AI-powered platform to speed skin checks by hair stylists and dermatologists
Official title: Hybrid telehealth platform to facilitate dermatologist referrals through AI-assisted image screening and collaboration between hair professionals and dermatologists.
Funded at Hairdays, INC. · NIH-11350152 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, user-friendly AI tool helps hair professionals flag suspicious skin changes and connect quickly with dermatologists to speed care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hairdays, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $306,872 |
| NIH project number | 1R43MD021402-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11350152 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older who frequently visit hair stylists and may notice skin concerns.
✕Less likely to help
This platform may not benefit individuals without access to participating stylists or dermatologists.
What this research studies
SOCAi Labs is creating an AI-enhanced dermatology platform that partners hair stylists with dermatologists to catch skin conditions earlier. Stylists will use a smartphone-based image capture and AI screening to flag concerns and triage cases for dermatology review. The system includes secure, HIPAA-compliant messaging and educational modules tailored to each stylist’s routine cases. This approach aims to streamline referrals, improve early detection, and support timely patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get earlier evaluation for skin conditions through faster referrals and coordinated care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous AI dermatology tools have shown promise in image-based screening, but this program uniquely integrates stylists into the referral pathway.
Where this research is happening
-
Hairdays, INC.
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: St. Bernard, Tiffany — Hairdays, INC.
- Study coordinator: St. Bernard, Tiffany
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.