Stage I
Minimal loss
Adolescent or pre-adult hairline. Symmetric, sits low on the forehead, no recession at the temples. Rarely a candidate for surgery — treat any active loss with finasteride or minoxidil and follow over 12–24 months.
The Norwood Scale is the standard medical classification for male pattern hair loss — seven stages from minimal recession to advanced loss. Knowing your stage doesn't tell you what to do; it tells the surgeon what to plan for.
The Norwood Scale was published by Dr. James Norwood in 1975 as a way to classify male pattern hair loss objectively. It's used by every hair restoration surgeon in the world to plan treatment, estimate graft requirements, and communicate clearly between practitioners.
It's not a diagnosis — it's a description. The scale tells us where you are on the typical progression. It does not predict where you'll end up, how fast you'll get there, or what treatment is right for you. Those questions need a proper consultation.
Below: the seven stages, what each looks like, and the clinical considerations for each.
Adolescent or pre-adult hairline. Symmetric, sits low on the forehead, no recession at the temples. Rarely a candidate for surgery — treat any active loss with finasteride or minoxidil and follow over 12–24 months.
Mild recession at the temples — the early 'M' shape begins. Typically the first stage where patients consider treatment. Non-surgical options first; surgical reserved for stable, well-defined cases.
Clearly defined temporal recession; the M shape is visible. The most common stage at which patients book consultations. Often a strong FUE candidate — donor supply is intact, recipient area is well-defined, results are predictable.
Continued recession at the front plus visible thinning at the crown. The bridge of hair between front and crown is still intact. Surgical candidate; case planning balances density across both areas.
The bridge of hair between front and crown begins to thin. Surgical possible, but graft demand is high — sometimes requires multiple sessions or large-session FUE/FUT to deliver coverage.
Front and crown loss merge; only the donor band at the back and sides remains intact. Donor management becomes the central challenge — preserving donor for future cases is critical.
Only the back and sides of the head retain hair. The most advanced pattern. Surgery can dramatically improve appearance but cannot restore the original hair distribution. Realistic expectations are essential.
Stages I–II: Almost always non-surgical. Finasteride (oral or topical) and minoxidil (topical) are the proven medical therapies. Reassess at 12 and 24 months. Surgery rarely justified at this stage because the loss may stabilise on its own.
Stages III–IV: The bulk of surgical patients. Donor supply is intact, recipient area is well-defined, results are predictable. FUE or FUT both work; the choice depends on graft demand, hair length preferences, and budget.
Stages V–VII: Surgery still possible but requires careful donor management and realistic expectations. Sometimes a single large-session is enough; sometimes two or three sessions over years are needed to achieve coverage. Honest planning matters most at this stage.
The Norwood stage is one input. Donor density, hair characteristics (coarse vs fine, curly vs straight), age, family history, and your goals all factor in. The right answer for you is determined in consultation, not by a chart.
Tap your closest stage on the photo consultation form, or send photos and Dr. Jones will tell you. Either way you'll get a written assessment back — what stage, what treatment fits, what's realistic.