Medical Disclaimer

Effective date: May 8, 2026

Folik provides educational information only. The App is not a medical device, is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition, and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

1. Educational Purpose

Folik is a wellness companion that:

Visualizes hair photos taken by the user over time
Estimates relative hair density and pattern stage using AI image analysis
Surfaces educational information sourced from published medical guidelines (American Academy of Dermatology, International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, U.S. Food and Drug Administration drug labels, Mayo Clinic patient guides, Cleveland Clinic patient guides, Endocrine Society guidelines, and peer-reviewed PubMed extracts)
Provides a personal log for treatments the user has chosen on their own initiative or with their physician

None of this constitutes medical advice.

2. Not a Diagnosis

Hair density estimates, hairline staging (Norwood / Ludwig), and AI Coach responses are algorithmic approximations, not clinical assessments. Variations in lighting, camera angle, hair length, and styling can substantially change the App's estimates from one scan to the next. Do not interpret a Folik output as confirmation or rejection of a diagnosis.

3. Always Consult a Dermatologist

Before starting, changing, or stopping any treatment — including over-the-counter products such as minoxidil and shampoos containing ketoconazole, and including any prescription drug such as finasteride, dutasteride, spironolactone, or oral minoxidil — consult a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare provider. Self-treating hair loss without medical supervision can mask underlying conditions (thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, autoimmune disease, hormonal imbalance) that require investigation and tailored care.

4. Prescription Drug Information

References inside the App to prescription drugs (finasteride, dutasteride, spironolactone, oral minoxidil) are educational and based on FDA-approved labeling and published peer-reviewed literature. Folik does not prescribe, supply, or recommend any prescription drug, dose, or formulation. Many of these medications carry potential side effects — including but not limited to sexual side effects (post-finasteride syndrome has been documented in literature), mood changes, and feminizing effects — which must be discussed with a qualified prescriber.

5. Drug Doses

The App may describe published guideline doses (e.g., "FDA-approved minoxidil 5% topical solution applied twice daily") for educational reference only. The App does not recommend any individual dose. Personal dosing must be determined by a qualified healthcare provider based on your individual context.

6. Photographs Are Not Medical Imaging

Folik photos are personal smartphone photos used for visual progress tracking. They are not clinical photography, do not have radiographic or histologic resolution, and cannot be used to evaluate scalp conditions that require a dermatologist (alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, scalp dermatitis, infection, lesions, or rare patterns).

7. AI Coach Responses

The AI Coach generates responses grounded in our on-device knowledge base of published guidelines and peer-reviewed literature. Each response includes a citation. However:

Responses are generated by a large language model and may contain errors, omissions, or simplifications
Responses are general educational information, not personalized medical advice
The App's knowledge base is updated periodically but may not reflect the latest research at any given moment
Always verify clinically important information with your dermatologist or a primary source

8. Brand Names and Trademarks

References to brand-name drugs, devices, products, or services within the App or this disclaimer are for identification only. Folik is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or partnered with any pharmaceutical manufacturer, hair-loss clinic, or product brand. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

9. Mental Health and Distress

Hair loss can be emotionally significant. If you are experiencing severe distress, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm, please contact a crisis line immediately:

United States: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
United Kingdom: Samaritans 116 123
Germany: TelefonSeelsorge 0800 111 0 111
Canada: Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566
Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14
International: findahelpline.com

10. No Doctor-Patient Relationship

Use of Folik does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Valeriy Loveiko or any third party. The developer is not a licensed medical professional and does not provide clinical care.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the developer is not liable for any decision, action, omission, treatment outcome, side effect, financial loss, or other consequence resulting from reliance on the App's outputs. Use of the App is at your own discretion and risk.

12. Region-Specific Notes

European Union / EEA: Folik is not classified as a medical device under EU MDR. It is a general wellness app per Apple App Store category Health & Fitness.
Germany: Folik is not a Digitale Gesundheitsanwendung (DiGA) and is not approved under §33a SGB V. For prescription guidance, consult your Hausarzt or a Facharzt für Dermatologie. Reference: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Dermatologie (DGFE) and BfArM drug information.
United Kingdom: Folik is not registered with the MHRA as a medical device. NHS dermatology referral remains the recommended pathway for clinical evaluation.
United States: Folik has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for any clinical claim. References to FDA-approved drugs reflect publicly available labeling at the time of writing.

13. Contact

Questions about this disclaimer:

Email: love8ko.apps@gmail.com
Privacy: Privacy Policy
Terms: Terms of Use
Support: Support