What is the Hair Loss Norwood Hamilton Scale?

The Norwood Hamilton Scale is a way to measure the extent of male pattern baldness. Today’s Norwood Hamilton Scale originated with Dr James Hamilton in the 1950s who developed the baldness classification system, which was later revised by Dr O’Tar Norwood in the 1970’s.

Men typically lose their hair around the temples and at the crown region of the scalp. The Norwood Hamilton Scale accurately measures the stage of male pattern baldness through a diagram (see below). Men exceeding stage 4 are less likely to combat hair loss than men who suffer from stages 1-3, Stage 2 is classified as the earliest stage of male pattern baldness.



NORWOOD 1:
No visible signs of receding or thinning.

NORWOOD 2:
Slight receding at the temples.

NORWOOD 3:
Further receding at the temples with thinning at the crown.

NORWOOD 4:
Considerable receding at the temples with a visible bald patch at the crown.

NORWOOD 5:
Receded temples and bald patch begin to connect.

NORWOOD 6+
Complete loss of hair at the top of the head.