Privacy Policy

Public visitors

Reading the public site does not require an account. Our readership measurement runs on HairTrendScout; it does not load Google Analytics or send readership events to Google. Raw IP addresses, full referrer URLs, and complete browser user-agent strings are not stored in the analytics tables.

Traffic measurement

Our own script records a page view when a page opens, without a minimum reading time. A random first-party cookie, hts_analytics_id, distinguishes browsers for up to two years, subject to browser limits. The server stores a keyed code derived from that random identifier rather than using your IP address as your identity. Sessions end after 30 minutes without activity. Reading time includes only time when the page is visible and focused. The server records page paths, broad device class, coarse country code supplied by the hosting network, referrer hosts and limited campaign labels. Complete URLs, search terms and advertising click identifiers are not stored.

Your analytics preference

You can turn anonymous readership measurement off in this browser. Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control signals also disable collection; signed-in editors are excluded.

Your browser preference will appear when the page script loads.

Retention and purpose

Page-view, event and session records are retained for up to 90 days. The browser code and its first/last visit and session-count record can remain for up to two years after activity so a returning browser is not incorrectly counted as new. The measurement helps us understand aggregate readership and plan editorial coverage. HairTrendScout does not sell this data or use it to build cross-site advertising profiles.

Administrative data

Authorized editors use a private account and session cookie. Login events, editorial changes, imports, AI jobs, publication actions, and operational failures may be recorded for security, accountability, and recovery. These records are not public readership analytics.

Third-party destinations

Creator credits and source references may link to Instagram or other external sites. Those services control their own data practices after you choose to follow a link.

Questions and requests

Privacy questions, correction requests, or requests concerning information you supplied directly can be sent through the editorial contact channel. HairTrendScout may need enough information to locate the relevant record and verify that a request is legitimate.