The Norwood scale is a 7-stage classification system that measures the severity of male pattern hair loss in men. Developed by Dr. O'Tar Norwood in 1975, it remains the standard reference used by dermatologists and hair transplant surgeons worldwide to assess hair loss, plan treatments, and set realistic expectations for outcomes.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
The 7 Norwood Stages Explained
Each Norwood stage describes a specific pattern of hair loss. The scale progresses from a full head of hair (stage 1) to the most advanced loss pattern (stage 7). For a detailed visual breakdown, see the complete Norwood scale guide.
Norwood 1: No Significant Hair Loss
The baseline. Your hairline sits at a normal juvenile or mature position with no noticeable recession or thinning. Most men in their late teens and early 20s are at this stage. Some slight maturation of the hairline (a centimeter of recession at the temples) is normal and not considered clinical hair loss.
Norwood 2: Minor Temple Recession
Slight recession at the temples creates a gentle M shape. This is where many men first notice changes, typically in their mid-20s to early 30s. The difference between a mature hairline and Norwood 2 is subtle, and many dermatologists consider minor temple recession a normal adult male trait rather than active hair loss.
Norwood 3: Clear M-Shaped Hairline
This is the first stage most doctors classify as true male pattern baldness. The temples have receded noticeably, forming a distinct M or U shape. Norwood 3V (vertex) adds early thinning at the crown. This stage is the most common point where men begin seeking treatment.
Norwood 4: Significant Frontal and Crown Loss
The frontal hairline has receded further, and a visible bald spot has developed at the crown (vertex). A band of hair still separates the two thinning areas. This stage typically requires 2,500 to 3,500 grafts for meaningful transplant coverage.
Norwood 5: Connected Loss Zones
The band separating frontal and crown loss thins significantly, creating a larger connected area of hair loss across the top of the scalp. Donor demand at this stage ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 grafts. Medication alongside a transplant becomes especially important to protect remaining hair.
Norwood 6: Extensive Top Loss
Hair loss extends from the front across the entire top of the scalp. Only the sides and a narrowing band at the back retain full density. This stage pushes the limits of what a single transplant session can achieve, often requiring 4,000+ grafts across multiple procedures.
Norwood 7: Maximum Pattern Loss
The most advanced stage. Only a narrow horseshoe band of hair remains around the sides and back of the head. Donor supply is limited, and full scalp coverage is not realistic. Transplant candidates at this stage must prioritize specific zones (usually the hairline) and accept partial coverage.
Why Your Norwood Stage Matters
Your Norwood stage directly determines three things: which treatments are appropriate, how many grafts you need if pursuing a transplant, and what results you can realistically expect.
Treatment Options by Stage
| Norwood Stage | Recommended Treatments |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Monitor, consider finasteride if progressing |
| 3 to 3V | Finasteride, minoxidil, or 1,000 to 2,000 graft transplant |
| 4 to 5 | Transplant (2,500 to 4,000 grafts) plus finasteride |
| 6 to 7 | Multi-session transplant (4,000+ grafts) plus medication |
Finasteride at 1mg daily halts further loss in 80 to 90% of men. Minoxidil produces visible regrowth in 40 to 60% of users. Combining medication with a transplant delivers the best long-term results at any stage.
Planning for Future Progression
Good surgeons do not just treat your current Norwood stage. They plan for where your hair loss is likely headed. A 28-year-old at Norwood 3 with aggressive family history may eventually reach Norwood 5 or 6. Placing a hairline too low or using too many grafts early leaves fewer options for future sessions.
This is why most surgeons prefer patients to be at least 25 years old before performing a transplant. Younger patients have less predictable progression patterns, and premature intervention can lead to unnatural results as hair loss continues around the transplanted zone.
Find Your Norwood Stage
Self-assessment works for most cases, but borderline stages (especially 2 vs 3 and 3V vs 4) can be tricky to classify accurately. Lighting, hair styling, and wet versus dry hair all affect how your loss pattern appears.
For an objective assessment, upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze. The AI analysis classifies your Norwood stage, identifies your specific loss pattern, and provides treatment recommendations matched to your stage. The analysis compares your hairline against thousands of reference cases for accurate staging.