Norwood-Hamilton Scale
The Norwood scale (also known as the Norwood-Hamilton scale) is a measurement scale used to classify the extent and stages of male pattern baldness. It is widely accepted by doctors as a standard for assessing hair loss and evaluating baldness in patients. The scale was first introduced by James Hamilton in the 1950s and later updated by O’Tar Norwood in the 1970s.
The Norwood-Hamilton hair loss scale is a very important tool not only for assessing the degree of hair loss but also for evaluating the options available to a patient considering hair transplantation.
The scale consists of a total of 7 stages: from the mildest first stage – stage 1, to the most advanced form of baldness in stage 7.
Thanks to the scale below, you can independently assess at what stage of baldness you are currently at. Remember, baldness is an individual trait, not every case ends at stage 7 of the Norwood scale.
Stage 1
Juvenile hairline, with no signs of balding.
Stage 2
Mature hairline, temporal, mild recession of hair along the frontal hairline.
Stage 2a
Next stage of mild regression of the frontal hairline.
Stage 3
Stage 3a
The earliest phase of balding, significantly enlarged temples and more pronounced recession of the frontal hairline.
Stage 3 Vertex of the head
Stage 4
Stage 4a
Further recession of the hairline.
Stage 5
The band separating the bald spot on the crown of the head from the temples becomes visibly narrower.
Stage 5a
The frontal and vertex balding areas merge into one.
Stage 6
Baldness covers a larger part of the head, leaving only a narrow band of hair in the shape of a horseshoe.
Stage 7
Baldness expands and covers a larger part of the head. The final stage of balding.