What is the Norwood Scale?

If you’ve been researching hair transplants you’ve likely heard of the Norwood scale.
The Norwood scale is a tool that was developed to help diagnose the progression of hair loss. It was developed in the 1950’s and has been revised several times since.
The scale has approximately 8-12 stages depending on the version of the scale used. While there are many different variants of hair loss (much more than 12), the Norwood scale illustrates the most common ones.
Over time, as hair loss progresses, an individual may move to a different number on the scale. Similarly, a hair transplant changes the individual’s number on the scale as well.
Knowing your number on the scale allows you to keep track of your hair loss over time. This is particularly useful for those utilizing medical management. Medical management helps to maintain your current hair and prevent continued and future hair loss.
This tool not only helps you diagnose the progression of your hair loss but also helps in communicating with physicians and surgeons. Having an agreed upon scale allows everyone to be on the same page. This is particularly important when having a hair transplant surgery.
How to determine your level on the Norwood Scale
The 8 level Norwood scale follows the hair loss progression below:
Type I. Minimal hair loss.
Type II. Insignificant hair loss at temples.
Type III. The first stage that requires treatment.
Type III Vertex. Receding hairline and thinning hair on vertex.
Type IV. Bigger pattern on the vertex and hairline.
Type V. Patterns at both sites are bigger but a thin division line is still present.
Type VI. The bridge is gone but several strands of short fine hair may remain.
Type VII. The most severe form of hair loss. Little hair on the front or top of the head.
To determine your exact degree of baldness utilizing the scale, you should meet with a certified hair restoration surgeon. They will analyze your hair and give you a level and quote during a consultation.
If you’d like to determine your Norwood level, give us a call for a consultation today.

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