The Norwood scale — find your stage.

The 7 stages

From a maturing hairline to advanced loss.

Stage I

A full, juvenile hairline with no real recession.

Fit: Monitor · scalp health

Stage II

A mature hairline — slight recession at the temples. Normal for most adults.

Fit: Early PRP if progressing

Stage III

The first clearly balding stage — deeper temple recession (the classic 'M').

Fit: PRP / exosomes · FUE hairline

Stage III Vertex

Recession plus early thinning at the crown.

Fit: Regenerative + FUE (hairline + crown)

Stage IV

More recession and a defined bald spot at the crown, separated by a band of hair.

Fit: FUE + regenerative stack

Stage V

The band between front and crown narrows; both zones enlarge.

Fit: High-volume FUE planning

Stage VI–VII

Front and crown merge; only a horseshoe of donor hair remains.

Fit: Careful donor-led FUE plan

How to read your stage

The Norwood scale runs from I to VII and tracks two fronts that usually advance together — the hairline and the crown:

+I–II: a full or slightly maturing hairline; normal, not true balding
+III: the first clear recession at the temples — the most common stage to seek help
+III vertex / IV: recession plus a developing thin spot at the crown
+V–VI: the two areas merge as the bridge of hair between them thins
+VII: only the permanent “horseshoe” band at the back and sides remains

What your stage means for treatment

Stage guides strategy, not just severity. Earlier stages (II–III) often respond well to medication and regenerative therapy to hold the line, with a transplant to rebuild the hairline. Mid stages (IV–V) usually combine a transplant with maintenance to protect what remains. Even advanced stages (VI–VII) can be restored, but the finite donor band means planning prioritises the hairline and mid-scalp that frame the face. Your real plan comes from a scalp analysis, not a chart.

Answers

Common questions, answered straight.

Compare your hairline and crown to the stages above, then confirm it free with a scalp analysis — we map your exact pattern and donor density.

All of them. Earlier stages (II–IV) have the widest options, including regenerative therapy to slow progression; later stages focus on donor-led FUE planning.

Not necessarily — it depends on your donor supply, not just the stage. Even advanced loss can often be restored with careful planning.

Free Consultation

Find your stage, and your options.

Book a free scalp analysis — we confirm your Norwood stage and the lightest effective plan.

+Free 20-minute consult — in person or virtual

+Clear, published pricing — no surprise upsells

+116 Central Park South · growth guarantee

Growth guarantee. If your grafts don't grow as planned, we make it right at no extra cost.

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