The Norwood Scale is the standard classification system used worldwide by hair restoration experts to identify and grade the stages of male pattern baldness. Find your stage below and understand your treatment options.
Norwood Class refers to a classification system used to categorise male pattern baldness, specifically focusing on the progression and severity of hair loss in men. Named after Dr. O'Tar Norwood, who developed the scale in the 1970s, the Norwood Class scale helps dermatologists and hair restoration specialists assess hair loss patterns and recommend appropriate treatments. It consists of several stages, ranging from minimal hair loss at the temples (Norwood Class I) to extensive hair loss across the crown and frontal scalp (Norwood Class VII). Understanding your Norwood Class is essential for developing a personalised treatment plan.
7 Distinct Stages
From minimal temple recession to extensive crown and frontal hair loss
Since 1970s
Developed by Dr. O'Tar Norwood, the global standard for hair loss classification
Treatment Guide
Each stage has recommended treatments from PRP therapy to UHDHT transplant
Check below at which class is your baldness progression.
Represents an adolescent or juvenile hairline and is not actually balding. The adolescent hairline generally rests on the upper brow crease.
No treatment required at this stage. Preventive care with PRP or QR678 therapy can maintain hair health.
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Result
UHDHT Result
Indicates a progression to the adult or mature hairline that sits a finger's breath (1.5cm) above the upper brow crease, with some temporal recession. This also does not represent balding.
Early intervention with PRP therapy or QR678 can slow progression and maintain density.
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Result
UHDHT Result
The earliest stage of male hair loss. It is characterized by a deepening temporal recession.
Hair transplant using UHDHT technique delivers excellent results. Combined with QR678 for optimal density.
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Result
UHDHT Result
Represents early hair loss in the crown (vertex).
UHDHT hair transplant combined with PRP therapy effectively restores crown density.
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Result
UHDHT Result
Characterized by further frontal hair loss and enlargement of vertex, but there is still a solid band of hair across the top (mid-scalp) separating front and vertex.
UHDHT hair transplant is highly effective. Our patented technique ensures maximum graft survival and natural density.
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UHDHT Result
The bald areas in the front and crown continue to enlarge and the bridge of hair separating the two areas begins to break down.
Custom multi-session UHDHT transplant plan. Our experts design a personalised approach for comprehensive coverage.
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Patient
Result
UHDHT Result
Occurs when the connecting bridge of hair disappears leaving a single large bald area on the front and top of the scalp. The hair on the sides of the scalp remains relatively high.
Advanced multi-session UHDHT with strategic donor management. Our qualified doctors create a complete restoration plan.
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Patient
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UHDHT Result
Our qualified doctors recommend the most effective treatment based on your Norwood classification.
Early Stage
Preventive care to maintain existing hair density and slow any progression.
Learn MoreModerate Stage
Hair transplant delivers excellent results with high-density restoration and natural hairlines.
Learn MoreAdvanced Stage
Customised multi-session UHDHT plan for comprehensive coverage and maximum density.
Learn MoreTake our 2-minute baldness assessment to identify your Norwood class and get personalised treatment recommendations from our qualified doctors.
Take Free AssessmentCommon questions about the Norwood Scale and hair loss treatment.
The Norwood Scale (also known as the Hamilton-Norwood Scale) is a widely accepted classification system that measures the extent and pattern of male pattern baldness. Developed by Dr. O'Tar Norwood in the 1970s, it categorises hair loss into seven distinct stages — from Class 1 (no significant hair loss) to Class 7 (the most extensive pattern of hair loss). It helps hair restoration specialists assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
You can get a preliminary idea by comparing your hairline and crown area with the reference diagrams on this page. However, for an accurate assessment, we recommend consulting with our qualified doctors at Assure Clinic. You can also take our free online Baldness Calculator assessment for a quick evaluation. A professional consultation will factor in family history, rate of progression, and donor area quality to determine your exact classification.
Hair transplant is most effective from Norwood Class 3 onwards, where there is clinically significant hair loss. For Classes 1-2, non-surgical treatments like PRP therapy and QR678 are typically recommended to maintain existing hair. For Classes 3-6, our patented UHDHT (Ultra High-Density Hair Transplant) technique delivers natural-looking, high-density results with 95% graft survival. For advanced stages (Class 5-6), a customised multi-session approach may be planned for optimal coverage.
UHDHT (Ultra High-Density Hair Transplant) is Assure Clinic's umbrella technique that combines our patented UFME (extraction) and DSHI (implantation) methods. Understanding your Norwood Class helps our experts determine the number of grafts needed, the optimal hairline design, and the strategic placement pattern. Higher Norwood classes typically require more grafts and may benefit from multi-session UHDHT for comprehensive restoration.
We recommend consulting a qualified doctor as soon as you notice receding temples, thinning at the crown, or increased hair fall. Early intervention (Norwood Class 2-3) offers the best outcomes because more treatment options are available, and preventive therapies can slow or halt further progression. At Assure Clinic, our free consultation includes a detailed scalp analysis, Norwood classification, and a personalised treatment plan tailored to your goals.
