Échelle de Norwood Perte de Cheveux: À Quel Stade Êtes-Vous? Istanbul 2026 | OTEMED

Norwood Scale: Understanding Your Hair Loss Stage

The Norwood scale is the foundation of hair transplant planning. Understanding your stage determines how many grafts you need, which technique is best, and what results are realistic. Istanbul surgeons use the Norwood scale to design personalized treatment plans.

Norwood stages 1-7 explained

Stage 1: No hair loss. Stage 2: Slight recession at temples. Stage 3: Deeper temple recession (transplant recommended). Stage 3 Vertex: Crown thinning begins. Stage 4: Significant crown and temple loss. Stage 5: Crown and temples nearly connected. Stage 6: Crown and temples fully connected. Stage 7: Only horseshoe band remains.

Graft requirements and cost by Norwood stage

Norwood 2: 500–1,500 grafts, $1,000–$2,000. Norwood 3: 1,500–2,500 grafts, $1,500–$2,500. Norwood 4: 2,500–3,500 grafts, $2,000–$3,500. Norwood 5: 3,000–4,500 grafts, $2,500–$4,000. Norwood 6: 4,000–6,000 grafts, $3,000–$5,500. Norwood 7: 5,000–8,000 grafts, $4,000–$7,000 (2 sessions).

Best technique for each Norwood stage

Norwood 2-3: DHI preferred (density in existing hair, no shaving). Norwood 3-5: FUE or DHI both suitable. Norwood 6-7: FUE preferred (large sessions, maximum coverage). Sapphire FUE available for all stages at premium clinics.

When to get a hair transplant

Most surgeons recommend waiting until Norwood 3-4 before transplanting. Earlier stages may continue to progress, requiring additional sessions. Starting finasteride at Norwood 2-3 can slow progression and reduce the total grafts needed. Istanbul surgeons assess your progression rate and recommend the optimal timing.

Norwood scale for women: the Ludwig scale

Women use the Ludwig scale (1-3) rather than Norwood. Female pattern hair loss typically presents as diffuse thinning at the crown rather than receding hairline. DHI hair transplant is preferred for women in Istanbul at $2,000–$5,000.

Questions-réponses cliniques (PAA)

What is the Norwood scale?

The Norwood-Hamilton scale is the standard classification system for male pattern baldness, ranging from Stage 1 (no hair loss) to Stage 7 (only a horseshoe band of hair remains on the sides and back). It was developed by Dr. James Hamilton in 1951 and revised by Dr. O'Tar Norwood in 1975.

How many grafts do I need for each Norwood stage?

Norwood 2: 500–1,500 grafts. Norwood 3: 1,500–2,500 grafts. Norwood 3 Vertex: 2,000–3,000 grafts. Norwood 4: 2,500–3,500 grafts. Norwood 5: 3,000–4,500 grafts. Norwood 6: 4,000–6,000 grafts. Norwood 7: 5,000–8,000 grafts (may require 2 sessions).

What is the best hair transplant for Norwood 3?

Norwood 3 is the ideal stage for hair transplant — the donor area is still strong and 1,500–2,500 grafts can restore a natural hairline. FUE or DHI both work well. Cost in Istanbul: $1,500–$3,000 all-inclusive.

Can Norwood 7 get a hair transplant?

Yes, but it requires 5,000–8,000 grafts, often split over 2 sessions. The donor area must be assessed carefully. Some Norwood 7 patients may not have sufficient donor hair for full coverage. Istanbul surgeons can assess donor density and design a realistic plan.

What is the Ludwig scale for women?

The Ludwig scale classifies female pattern hair loss into 3 stages: Stage 1 (mild thinning at the crown), Stage 2 (moderate widening of the part), Stage 3 (severe thinning with visible scalp). Female hair transplant in Istanbul uses DHI technique and costs $2,000–$5,000.

At what Norwood stage should I get a hair transplant?

Most surgeons recommend waiting until Norwood 3-4 before transplanting, as earlier stages may continue to progress. Starting medication (finasteride, minoxidil) at Norwood 2-3 can slow progression. Istanbul surgeons assess your progression rate before recommending surgery.

How do I determine my Norwood stage?

Compare your hairline and crown to the Norwood scale diagram. Key indicators: Norwood 2-3 = receding temples. Norwood 4 = significant crown thinning. Norwood 5-6 = temples and crown merging. Norwood 7 = only side/back hair remains. Istanbul surgeons confirm your stage during consultation.

Does finasteride stop Norwood progression?

Finasteride (Propecia) stops or slows Norwood progression in 80-90% of men and regrows hair in 60-70%. It works best at Norwood 2-4. Istanbul hair transplant surgeons often recommend combining finasteride with hair transplant for optimal long-term results.