Each Norwood stage corresponds to a specific graft range, expected density outcome, and cost bracket. This reference maps every stage from Norwood 2 through Norwood 7 to the transplant outcomes you can realistically expect based on published clinical data and standard surgical practice.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical professional for personalized guidance.
Norwood Stage to Graft Count Reference
| Norwood Stage | Description | Grafts Needed | Hairs (at 2.2 per graft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 | Slight recession at temples | 800 to 1,500 | 1,760 to 3,300 |
| Stage 3 | Deep temple recession forming M-shape | 1,500 to 2,200 | 3,300 to 4,840 |
| Stage 3V | Temple recession with vertex thinning | 2,000 to 2,800 | 4,400 to 6,160 |
| Stage 4 | Further recession with enlarged vertex area | 2,500 to 3,500 | 5,500 to 7,700 |
| Stage 5 | Separation between front and vertex narrowing | 3,000 to 4,500 | 6,600 to 9,900 |
| Stage 6 | Bridge between areas lost, horseshoe pattern | 4,000 to 6,000 | 8,800 to 13,200 |
| Stage 7 | Most extensive hair loss, narrow band remains | 5,500 to 7,500 | 12,100 to 16,500 |
Expected Density Outcomes by Stage
Transplanted density depends on the graft count spread across the treatment area. Native density varies by ethnicity (Caucasian: 170 to 230 FU/cm2, Asian: 140 to 200, African: 120 to 180). A transplant does not replicate original density but creates visual fullness through strategic placement.
| Norwood Stage | Treatment Area (cm2) | Achievable Density (FU/cm2) | Visual Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 | 20 to 35 | 40 to 55 | Natural hairline restoration |
| Stage 3 | 35 to 55 | 35 to 50 | Full frontal framing |
| Stage 3V | 50 to 70 | 30 to 45 | Frontal and vertex coverage |
| Stage 4 | 65 to 90 | 30 to 45 | Good frontal density, moderate vertex |
| Stage 5 | 90 to 120 | 25 to 40 | Coverage across frontal and midscalp |
| Stage 6 | 120 to 160 | 25 to 38 | Wide coverage, may need second session |
| Stage 7 | 160 to 200 | 25 to 35 | Maximum coverage, second session likely |
Cost Mapping by Norwood Stage and Region
| Norwood Stage | Turkey ($1-$2/graft) | India ($0.50-$1.50) | Europe ($2.50-$4.50) | UK ($3-$5) | USA ($4-$6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 | $800-$3,000 | $400-$2,250 | $2,000-$6,750 | $2,400-$7,500 | $3,200-$9,000 |
| Stage 3 | $1,500-$4,400 | $750-$3,300 | $3,750-$9,900 | $4,500-$11,000 | $6,000-$13,200 |
| Stage 3V | $2,000-$5,600 | $1,000-$4,200 | $5,000-$12,600 | $6,000-$14,000 | $8,000-$16,800 |
| Stage 4 | $2,500-$7,000 | $1,250-$5,250 | $6,250-$15,750 | $7,500-$17,500 | $10,000-$21,000 |
| Stage 5 | $3,000-$9,000 | $1,500-$6,750 | $7,500-$20,250 | $9,000-$22,500 | $12,000-$27,000 |
| Stage 6 | $4,000-$12,000 | $2,000-$9,000 | $10,000-$27,000 | $12,000-$30,000 | $16,000-$36,000 |
| Stage 7 | $5,500-$15,000 | $2,750-$11,250 | $13,750-$33,750 | $16,500-$37,500 | $22,000-$45,000 |
Growth Timeline by Norwood Stage
The growth timeline is similar across all stages, though larger sessions may take slightly longer to reach full maturity.
| Recovery Phase | Norwood 2-3 | Norwood 4-5 | Norwood 6-7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shock loss completion | Week 4-6 | Week 4-8 | Week 4-8 |
| First visible growth | Month 3 | Month 3-4 | Month 3-4 |
| 50% density visible | Month 5-6 | Month 6-7 | Month 7-8 |
| 80% density visible | Month 8-9 | Month 9-10 | Month 10-12 |
| Full maturity | Month 12 | Month 12-15 | Month 15-18 |
Procedure Type Comparison by Stage
| Factor | FUE | FUT | DHI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max grafts per session | 5,000 | 4,000 | 3,500 |
| Recovery time | 7 to 10 days | 10 to 14 days | 7 to 10 days |
| Graft survival | 90-95% | 90-95% | 90-95% |
| Scar type | Small dot scars | Linear scar | Minimal dot scars |
| Best for | Most Norwood stages | High graft needs in single session | Precision hairline work |
For Norwood 6 and 7, surgeons sometimes combine FUE and FUT in the same session or across two sessions to maximize available donor grafts.
Determine Your Norwood Stage
Your outcome depends on accurate staging. Use the complete growth timeline to understand recovery phases, or check the full density by graft count guide for detailed breakdowns.
Get your Norwood classification instantly at myhairline.ai/analyze. The free AI tool maps your stage and provides personalized graft estimates from a single photo.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.