Open scalp access
An open-sided housing would allow gentle local parting and inspection, with adjustable contact reach and controlled pressure for a replaceable gel- or paste-based electrode.
RESEARCH / INCLUSIVE EEG DESIGN
EEG designed around hair diversity.
The evidence and design questions behind Sentinel’s proposed scalp-contact housings.
Scalp access without cutting hair
Hair texture, density and style can affect access to the scalp. Sentinel’s proposed interchangeable housing is intended to support Afro-textured, tightly curled, coily and dense hair while keeping the intended EEG recording positions. Cutting or shaving hair is not part of the proposed fitting process.
This is a research-informed design proposal. The cited studies test other equipment, not Sentinel. Equivalent clinical performance across hair textures has not yet been demonstrated for our system.
What we are proposing for Sentinel
A choice of fitting options
A rounded clip-style mount would support locally parted, unbraided hair. An optional adapter would accommodate suitable existing or chosen braids. Braiding would not be a prerequisite.
Preserve the recording plan
The housing would connect to Sentinel’s modular carrier, retain named scalp positions and relieve cable pull. Signal quality and missing coverage would remain visible.
Published evidence and its limits
What the research supports +
The studies below inform the proposal; the combined Sentinel housing is our design interpretation, not a device tested in these papers.
Taller housings: preserve high-density coverage
Mlandu et al. (2024) compared two 128-channel nets in infants. Taller electrode pedestals improved impedance, usable channels and retained data. This supports providing more clearance through hair, but does not establish adult ICU performance.
Read the high-density sensor-net studySevo adapters: retention using braids
Kwasa et al. (2024) evaluated adapters anchored beneath strategically placed braids, reporting lower EEG noise in a small epilepsy and volunteer pilot. This supports an optional braid-compatible mount; it is not a braiding-free approach or proof of Sentinel seizure-detection accuracy.
Read the Sevo epilepsy pilotUniversal EEG Clip: an option without braiding
Torrens et al. (2026) studied clip-based recording across straight-to-wavy and curly-to-coiled hair. The study reports benefits in visual-task recordings without requiring braiding; effects varied by task and measure. Full-montage, multi-day clinical monitoring still needs evaluation.
Read the Universal EEG Clip study Associated funding correction
Fitting and validation priorities +
A respectful fitting workflow
Assess texture, density, hairstyle and scalp condition with the patient or carer. Select the housing, gently expose each required scalp site, fit the contact, then verify the signal. Selection is based on individual fit, not ethnicity alone. Some styles may need agreed adjustments to access the required sites.
Evidence before a performance claim
Compare against well-applied clinical wet EEG at matched scalp sites. Assess interpretable recording time, noise, contact stability, seizure sensitivity and false-alarm rates across hair groups, with independent clinical review. Demonstrate clinical non-inferiority using predefined, justified margins.
Designed for bedside realities
Validate pressure, skin integrity, hair traction, comfort, cleaning, setup time and contact stability during repositioning and the full intended wear period. Involve EEG technologists and people with Afro-textured hair throughout development.
What remains to be demonstrated
Sentinel is in development. A better fit alone cannot establish seizure-detection accuracy or equivalent clinical effectiveness. We need evidence from the complete system, across intended users, hair textures, styles and wear durations, before making those claims.
This page describes design reasoning, not fitting instructions for use with patients. It is not a systematic literature review or a report of a Phanes clinical trial.
From design reasoning to a structured review
We have prepared a draft plan for a systematic review of electrode performance across hair textures. It sets out a proposed question, outcomes and conditions for meta-analysis. The review has not yet been registered or completed.
Help shape the work
We welcome feedback from EEG technologists, clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience of EEG fitting across hair textures. Useful questions include scalp access, setup time, comfort, hairstyle preferences and contact stability during repositioning.