A Norwood 2 hair transplant requires 800-1,500 grafts on average, distributed roughly 60% to the hairline, 30% to the temples, and 10% to the mid-scalp border zone. That makes Stage 2 one of the smallest and most efficient transplant procedures in terms of graft count.
Why Graft Count Varies at Norwood 2
The 800-1,500 range reflects real variation between patients. Several factors push the number up or down:
Recession depth: Shallow recession (1 cm) needs fewer grafts than deeper recession (2 cm). Each additional centimeter of depth adds approximately 200-400 grafts to cover the same width.
Hairline width: Wider foreheads require more grafts to fill the hairline zone at acceptable density. Narrow foreheads need fewer.
Target density: Surgeons typically transplant 35-45 follicular units per cm2 in the hairline zone for a natural result. If a patient wants higher density (50+ units), the graft count rises accordingly.
Follicular unit grouping: Not all grafts are equal. Single follicular units (1 hair per graft) are used at the hairline edge for a natural-looking fringe. Double and triple units (2-3 hairs per graft) go behind the hairline edge for density. If a patient's donor hair tends to be grouped in larger units, fewer total grafts may be needed to achieve the same density.
Zone-by-Zone Breakdown
For a typical Norwood 2 patient, the graft allocation follows this approximate distribution:
| Zone | Percentage | Estimated Grafts (1,000 total) |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal hairline edge | 35% | 350 |
| Hairline body (2-3 cm behind edge) | 25% | 250 |
| Left temple | 15% | 150 |
| Right temple | 15% | 150 |
| Mid-scalp border | 10% | 100 |
The hairline zone receives the most grafts because it is the most visually prominent area and requires careful single-unit placement for a natural result. Temple grafts require precise angular placement to match the natural direction of temple hair growth.
Donor Area Assessment
Before any graft count can be finalized, the surgeon must assess the donor area. The standard donor zone runs along the occipital scalp (back of the head) and the lateral scalp above the ears. These follicles are genetically resistant to DHT and will not miniaturize after transplantation.
Key donor area metrics evaluated at consultation:
Donor density: Average scalp density is 70-100 follicular units per cm2. Patients with higher natural density have more grafts available for extraction without visible thinning of the donor area.
Safe donor zone size: The safe zone (the area from which extraction will not cause visible thinning) is approximately 100-200 cm2 in total across the back and sides of the scalp. Extraction rates above 20-25% of available follicles in any zone begin to cause visible donor thinning.
Hair characteristics: Coarse, curly hair provides better coverage per graft than fine, straight hair. A patient with coarse hair may need 15-20% fewer grafts to achieve the same visual result as a patient with fine hair.
At a typical extraction rate, a Norwood 2 patient with average donor density can yield 3,000-5,000 grafts lifetime before donor depletion becomes a concern. Spending 800-1,500 grafts at Norwood 2 leaves significant reserve for potential future procedures if progression continues.
FUE vs. FUT Graft Yield at Norwood 2
The two primary surgical methods differ in how grafts are extracted:
| Factor | FUE | FUT |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction method | Individual punch per graft | Strip excision, then dissection |
| Graft viability | 90-95% | 95-99% |
| Grafts available per session | 1,000-3,000 | 1,500-4,000 |
| Scar profile | Circular micro-scars | Linear scar |
| Recovery time | 7-10 days | 10-14 days |
| Appropriate for Norwood 2 | Yes | Yes, but often unnecessary |
At Norwood 2, the graft requirement (800-1,500) is well within the comfortable range for a single FUE session. FUT would also work but leaves a linear scar that is visible if the patient ever shaves their head, which is disproportionate given the modest graft count needed.
Most Norwood 2 patients elect FUE unless they have specific reasons to prefer FUT (e.g., very tight scalp laxity limiting strip size, or budget constraints).
What 1,000 Grafts Can Achieve at Norwood 2
A 1,000-graft FUE session at Norwood 2 can realistically accomplish:
- Restore both temple peaks to approximately their original position
- Reinforce the frontal hairline with natural-looking single-unit placement
- Create approximately 35-40 follicular units per cm2 in the treated zones
- Produce a result that reads as a full hairline in normal lighting conditions
The limitation of 1,000 grafts is density. While 35-40 units/cm2 looks natural, it is lower than the native density (70-100 units/cm2) in surrounding areas. Under very high magnification or direct overhead lighting, the transplanted zone may appear slightly less dense than the rest of the scalp.
Patients wanting higher density typically need 1,200-1,500 grafts at Norwood 2.
Planning for the Future
Graft planning at Norwood 2 must account for the possibility of future progression. This is the most important consideration that separates experienced transplant surgeons from those focused only on immediate results.
If a 22-year-old at Norwood 2 receives a transplant designed to produce a very low, dense hairline, and then progresses to Norwood 5 over the next decade, the result will look cosmetically problematic: a strip of transplanted hair at the front with significant loss behind it.
Responsible planning at Norwood 2 includes:
- Conservative hairline design: Setting the hairline at an age-appropriate, slightly higher position rather than the lowest possible position
- Donor conservation: Not using more grafts than necessary, preserving donor capacity for future sessions
- Stabilization requirement: Confirming that no progression has occurred for at least 12 months before surgery, ideally on finasteride
Refer to the complete Norwood scale guide for context on how Norwood 2 fits into the broader progression landscape.
Use HairLine AI to get a free AI-based Norwood assessment and estimate your recession depth before your first transplant consultation.
FAQ
How many grafts does a Norwood 2 transplant need?
A Norwood 2 hair transplant typically requires 800-1,500 grafts. The zone split is roughly 60% for the hairline, 30% for the temples, and 10% for the mid-scalp border. The exact count depends on recession depth and desired density.
Can you get a hair transplant at Norwood 2?
Yes, surgery is technically feasible at Norwood 2. However, most surgeons recommend waiting until at least age 28-30 or until progression has been stable on finasteride for 12+ months, to reduce the risk of needing corrective surgery later.
How much does a Norwood 2 transplant cost?
At 800-1,500 grafts, a Norwood 2 transplant costs approximately $1,600-$3,000 in Turkey, $4,000-$9,000 in the USA, and $3,200-$7,500 in the UK. Turkey offers the lowest cost per graft at around $1-$2 per graft.