Hair Transplants for Men

What is the Norwood Scale?

The progression of male pattern baldness is generally classified on the Hamilton-Norwood scale, which ranges from stages I to VII.

This measurement scale was first introduced by Dr. James Hamilton in the 1950s and later revised and updated by Dr. O'Tar Norwood in the 1970s.

The seven levels of the Norwood Scale, can be described as follows:

There are seven levels of loss in the Norwood scale:

Norwood 1
A full head of hair without any visible hair loss

Norwood 2
Hair begins to recede and forms the beginning of a letter ‘M’ or ‘W’ depending on which direction you’re viewing the top of the head.

Norwood 3
Same receding pattern as Norwood 2, but the ‘M’ or ‘W’ is becoming more pronounced.

Norwood 4
Hairline has receded more dramatically in the frontal region and temporal area than Norwood 3 and there is the beginning of a bald spot at the back of the head.

Norwood 5
Same pattern as Norwood 4 but much of the hair has reduced in density.

Norwood 6
The strip of hair connecting the two sides of the head that existed in Norwood 4 and 5 no longer exists in Norwood 6.

Norwood 7

Norwood 7 shows hair receding all the way back to the base of the head and the sides just above the ears.

If you are considering a hair transplant, the Norwood Scale is a great chart to use to best describe your hair loss to a hair transplant surgeon. Although, seeing your hair loss pattern in person is best and photos of course are extremely helpful in the event you are unable to visit your prospective surgeon for a live hair transplant surgery consultation.

Visit our photo gallery for images that may resemble your hair loss pattern and see the amazing after transformations!

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