintain service quality for all users.
Can the AI assistant recommend specific products?
Yes! The AI assistant can recommend specific products from our database that match your profile. It considers your hair type, concerns, goals, and allergies when making recommendations. You can also ask about specific products you're considering, and the assistant will analyze them based on your profile.
Medical & Safety
Is Hairook medical advice?
No. Hairook is an informational and advisory tool only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not doctors or medical professionals. For hair and scalp conditions, skin concerns, or any health-related questions, please consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare provider.
Can I use this app for my child?
While the app can be used to analyze products for children, we recommend consulting with a pediatric dermatologist before making decisions about hair care products for children. The app is designed for users 13 years and older, and users under 18 should have parental supervision.
What if I have a medical condition affecting my hair or scalp?
If you have any medical condition affecting your hair or scalp (such as alopecia, psoriasis, eczema, or other dermatological conditions), please consult with a dermatologist before using product recommendations. The app is not designed to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
Should I stop using products if the app says they don't match?
The app provides guidance based on your profile, but individual reactions vary. If a product is working well for you and not causing issues, you may continue using it. However, if you experience irritation, allergic reactions, or other concerns, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
Privacy & Data
How is my data used?
We use your data exclusively to provide personalized product recommendations and improve your experience. This includes your profile information to calculate match scores, search history to improve recommendations, app usage analytics to enhance features, and AI chat conversations to provide better assistance. We use Firebase for secure data storage and analytics. Your data is never sold to third parties. See our Privacy Policy for complete details.
What data does Hairook collect?
Hairook collects: Account information (email, display name), your hair profile (hair type, scalp condition, concerns, goals, allergies, sensitivities, lifestyle factors), product search and interaction history, AI chat conversations (to improve responses), and app usage analytics (features used, time spent). We collect only what's necessary to provide personalized recommendations and improve the service.
How does Hairook protect my data?
We use industry-standard security measures including: End-to-end encryption for data in transit, secure cloud storage through Firebase (Google Cloud), authentication requirements for account access, regular security assessments, and access controls. However, no system is 100% secure. We recommend not sharing sensitive personal medical information in the AI chat feature.
Do you share my data with third parties?
We share data only with Firebase (Google) for essential app functionality and analytics. We do not sell your personal data to third parties. Advertising partners (in the free version) may receive anonymized, aggregated usage data that cannot identify you. Your profile information, search history, and personal details are never shared with advertisers. See our Privacy Policy for complete details.
Can I delete my account and data?
Yes. You can request account deletion at any time through the app settings or by contacting support@hairook.com. Upon deletion, all your personal data including your profile, search history, and chat conversations will be permanently removed from our systems within 30 days, subject to legal retention requirements.
How is my profile data used in the algorithm?
Your profile data is used exclusively to power our personalized matching algorithm. It helps calculate match scores, filter out products with allergens, prioritize ingredients that address your concerns, and align recommendations with your goals. Your profile data is processed locally and on our secure servers, but the specific algorithm calculations and weights are proprietary to protect our intellectual property.
Account & Subscription
What's the difference between free and premium?
Free version includes: Limited searches and matches per month, basic match scores and product information, limited AI chat messages per day (typically 15), access to product database, and may include advertising. Premium offers: Unlimited searches and matches, unlimited AI chat messages (typically 500+ per month), advanced match score details and insights, priority customer support, ad-free experience, and early access to new features.
How do I cancel my subscription?
Subscriptions are managed through your device's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play). You can cancel at any time through your account settings in the respective store. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, and you'll continue to have premium access until then. No refunds are provided for partial billing periods.
Can I try premium before subscribing?
We occasionally offer free trial periods for new users. Check the subscription screen in the app for current offers. During a trial, you'll have full access to premium features. If you don't cancel before the trial ends, you'll be charged according to the subscription terms.
What happens if I exceed my free tier limits?
If you exceed your free tier limits (searches, matches, or AI chat messages), you'll be notified in the app. You can either wait for the limit to reset (daily for AI chat, monthly for searches/matches) or upgrade to premium for unlimited access. The app will continue to function, but certain features may be temporarily limited.
Technical Support
How do I search for products?
Use the search feature in the app to find products. You can search by product name, brand name, or browse by category. Type what you're looking for in the search bar, and you'll see results with match scores indicating how well each product fits your personal hair profile. Tap on any product to see detailed match analysis.
How do I save or favorite products?
You can save products you're interested in for later review. Look for the save or favorite button on product pages. Saved products can be accessed from your profile or favorites section, making it easy to compare options and make decisions.
Can I share product recommendations?
Yes! You can share product recommendations and match scores with others. Use the share button on product pages to share via message, email, or social media. The shared information includes the product details and how it matches your profile.
How do I contact support?
You can contact our support team at support@hairook.com or use the Contact Support feature in the app. We typically respond within 24-48 hours. Premium users receive priority support with faster response times. When contacting support, please include details about your device, app version, and the issue you're experiencing.
The app is crashing or not loading
Try these troubleshooting steps: Close and reopen the app completely, restart your device, update to the latest app version from your app store, check your internet connection, clear the app cache (if available in your device settings). If issues persist, contact support@hairook.com with details about your device model, operating system version, app version, and a description of when the issue occurs.
The match scores seem incorrect
Match scores are calculated based on your current profile. If scores seem off, check that your profile is complete and up-to-date. Update your profile if your hair type, concerns, or allergies have changed. If you've recently updated your profile, scores should recalculate automatically. If issues persist, contact support with specific product examples.
I can't find a product I'm looking for
Our product database is continuously growing, but we may not have every product yet. Try searching by brand name or product category. You can also contact support@hairook.com to request that we add specific products to our database. We prioritize popular and widely available products.