The Norwood Scale: Which Stage Are You In?
Published March 31, 2026 · 8 min read · By Dr. Erman Yılmaz, Lead Surgeon
The Norwood Scale (or Hamilton-Norwood Scale) is the universal classification system used by hair transplant surgeons to measure the extent of male pattern baldness. Understanding your stage is the first step in planning your hair restoration.
Stages 1 to 3: Early Hair Loss
Stage 1: No significant hair loss or recession of the hairline.
Stage 2: Slight recession at the temples, often called a "mature hairline".
Stage 3: The first stage considered clinical baldness. Deep recession at the temples forming an M, U, or V shape. A transplant of 2,000-3,000 grafts is commonly recommended here to restore the frontal hairline.
Stages 4 to 5: Significant Baldness
Stage 4: Severe recession and thinning at the crown (vertex). A band of hair still separates the two areas limit.
Stage 5: The band of hair across the mid-scalp narrows and thins. Usually requires 3,500-4,500 grafts (often using Sapphire FUE) for extensive coverage.
Stages 6 to 7: Severe Baldness
Stage 6 & 7: The most severe forms of hair loss, leaving only a horseshoe-shaped band of hair around the sides and back. Patients in these stages require maximum graft extraction (4,500-5,500+) and realistic expectations regarding density.
Contact Dr. Erman Yılmaz and the team for a free assessment to accurately determine your Norwood stage.
About the Author: Dr. Erman Yılmaz
Dr. Erman Yılmaz is the Lead Surgeon at Best Hair Clinic Istanbul. With over 15 years of exclusive experience in hair restoration and an ISHRS membership, he has successfully performed over 15,000 FUE and DHI procedures. His medical expertise ensures the highest standard of patient safety and natural-looking results.
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