Understanding Norwood Scale and the Pattern of Male Baldness

Posted by Dr. Ashish Dutta on 1 August 2017

Norwood Scale is difficult to understand but here Dr Ashish Dutta is explaining this measurement scale for male pattern baldness in a very easy way.

The progression of male pattern baldness (Androgenic Alopecia) is generally classified on the Hamilton–Norwood scale, which ranges from stages 1 to 7.

Dr James Hamilton first introduced the measurement scale in the 1950s and which was later revised and updated by Dr O’Tar Norwood in the 1970s.

The Norwood classification is an internationally recognized method of plotting the stages of hair loss in men. See the images below which match your degree of hair loss and Diagnose Yourself: How Bald You Are?

Norwood Scale Class 1-

Norwood Scale Class 1

Normal head of hair with no visible hair loss.

Norwood Scale Class 2-

Norwood Scale Class 2

An initial stage of baldness where hair is receding slightly in a wedge shaped pattern in the temple area. 

Norwood Scale Class 2A-

Norwood Scale Class 2A

Same as Class 2 but slightly more defined, it rests above the upper forehead crease, with some temporal recession.

Norwood Scale Class 3-

Norwood Scale Class 3

The similar receding pattern as Norwood 2, where the hairline has receded deeper into the frontal area and the temporal area.

Norwood Scale Class 3A-

Norwood Scale Class 3A

The frontal temporal area shows a pattern of receding hair and the initial stage of baldness in the crown area.

Norwood Scale Class 3 Vertex-

Norwood Scale Class 3 Vertex

More pronounced hair loss in the frontal temporal and crown area.

Norwood Scale Class 4-

Norwood Scale Class 4

Hairline recedes much more in the frontal region and temporal area in comparison to Norwood 3 and a bald spot starts to emerge at the back of the head.

Norwood Scale Class 4A-

Norwood Scale Class 4A

Much more prominent hair loss in the frontal temporal and crown area.

Norwood Scale Class 5-

Norwood Scale Class 5

Even more reduced hair density than Norwood 4.

Norwood Scale Class 5A-

Norwood Scale Class 5A

Frontal temporal and crown area shows more pronounced hair loss.

Norwood Scale Class 6-

Norwood Scale Class 6

Norwood 6 depicts the loss of the strip of hair connecting the two sides of the head that existed in Norwood 4 and 5.

Norwood Scale Class 7-

Norwood Scale Class 7

Worst stage of baldness where hair is receding all the way to the base of the head and the only thing left is a horseshoe shape.

Hope this will guide you to understand your Baldness stage.

If you have any query, feel free to book your consultation or call us on 01915672900.