Norwood 2 at age 38 is one of the most favorable positions you can be in when it comes to hair loss. Your temples have receded slightly, but your overall coverage remains strong. In many cases, Norwood 2 at 38 is simply a mature hairline that stabilized years ago rather than active androgenetic alopecia.
Mature Hairline vs. Active Hair Loss at 38
The most important question at this stage is whether your hairline is still moving or has been stable. A mature hairline is a normal adult adjustment that most men experience by their late 20s. Active Norwood 2 means the recession continues.
| Indicator | Mature Hairline (Stable) | Active Norwood 2 (Progressing) |
|---|---|---|
| Temple position | Unchanged for 5+ years | Still receding over months |
| Miniaturized hairs | Minimal at hairline | Visible under magnification |
| Family history | Variable | Strong pattern baldness history |
| Shedding | Normal (50 to 100 hairs/day) | Increased, especially at temples |
| Crown thinning | None | May be starting |
Treatment Decision Framework at 38
If Your Hairline Is Stable
If your Norwood 2 has not changed in years, you likely have a mature hairline. In this case:
- Monitor quarterly with photos from consistent angles
- No medication needed unless you see new changes
- AI assessments every 3 to 6 months can detect subtle shifts before they become visible
- Consider a transplant only if the cosmetic appearance bothers you significantly
If Your Hairline Is Actively Receding
If photos show continued recession, medical treatment can stop it effectively.
Finasteride (1mg daily)
- Halts further loss in 80 to 90% of men
- Produces regrowth in about 65%
- Results at 3 to 6 months, peak at 12 to 24 months
- Side effects in 2 to 4%, reversible on discontinuation
Minoxidil (5% topical, twice daily)
- Moderate regrowth in 40 to 60% of users
- Visible results at 4 to 6 months
- Good for temple recession specifically
PRP Therapy
- $500 to $2,000 per session
- 30 to 40% density increase in treated areas
- 3 to 4 initial sessions, then maintenance every 3 to 6 months
Transplant Considerations at 38
At 38 with Norwood 2, a transplant is a small procedure with excellent outcomes but is only worth pursuing if the recession genuinely impacts your quality of life.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Grafts needed | 800 to 1,500 |
| Technique | FUE (most common for small cases) |
| Recovery | 7 to 10 days |
| Graft survival | 90 to 95% |
| Donor impact | Minimal (preserves vast majority of donor supply) |
Regional Cost Comparison
| Region | Cost Per Graft | Total (800 to 1,500 Grafts) |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $1 to $2 | $800 to $3,000 |
| USA | $4 to $6 | $3,200 to $9,000 |
| UK | $3 to $5 | $2,400 to $7,500 |
| Europe | $2.50 to $4.50 | $2,000 to $6,750 |
The 38-Year-Old Advantage
At 38, you have nearly 15 years of hair loss history to evaluate. If you are still at Norwood 2, your loss pattern is likely slow-moving or fully stabilized. This gives surgeons excellent predictability when designing a hairline, and it means a small transplant now is unlikely to need major revisions later.
Your donor area remains strong at this age. Even if you do progress further in the future, using only 800 to 1,500 grafts at Norwood 2 leaves your full donor budget almost entirely intact for any future needs.
What to Do Next
- Document your hairline with photos to compare against images from 1 to 2 years ago
- Get an AI assessment for objective Norwood staging
- If actively receding, consult a dermatologist about finasteride
- If stable and satisfied, continue monitoring
Read the Norwood scale guide for a full breakdown of all stages. Check our transplant candidacy assessment to evaluate whether surgery makes sense for your situation.
Get your free AI hairline assessment to confirm your stage and track any changes over time.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist before starting any treatment.
FAQ
Is Norwood 2 hair loss normal at 38?
Yes, Norwood 2 at 38 is extremely common and may not even represent active hair loss. About 50% of men show some degree of pattern baldness by their late 30s, and Norwood 2 is often just a mature hairline rather than progressive loss. The key distinction is whether your temples are still receding or have been stable for years.
What treatments work best for Norwood 2 at age 38?
If your Norwood 2 is stable and has not changed in years, you may not need treatment at all. If it is actively progressing, finasteride 1mg daily is the most effective option, halting further loss in 80 to 90% of men. Minoxidil 5% twice daily adds 40 to 60% moderate regrowth. At 38, monitoring with quarterly photos is wise before committing to any treatment.
Should I get a hair transplant at age 38 with Norwood 2?
A transplant at Norwood 2 and age 38 only makes sense if the recession genuinely bothers you cosmetically and has been stable for at least 12 months. The procedure requires just 800 to 1,500 grafts, making it small and affordable. However, many men at Norwood 2 find that medication or simply accepting a mature hairline is the more practical path.