Reference & tool

The Norwood Scale

The Norwood scale (also called Hamilton–Norwood) is the standard way to describe male pattern hair loss, from stage I to stage VII. Select a stage below to see what it looks like, a plain-English description and an indicative graft range.

Educational estimate only — we confirm your stage and plan

Selected

Stage III

~1,500–2,500 grafts

Noticeable M-shaped recession at the temples — generally the first stage widely considered for a transplant.

Check your estimateGraft ranges are broad indications — we confirm your plan.

Background

What is the Norwood scale?

The Norwood scale is a seven-stage map of how male pattern hair loss typically progresses. It was first set out by James Hamilton in the 1950s and later revised by O'Tar Norwood, which is why it is often called the Hamilton–Norwood scale.

Each stage describes a recognisable pattern — from an intact hairline, through temple recession and crown thinning, to more extensive loss where the front and crown merge. Surgeons use it as a shared reference to describe where you are today, to talk about how the pattern may develop, and to plan roughly how many grafts an area may need. It describes a pattern; it does not predict how fast loss will progress for any individual.

The stages

Norwood stages described

The classic seven stages, plus the common “vertex” variant that adds early crown loss.

Stage INo meaningful loss

A full adolescent hairline with no significant recession. Typically no restoration is indicated.

Stage IIMature hairline

Slight, symmetrical recession at the temples — the normal shift from a juvenile to a mature hairline.

Stage IIIFirst treatable stage

Deeper M-shaped temple recession. This is generally the earliest stage widely considered for a transplant.

Stage III vertexEarly crown loss

Temple recession combined with noticeable thinning at the crown (vertex), often planned as two areas.

Stage IVFrontal + crown

More extensive frontal loss and an enlarging crown, with a band of hair still bridging the two.

Stage VNarrowing bridge

The bridge between front and crown thins and narrows; the two balding areas grow closer.

Stage VIBridge gone

Front and crown connect as the separating band disappears. Coverage is planned around a finite donor area.

Stage VIIMost advanced

Only a band of hair remains around the sides and back, which is also the main donor supply.

Female pattern loss: the Ludwig scale

The Norwood scale describes the male pattern. Women more commonly follow the Ludwig scale, which grades diffuse thinning across the crown and along the part in three grades, usually without a receding frontal hairline. Because the pattern and causes differ, female hair loss is assessed and planned differently — if this applies to you, our team can advise on a suitable approach.

FAQ

Common questions

Honest answers about the scale and what it means for planning.

What is the Norwood scale?

The Norwood scale — sometimes called the Hamilton–Norwood scale — is a seven-stage classification that describes the typical pattern and extent of male pattern hair loss, from an intact hairline (stage I) to extensive loss (stage VII). Surgeons use it as a shared language to describe where you are and to plan how many grafts an area may need.

Which Norwood stage needs a transplant?

There is no single rule. Restoration is most commonly considered from around stage III onward, once recession is stable and there is enough donor hair to work with. Earlier stages are sometimes refined too. Suitability depends on your donor area, hair characteristics and goals — not the stage number alone.

Is there a Norwood scale for women?

Women more often follow the Ludwig scale, which describes diffuse thinning over the crown and part rather than a receding hairline. Female pattern loss is assessed differently, and planning reflects that. See the note below.

What is the difference between Hamilton and Norwood?

James Hamilton first described the pattern classification in the 1950s; O'Tar Norwood revised and expanded it in the 1970s, adding the widely used stages and the 'vertex' variant. The modern chart is usually called the Norwood or Hamilton–Norwood scale.

How many grafts do I need for my Norwood stage?

As a broad guide, earlier stages may need roughly 1,500–2,500 grafts and more advanced stages 3,500–6,000 or more, sometimes across two sessions. These are indications only. Our graft calculator gives a per-zone estimate, and we confirm the exact figure after assessing your scalp and donor density.

Know your stage — plan your next step

Map your Norwood stage into an indicative graft count and cost range with our free calculator, or share a few photos for an honest assessment. No obligation.

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