Around 80% of Australian men experience some degree of hair loss in their lifetime, most commonly following the pattern documented in the Norwood Scale. This 7-stage classification system helps hair loss specialists identify how far along your hair loss is and which treatments are most suitable. Men with male pattern baldness, the most common cause of male hair loss, tend to lose hair in a predictable pattern, and recognising your stage early gives you the best chance of slowing further loss.
What Is the Norwood Scale of Men’s Hair Loss?
The Norwood Scale, or the Norwood-Hamilton Scale, is a classification system that grades the severity of hair loss in males, from a full head of hair at Stage 1 to almost complete baldness by Stage 7.
The development of the Norwood Scale started not with dermatologist Dr Norwood but with a chairman of an anatomy department at a New York medical centre in 1951.
Dr James B. Hamilton set out to classify male pattern hair loss for the first time by identifying common patterns in a study of more than 700 people of all ages.
He ended up with 8 classification types, divided into two major categories: “not bald” (types I-III) and “bald” (types IV-VIII).
It was a great starting point but in 1975, Dr O’Tar Norwood simplified it and added detailed images to make it easier to identify each stage of hair loss (and any possible variations).
The resulting Norwood Scale, also called the Norwood-Hamilton Scale, is the most popular classification system hair loss specialists use today.
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Take the quizWhat Are the Stages of Hair Loss in Men?
Most men lose their hair gradually following a similar trajectory or pattern. The standardised 7-stage system helps specialists diagnose the degree of male pattern baldness, provide the most effective treatment options, and track progress.
Learn more: Why do men lose their hair?
Stage 1.
Stage 1 of the Norwood Scale can be considered the control stage. You’re sitting comfortably in Stage 1 if you have a full head of hair with minimal (or no) signs of a receding hairline or baldness.
Stage 2.
Mild hair loss becomes visible as hair begins to recede at your temples. This thinning gradually forms a triangular shape across the hairline that looks like a V or an M shape when viewed from above.
If you’re experiencing this receding hairline, don’t jump to conclusions: It may not indicate male pattern baldness. Instead, you may just be developing a mature hairline, which most adult men eventually end up with.
Stage 3.
Things start to heat up at Stage 3. Your receding hairline will deepen, with your forehead becoming completely bare or sparsely covered in barely-there hair.
Stage 3 of hair loss creates a wider forehead that may look like an M, U, or V shape from above. This is considered the first sign of clinical balding.
Stage 3 Vertex
The Norwood Scale takes a side step here, introducing Stage 3 Vertex. Here, the hairline stays the same as at stage 2 but we start to notice hair thinning or a bald spot at the top of the scalp (called the vertex).
Stage 4.
By Stage 4, you have developed significant hair loss, with your hairline receding far back on the head and bald spots appearing on the crown. These two areas of hair loss are typically separated by a band of hair that connects to the hair on the sides of your scalp. From above, the hairline resembles a U shape.
Stage 5.
Stage 5 is simply a more severe version of Stage 4. That band of hair between your receding hairline and your balding crown is still there, but barely. It becomes noticeably thinner. You’ll still have hair on the sides and back of your head.
Stage 6.
By Stage 6, you start to lose the band of hair across the top of your head. The bald spots at your temple join up with your balding crown. The top of your scalp is almost entirely visible. You’ll still have hair on the sides and back of your head — these areas of your head are the most resistant to hair loss.
Stage 7.
You’ve arrived at an advanced stage of androgenetic alopecia. Stage 7 signifies severe hair loss, with almost total balding on the scalp. You may have a few fine, wispy hairs but nothing substantial.
Hair loss also begins to affect the sides and back of your scalp, with hair weakening and thinning out.
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Early Stage Hair Loss Treatments
The early stages of male pattern baldness — Stages 1–3 of the Norwood Scale — may not seem urgent. Unless you have a family history of hair loss, you may not even notice that your hairline is gradually receding.
The first step to nurturing healthy hair may be to make some simple lifestyle changes, such as eating foods that are good for hair growth, quitting smoking, and managing your stress.
It’s also never too early to start treatment. The Hairy Pill® is a personalised treatment that may contain clinical grade actives to help reduce hair loss and support hair follicle health
Taking early action increases your chances of reversing the hair loss and keeping your hair where it belongs — on your head — well into the future. Get started now.
Late Stage Hair Loss Treatments
Once your hair loss reaches the later stages of the Norwood Scale — generally Stage 4 and above — hair loss treatments can become a little more complicated.
A prescription hair loss medication with a stronger dose of active ingredients (such as finasteride) may still be a good place to start. At The Hairy Pill®, one of our partner doctors can assess your needs and adjust the dose according to the severity of your hair loss.
If you’re not sure whether it’s too late for you, you can contact us (or call us at (03) 8899 6322) to speak to our knowledgeable team or arrange a consultation with a doctor.
Men facing the latest stages of hair loss may also consider a hair transplant as a last resort. This surgical procedure involves removing healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp and grafting it to the balding sections.
Find a Men's Hair Loss Treatment That Works for You
Most men will experience some degree of hair loss in their lifetime but that doesn’t mean a bald crown is inevitable — especially if you take early action. The sooner you start treatment, the more effective it can be.
Whether you’re in the early stages or further along, a personalised treatment tailored to your needs may help. Get started now.
