What is the Norwood Scale?

The ‘Norwood Scale’, also known as the ‘Norwood Hamilton Scale’ is a tool used by hair transplant surgeons to measure the severity of your hair loss.

The Norwood Scale originated from Dr James Hamilton in the 1950s before it was modified by Dr O’Tar Norwood in the 1970s. The scale visually shows the variety of male pattern baldness patterns and the stages of progression.

• Stage 1 – No significant hair loss.
• Stage 2 – Slight recession of the hairline that is often referred to as an adult/mature hairline.
• Stage 3 – The first stage of significant balding, most common in the temples.
• Stage 4 – A more severe recession compared to stage 3, the hair on the top of the scalp may be sparse.
• Stage 5 – A larger area of hair loss the area between the receding hair line and top of the head is often very narrow.
• Stage 6 – Balding from the front to the top of the head.
• Stage 7 – The most severe stage of hair loss with only a band of hair remaining around the back and side of the scalp.

Click here for more information about assessing your hair loss with the Norwood Scale.

Our expert hair transplant surgeons at The Private Clinic will use the Norwood Scale to determine your stage of male pattern baldness to accurately decide on how effective a hair transplant will be for you. Book in for a consultation to find out more.