How bald am I?
If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, the Hamilton-Norwood scale has your answer. Most commonly referred to as the Norwood scale, it measures the extent of male pattern baldness. It includes seven main categories (also sometimes referred to as “types” or “classes”) to indicate different stages of hair loss.
Dr. James Hamilton first devised the hair loss scale in the 1950s, and it was then updated by dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon Dr. O’Tar Norwood in the 1970s. There are simple visuals used to describe each stage of hair loss, and today it’s currently the most popular tool to define and measure baldness.
Overview of the Norwood Scale stages
Each stage on the Norwood scale considers the severity and pattern of hair loss. For instance, a doctor may refer to a patient as a “Norwood 3.”
- Stage 1 – Minimal hair loss or no significant recession of the hairline.
- Stage 2 – Slight recession of the hairline, particularly around the temples, which is also known as an adult or mature hairline.
- Stage 3 – The first signs of clinically significant balding start to appear. The hairline becomes deeply recessed at both temples, resembling an M, U, or V shape. At this stage, it’s common for doctors to consider a patient a candidate for a hair transplant.
- Stage 3 vertex – The hairline stays at Stage 2, but there is a “bald spot” or significant hair loss at the top of your head now.
- Stage 4 – The hairline recession is more severe, and there is little to no hair on the top of your head. The two areas of hair loss may be connected by a band of hair.
- Stage 5 – The two areas of hair loss are larger than in stage 4. Still separated, and now the band of hair between them is becoming narrower and sparser.
- Stage 6 – There is only sparse hair remaining at the top of your head, and your hairline has essentially disappeared now.
- Stage 7 – Only a band of hair going around the sides of the head remains. This hair is usually not dense and may be fine.
Type A variant – This variation of the hair loss stages is characterized by the entire hairline receding, not just at the temples.
How bald am I?
The Norwood scale is a useful tool to help you quickly identify how severe your hair loss actually. Not everyone will experience all the stages.