Finasteride produces its strongest results at Norwood stages 2 and 3, where the majority of follicles are miniaturized but still alive and capable of recovery. Response rates decrease at later stages because more follicles have permanently atrophied. Below is a stage-by-stage breakdown of what finasteride can realistically achieve.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Response by Norwood Stage
| Norwood Stage | Description | Finasteride Response | Grafts If Surgery Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 | Slight recession at temples | High. Most men see stabilization and regrowth | 800 to 1,500 |
| Stage 3 | Deep temple recession (M-shape) | High. Strong regrowth potential in temple area | 1,500 to 2,200 |
| Stage 3 Vertex | Temple recession + vertex thinning | Good. Vertex area responds well to DHT reduction | 2,000 to 2,800 |
| Stage 4 | Enlarged vertex, further frontal recession | Moderate. Stabilization likely, partial regrowth possible | 2,500 to 3,500 |
| Stage 5 | Front and vertex areas nearly merged | Limited. Stabilizes remaining hair; regrowth unlikely in bald zones | 3,000 to 4,500 |
| Stage 6 | Bridge between areas lost, horseshoe pattern | Minimal regrowth. Protects existing donor and fringe hair | 4,000 to 6,000 |
| Stage 7 | Most extensive loss, narrow band remains | Stabilization of remaining band only | 5,500 to 7,500 |
Why Earlier Stages Respond Better
Finasteride works by reducing DHT levels by approximately 70%, which slows or stops follicle miniaturization. At early stages, most affected follicles are still producing some hair (even if thin). These follicles can recover when DHT pressure is removed.
At advanced stages, many follicles have been dormant for years and have undergone irreversible structural changes. No medication can restart a fully atrophied follicle. This is why the 80-90% success rate for finasteride applies primarily to men who start treatment while significant follicle viability remains.
When Finasteride Alone Is Enough
For men at Norwood 2-3 whose primary concern is preventing further loss, finasteride at 1 mg daily is often sufficient as a standalone treatment. Adding minoxidil (40-60% of users see moderate regrowth) can boost results.
At Norwood 3 Vertex, the combination of finasteride and minoxidil addresses both frontal and crown thinning through different mechanisms. PRP therapy ($500 to $2,000 per session) can provide additional density support.
Read our complete finasteride guide for full dosing and combination protocols.
When Surgery Should Be Part of the Plan
At Norwood 4 and above, finasteride alone is unlikely to restore the density most men want. Hair transplant surgery using FUE (7-10 days recovery, 90-95% graft survival) can restore hair in areas where follicles are no longer viable, while finasteride protects the remaining native hair from further loss.
The combination of surgery plus finasteride produces the best long-term outcomes at advanced stages because it addresses both existing bald areas and ongoing miniaturization. See our finasteride vs hair transplant comparison for a detailed cost and outcome analysis.
Find Your Stage
Use the free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to determine your Norwood stage in under 60 seconds. Your result will tell you where you fall on the response spectrum and help guide your treatment decisions.
This article is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist before making treatment decisions.