Understanding the Norwood Scale: A Guide to Male Pattern Baldness
I frequently receive questions about the Norwood scale, so I’d like to take a moment to explain what it is. Developed in the 1950s and refined in the 1970s, the Norwood scale is based on observations of hundreds, if not thousands, of men experiencing male pattern baldness. This tool helps identify the predictable patterns of hair loss.
The Norwood scale ranges from Stage 1 to Stage 7, with Stage 1 representing the least hair loss and Stage 7 the most advanced. It specifically addresses male pattern baldness, while female pattern baldness is categorized differently, which we’ll cover in another blog.
Stage 1 is essentially a juvenile hairline, meaning there’s no hair loss—think of a 10-year-old boy with no signs of thinning or recession.
Stage 2 reflects a mature hairline, which is normal for men over 20. Here, there’s a slight recession in the temple area, a common occurrence as men transition out of their teenage years.
Stage 3 indicates more noticeable recession at the temples, with little to no hair left in those areas.
Stage 3B shows similar thinning, but now in the crown, where some men start to exhibit signs of baldness.
By Stage 4, we see significant recession at the hairline and noticeable thinning in the back. Men at this stage often experience hair loss on two fronts—frontal temporal recession and vertex thinning—though a thick band of hair usually separates the two.
Stage 5 shows continued thinning at the crown and more pronounced baldness at the front, with that separating band of hair becoming increasingly wispy.
In Stage 6, the vertex and frontal thinning merge, resulting in sparse hair with little to no separation between the two areas.
Stage 7 is the most advanced stage of male pattern baldness. Here, there’s virtually no distinction between the front and back, with only a thin strip of hair remaining on the sides and back, which is often the donor area for transplants.
So, that’s the Norwood scale in a nutshell. It helps us communicate about hair loss and determine the best treatment options—whether medical, hair transplantation, PRP, or a combination. I invite anyone concerned about hair loss to come in for an evaluation, so we can see where you land on the scale and discuss the best path forward. Looking forward to helping you!