The Norwood scale: hair loss stages 1 to 7

What is the Norwood scale?

The Norwood-Hamilton scale is the standard way to classify male pattern hair loss. Dr. James Hamilton described it in the 1950s and Dr. O'Tar Norwood revised it in the 1970s; it sorts hair loss into 7 stages by pattern and extent. Knowing your stage helps you understand whether you're a good candidate, the likely graft range and which technique may fit.

The 7 stages of male pattern hair loss

Schematic, top view (face at the top). Original drawing — not a medical illustration. The clinic's doctor stages you from your photos.

Norwood 1: no significant hair loss

Minimal or no recession of the hairline: the baseline, a full head of hair with no visible thinning. No treatment needed. If hair loss runs in your family, ask a doctor about preventive options early.

Norwood 2: slight recession at the temples

The hairline starts to recede slightly at the temples, in a subtle M-shape. It's often called a "mature hairline" and may not mean progressive hair loss; many men stay at Norwood 2 for years.

Treatment: the clinic's doctor may suggest medical therapy first. A transplant is typically not recommended at this stage unless you're over 30 with a clearly established pattern; if one is advised, typically 800–1,500 grafts.

Norwood 3: clear temple recession

Deep recession at both temples; the M-shape is clearly visible. This is the earliest stage where a transplant typically becomes appropriate.

Treatment: typically 1,500–2,500 grafts, FUE or DHI, focused on rebuilding the front hairline and temple points. $2,900 (Sapphire FUE) or $3,400 (DHI), all-inclusive.

Norwood 3 vertex (3V): temples plus crown

Temple recession plus early thinning at the crown (vertex). The bridge of hair between the front and the crown is still there.

Treatment: typically 2,000–3,000 grafts, both areas in one session. $2,900 (Sapphire FUE) or $3,400 (DHI), all-inclusive.

Norwood 4: frontal and crown loss

Deeper frontal recession and a larger bald spot at the crown; the bridge between them gets thinner.

Treatment: typically 2,500–3,500 grafts, split between the front and the crown. $2,900 (Sapphire FUE) or $3,400 (DHI), all-inclusive.

Norwood 5: a large area of loss

The frontal and crown areas start to merge; the bridge between them is very thin or gone.

Treatment: typically 3,500–4,500 grafts. Coverage needs careful planning of the donor area, and the front usually comes first for the biggest visual effect. $2,900 (Sapphire FUE) or $3,400 (DHI), all-inclusive, for the maximum grafts your donor area allows.

Norwood 6: extensive loss

The front and crown are fully connected; only a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair remains on the sides and back.

Treatment: typically 4,500–6,000 grafts. Two sessions possible, quoted after photos. Managing the donor area is critical.

Norwood 7: the most extensive pattern

The most advanced stage: only a narrow band of hair remains in a horseshoe pattern, and the donor area may have limited density.

Treatment: often not a candidate — the doctor decides from photos. Realistic expectations are essential: full coverage may not be achievable.

Graft ranges at a glance

Norwood 2 to 5: $2,900 (FUE) or $3,400 (DHI), whatever the graft count.

Typical ranges; the clinic's doctor confirms your range from your donor area.

Treatment options by stage

Finasteride needs a prescription; talk to your own doctor before starting it or minoxidil.

How to find your stage

A professional assessment is the reliable way. You can get a rough idea in the mirror:

1. Is your hairline receding at the temples? (Norwood 2 and up)
2. Can you see scalp through your hair at the crown? (Norwood 3V and up)
3. Is the frontal bald area connecting to the crown? (Norwood 5 and up)

Or send 3 photos (front, top, back, in daylight) on WhatsApp. I reply in the evenings, Eastern time, always within 24 hours. The clinic's doctor usually reviews photos within 1 to 2 days and confirms your stage and graft range. No obligation.