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THE MODIFIED NORWOOD-HAMILTON SCALE®

This chart illustrates the stages used by medical professionals when discussing the progression of male pattern hair loss (MPHL). You may find it useful in helping determine your stage. The chart divides the typical pattern of male hair loss into 7 categories.

Stage 1

Full head of hair without any hair loss

 Stage 2

Minor recession at the front of the hairline

 Stage 3

Further loss at the front of the hairline, which is considered “cosmetically significant.”

 Stage 4

Progressively more loss along the front hairline and at the crown

 Stage 5

Hair loss extends toward the vertex

 Stage 6

Frontal and vertex balding areas merge into one and increase in size

 Stage 7

The last stage of male-pattern baldness, in which all hair is lost along the front hairline and crown
Stage 2 (anterior)

Recession across entire frontal hairline

Stage 3 (anterior)

Significant recession at temples along with receding hairline

 Stage 4 (anterior)

Hair moves past midcrown

Stage 5 (anterior)

Hair loss extends toward the vertex; back part of bald area is narrower than in Stage 5

Stage 2 (vertex)

Bald spot develops at the crown (vertex) in addition to minor recession at the front of the hairline

Stage 3 (vertex)

Bald spot develops at the crown in addition to significant hair loss at the front of the hairline.

* Adapted from Norwood OT. Hair Transplant Surgery. 1973. Courtesy of Charles C. Thomas, Publisher; Springfield, Ill.