Hair Restoration Seattle

How do hair restoration clinics measure hair loss? Many men experience hair thinning or receding hairlines as they age, and the process can feel confusing if you don’t know what’s going on. That’s where the Norwood Scale comes in. It’s a widely used classification system that helps identify how far male pattern baldness has progressed. Understanding where you fall on this scale can empower you to explore treatments. Many hair loss experts, like Dr. Javad Sajan at Hair Restoration Seattle, offer treatments that fit your specific stage of hair loss. Let’s look at the seven stages of the Norwood Scale, so you can get a better handle on your hair’s health and feel confident about moving forward.Norwood Scale 

Source: Healthline

The Norwood Scale: Stage 1: Little To No Hair Loss

At this earliest stage, your hairline appears relatively normal. You might not see any real thinning, and there’s typically no sign of a receding hairline yet. If you’re in this stage, you may not need any intervention. However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your hair’s condition over time. If you notice sudden changes, a professional evaluation with Dr. Sajan can help ensure you catch early signs of hair loss.

Stage 2: Early Recession

During Stage 2, you’ll likely see a slight receding hairline around the temples, forming a more pronounced “M” shape than before. This isn’t yet a dramatic change, but it can be a clear indicator that male pattern baldness is beginning to show up. If you’re seeing these early signs, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a qualified hair restoration professional like Dr. Sajan to discuss proactive treatment options.

Stage 3: Deep Recession

This is often where hair loss becomes more noticeable. The hairline recedes significantly at the temples, and the “M” shape becomes pronounced. You might also see thinning at the crown of your head. Treatment options such as prescription medications, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, or minimally invasive hair restoration techniques could make a real difference at this stage.

Stage 4: Significant Hair Loss

In Stage 4, the recession at the front of your hairline is more dramatic, and a bald spot at the crown becomes larger. There’s still a band of hair across the top of your head, but it may be getting thinner. At this stage, more advanced treatments like hair transplants, including FUE (follicular unit extraction) and FUT (follicular unit transplantation), may be good options. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Stage 5: Expanding Baldness

As you progress into Stage 5, the hair separating the front of the scalp and the crown continues to thin, causing these areas to look like they’re merging. Your hair loss is more pronounced, so a surgical hair transplant may be one of the most effective methods for achieving the fullness you want. Our team at Hair Restoration Seattle can walk you through each option in detail to help you feel informed and supported.

Stage 6: Nearing Full Baldness

At this point, the band of hair that once separated your front hairline from your crown disappears, and you’re left with extensive hair loss along the top of your scalp. If you’re in Stage 6, don’t despair. There are still options available. Modern hair restoration techniques, guided by Dr. Sajan, can produce impressive, natural-looking results even in advanced cases.

Stage 7: Most Severe Hair Loss

Stage 7 is the final and most advanced stage, where only a thin ring of hair remains on the sides and back of your scalp. Although hair transplant procedures are more challenging at this level of hair loss, they can still provide cosmetic improvement. We often pair surgical solutions with supportive therapies to help optimize your outcome.

Get A Professional Evaluation Today!

If you’re concerned about your hair loss or simply want to stay ahead of the game, schedule a consultation at Hair Restoration Seattle. Dr. Sajan is happy to discuss your options, including medications, therapies, and surgical procedures tailored to your unique stage of hair loss. To learn more about the possibilities for restoring your hair’s thickness and your confidence, give us a call at (206) 209-0988 to schedule your personalized appointment. We’re here to help you understand your options, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through every step of your hair restoration journey. With the Norwood Scale as a starting point, you’ll be well-equipped to make the best decision for your hair and your self-confidence!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Sajan
Dr. Sajan

Dr. Javad Sajan is an expert hair restoration specialist who offers many techniques and methods for in-depth care. With decades of experience and training in hair restoration, Dr. Sajan is known for his incredible results with hair transplants and other unique hair treatments. Dr. Sajan is a leading hair restoration provider and works to create ideal results for every patient.