Norwood 3 at age 48 means you have noticeable temple recession forming an M-shaped hairline. This is one of the most common hair loss presentations for men in their late 40s, and the treatment options are well-proven. At 48, your pattern stability makes this an ideal time for both medical and surgical intervention.
What Norwood 3 Looks Like at 48
At Norwood 3, both temples have receded significantly beyond a mature hairline. The M-shape is clearly visible, though crown density is typically preserved.
| Feature | Norwood 3 at 48 |
|---|---|
| Temple recession | 2 to 4 cm deep |
| Crown density | Usually intact |
| M-shape | Clearly visible |
| Grafts if surgery chosen | 1,500 to 2,200 |
| Progression risk | Low to moderate |
Is This Normal at 48?
Completely normal. Norwood 3 at 48 is one of the most frequently seen stages in clinical practice. At this age, your pattern has been developing for 15 to 20 years, and the rate of change is typically slow.
What sets 48 apart from younger ages: your hair loss has had time to declare its trajectory. If you have stayed at Norwood 3 for several years, there is a strong chance you will remain in the Norwood 3 to 4 range long-term. This predictability is exactly what makes treatment planning effective.
Treatment Strategy for Norwood 3 at 48
Medication: Stabilize and Protect
Start here regardless of whether surgery is in your plan.
Finasteride (1mg daily)
- Halts further loss in 80 to 90% of men
- Regrowth in 65% of users
- Side effects in 2 to 4%, reversible
- Protects native hair around potential transplant zones
Minoxidil (5% topical, twice daily)
- 40 to 60% moderate regrowth
- Effective on temples and thinning areas
- Results visible at 4 to 6 months
At 48, the combination of these two treatments can stabilize your hair for years and potentially thicken areas of early thinning.
Hair Transplant: Excellent Candidacy
Norwood 3 at 48 is a strong surgical candidate for several reasons:
| Factor | Advantage at 48 |
|---|---|
| Pattern stability | High, low risk of unexpected progression |
| Graft count needed | 1,500 to 2,200 (single session) |
| Donor supply available | 6,000 to 8,000 lifetime |
| Donor supply used | 20 to 30% |
| Hairline design | Age-appropriate, natural for decades |
This moderate graft count means you use only a fraction of your donor supply, leaving ample reserves for any future touch-ups.
Procedure Options
| Detail | FUE | FUT |
|---|---|---|
| Max grafts per session | 5,000 | 4,000 |
| Recovery | 7 to 10 days | 10 to 14 days |
| Graft survival | 90 to 95% | 90 to 95% |
| Scarring | Small dot scars | Linear scar (concealable) |
| Best for Norwood 3 | Preferred (small procedure) | Good if donor preservation is priority |
FUE is the most common choice for Norwood 3 because the graft count is moderate and recovery is faster.
Cost Breakdown
| Region | Cost for 1,500 to 2,200 Grafts |
|---|---|
| Turkey | $1,500 to $4,400 |
| USA | $6,000 to $13,200 |
| UK | $4,500 to $11,000 |
| Europe | $3,750 to $9,900 |
PRP Therapy
A helpful supplement at Norwood 3:
- Cost: $500 to $2,000 per session
- Frequency: 3 to 4 initial sessions, maintenance every 3 to 6 months
- Density improvement: 30 to 40% in thinning zones
- Can boost transplant results when used in the first year after surgery
Treatment Timeline at 48
| Phase | Timing | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Start medication | Month 1 | Finasteride + minoxidil |
| Baseline documentation | Month 1 | AI assessment, photos |
| Monitor | Months 1 to 6 | Track changes, evaluate medication response |
| Surgical consult | Month 6 | If restoration desired |
| Transplant | Month 8 to 12 | 1,500 to 2,200 grafts, single session |
| Early growth | Month 15 to 18 | 50 to 70% of transplanted hair growing |
| Full result | Month 20 to 24 | Final density visible |
Why 48 Is a Good Age for Action
Men who wait until their 50s or 60s sometimes wish they had acted sooner. At 48:
- Your donor area is at peak mappability
- Your healing capacity is still strong
- You have decades to enjoy the results
- Your pattern is stable enough for confident surgical planning
- Medication is still highly effective
Next Steps
Norwood 3 at 48 gives you a clear, manageable path to maintaining and improving your hair. Start medication now, and if restoration appeals to you, consult a surgeon within the next 6 to 12 months.
Get your free AI Norwood assessment to confirm your stage and see personalized graft estimates. Read the complete Norwood scale guide for full staging details, or check the hair transplant candidacy guide to evaluate your surgical options.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon before starting any treatment.
FAQ
Is Norwood 3 hair loss normal at 48?
Yes. Norwood 3 at 48 is very common and considered moderate hair loss. More than half of men show visible pattern baldness by their late 40s, and Norwood 3 with its M-shaped temple recession is one of the most typical presentations. This stage at 48 usually indicates a moderate progression rate.
What treatments work best for Norwood 3 at age 48?
The best approach combines finasteride (1mg daily, halts loss in 80 to 90%) with a hair transplant of 1,500 to 2,200 grafts for temple restoration. Minoxidil (5% topical) adds regrowth potential of 40 to 60%. At 48, your stable pattern makes surgical planning reliable and outcomes predictable.
Should I get a hair transplant at age 48 with Norwood 3?
Yes, 48 is an excellent age for a Norwood 3 transplant. Your hair loss pattern is well-established, reducing the risk of needing revisions. The graft count (1,500 to 2,200) is easily handled in one session, and the donor area is typically strong at this stage. Results look natural for decades.