What Stage Is Your Hair Loss?
Take our free 3-minute assessment to identify your current hair loss stage and get personalized treatment recommendations for your specific situation.
Identify Your Stage NowUnderstanding Hair Loss Stages
Hair loss classification systems help medical professionals and patients track the progression of hair loss and determine appropriate treatments. The two primary scales are:
- Norwood Scale: Used for male pattern baldness
- Ludwig Scale: Used for female pattern hair loss
Knowing your hair loss stage is crucial for selecting the most effective treatment options and understanding what results to expect.
The Norwood Scale (Male Pattern Baldness)
The Norwood-Hamilton Scale is the standard classification system for male pattern baldness. It describes 7 stages of hair loss, from minimal recession to extensive baldness.
Norwood Scale Stages
Stage 1 - No Significant Loss
Minimal to no hairline recession. This is the control stage against which hair loss is measured.
Stage 2 - Slight Recession
Minor recession at temples, creating a slight 'M' shape. Often called a 'mature hairline.' May not require treatment.
Stage 3 - Moderate Recession
Deeper recession at temples. First stage considered 'balding.' Crown thinning may begin. Treatment recommended.
Stage 3 Vertex
Significant hair loss at the crown (vertex) with less recession at temples. Requires focused treatment.
Stage 4 - Significant Loss
Severe recession and crown baldness, separated by a band of hair. Aggressive treatment needed.
Stage 5 - Advanced Loss
Bridge of hair between temples and crown becoming thinner. Limited treatment options remain effective.
Stage 6 - Extensive Baldness
Bridge is mostly gone. Only a horseshoe pattern of hair remains. Hair transplant may be best option.
Stage 7 - Most Severe
Most advanced stage. Only a narrow band of hair around sides and back. Limited donor hair for transplant.
Treatment Recommendations by Norwood Stage
| Stage | Urgency | Recommended Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Low | Prevention, minoxidil, DHT-blocking shampoo |
| 3-3V | Moderate | Finasteride, minoxidil, PRP therapy |
| 4-5 | High | Hair transplant + medications, combination therapy |
| 6-7 | High | Hair transplant (if sufficient donor), scalp micropigmentation |
Determine Your Norwood Stage
Our assessment helps identify your exact Norwood stage and recommends treatments most effective for your level of hair loss.
Get Stage AssessmentThe Ludwig Scale (Female Pattern Hair Loss)
The Ludwig Scale classifies female pattern hair loss into 3 main stages. Unlike male pattern baldness, female hair loss typically presents as diffuse thinning across the crown while preserving the frontal hairline.
Ludwig Scale Stages
Ludwig Stage I - Mild
Subtle thinning on crown. Widening of hair part noticeable. Often first noticed when styling hair or under bright lights.
Ludwig Stage II - Moderate
Noticeable thinning and volume loss. Scalp becomes visible through hair. May need to change hairstyles to camouflage.
Ludwig Stage III - Advanced
Significant thinning with substantial scalp visibility. Hair very thin on top. More aggressive treatment needed.
Treatment Recommendations by Ludwig Stage
| Stage | Urgency | Recommended Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| I | Low | Minoxidil 2%, supplements, lifestyle changes |
| II | Moderate | Minoxidil 5%, spironolactone, PRP therapy |
| III | High | Combination therapy, hair transplant, low-level laser |
Other Classification Systems
Hamilton-Norwood Variations
- Type A variants: Hair loss from front to back without crown involvement
- Diffuse patterned alopecia: Thinning throughout with Norwood pattern
- Diffuse unpatterned alopecia: General thinning without defined pattern
Sinclair Scale
A newer 5-point scale for female pattern hair loss that focuses on the central part width:
- Grade 1: Normal hair part (no visible thinning)
- Grade 2: Mild widening of central part
- Grade 3: Moderate widening with visible scalp
- Grade 4: Extensive widening, significant thinning
- Grade 5: Advanced frontal hair loss
Why Early Stage Detection Matters
Identifying your hair loss stage early is critical because:
- More treatment options: Early stages respond to more treatments
- Better outcomes: Hair maintenance is easier than regrowth
- Lower cost: Prevention costs less than restoration
- Preserves donor hair: Important for potential future transplants
Learn to recognize early warning signs of hair loss before it progresses to advanced stages.
How Hair Loss Progresses
Understanding the typical progression can help you plan treatment:
Male Pattern Baldness Progression
- Often begins in late teens or early 20s
- Typically progresses 1 Norwood stage every 3-5 years
- Rate varies based on genetics and lifestyle
- Can stabilize at any stage, or progress to stage 7
Female Pattern Hair Loss Progression
- Usually begins after age 40, often around menopause
- Progresses more slowly than male pattern baldness
- Rarely progresses to complete baldness
- Can be accelerated by hormonal changes
Track Your Hair Loss Stage
Our comprehensive assessment identifies your current stage and predicts progression risk. Get personalized recommendations to slow or stop hair loss.
Start Free Assessment✓ Stage identification ✓ Progression risk ✓ Treatment timeline
Conclusion
Understanding hair loss stages helps you make informed decisions about treatment. Whether you're using the Norwood Scale for male pattern baldness or the Ludwig Scale for female pattern hair loss, knowing your stage is the first step toward effective treatment.
Early intervention at stages 1-3 offers the best outcomes. If you're noticing hair loss, don't wait - explore our comprehensive treatment guide and consider taking our assessment to understand your options.