The Norwood scale is the standard way to describe male pattern hair loss, in seven stages from a full hairline to extensive loss. Tap a stage below to see what it looks like, find roughly where you sit, and use it to track change over time. It is a starting point, not a diagnosis.
Want a tailored read? Scan and track your hairline.
A mature hairline, shifted back slightly at the temples. This is normal and most men reach it.
How to use it
Match your hairline and crown to the stages, ideally with photos taken in the same light every couple of months. What matters is not the exact number but whether you are moving between stages over time. For the full breakdown, see the Norwood scale guide.
A note for women
Female pattern loss usually looks different, a diffuse thinning over the top and a widening part rather than a receding hairline, and is graded on the Ludwig scale instead. The Norwood scale is for the male pattern.
When to see a doctor
If you are progressing past a mature hairline, the crown is thinning, or you want to start treatment, see a dermatologist. Early action keeps the most hair.
Frequently asked questions
What Norwood stage am I?+
Tap through the seven stages and match your hairline and crown to the descriptions, ideally using photos. For anything past a mature hairline, a dermatologist can grade it accurately.
Is the Norwood scale a diagnosis?+
No. It describes how far pattern loss has gone, not why. Use it to track change over time, not to self-diagnose.
Which Norwood stage is normal?+
Stages 1 and 2 are a youthful then mature hairline, both normal. Stage 3 onward is where pattern loss becomes clear.
Related
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology, male pattern hair loss
- Healthline, Norwood scale resources
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. It does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. If a symptom worries you, see a doctor.