What is the Norwood scale?
Knowing the stage of hair loss is important to know the right treatment plan. Without a proper assessment, you might end up trying treatments that aren’t suited to your health conditions, potentially leading to ineffective results and even further complications. That’s when the Norwood scale is a key tool used by doctors to assess the progression of male pattern baldness. Treatments might include topical solutions such as minoxidil and lifestyle changes. In cases where hair loss has advanced to later stages on the Norwood scale, treatments like hair transplants and surgery, PRP are often recommended. The scale is divided into several distinct stages that help doctors identify the stage. Let’s dive into stages and their descriptions.
Norwood scale 1
Represents a full head of hair with no significant hair loss or recession of the hairline. It is considered baseline and is not classified as balding. Hair loss typically starts becoming noticeable from scale three and beyond, where slight recession at the temples may begin.
Norwood scale 2
It is considered minimal hair loss and is not often noticeable to others. At this stage, there may be a slight recession of the hairline usually forming an m and u shape, but the overall density remains strong. It is not considered as true balding but rather as an early sign of hairline maturation. It can occur to men at any age due to genetic factors, hormonal changes or other influences. Not everyone who reaches stage 2 will progress to more advanced stages of hair loss.
Norwood scale 3
At Norwood scale 3, hair loss becomes more noticeable to others. This stage is considered the first level of clinically significant baldness. The hairline recedes further at the temples creating a more pronounced m, v or u shape and some individuals may start to have small bald patches on the crown.
Norwood scale 4
At this stage, more recession is seen than in stage 3. The hairline continues to recede, and thinning increases, particularly at the crown. The key difference from stage 3 is that the bald areas at the temples and crown become larger, though there is still a thin hair bridge separating them.
Norwood scale 5
Represents more advanced hair loss, where the crown and temple recessions expand significantly, leaving only a thin strip of hair between them. The remaining hair in these areas becomes weaker and thinner. As the balding pattern is more defined, the hair loss is hardened to control. While some men experience this in their late 30s, it is more seen in men in their early 40s; treatment options like hair transplants or wigs become more relevant for those seeking to restore their hair before the balding pattern reaches stage 6.
Norwood scale 6
It is a severe stage of hair loss, where the connection between temples and crown area disappears, leaving a large bald area on the top of the head. At this stage, only hair on the back and the side of the head remain, forming a horseshoe shape. Many men have to opt for hair loss treatments such as micro pigmentation, hair transplants or having their head go completely bald by shaving it off.
Norwood scale 7
This is the final stage on the Norwood scale where there is no hair left on the top and front. If any hair remains, it is only on the back. The hair on these areas may become finer and less dense over time.
There are also effective tips that include scalp massaging before it reaches the advanced stages, helping you slow down or prevent excessive thinning. If you are experiencing significant hair loss or noticing a receding hairline, we recommend having it checked by experts at ASG Hair Transplant Centre. Our team is highly experienced in using the Norwood scale to assess hair loss and determine the best treatment for you.
