The Norwood-Hamilton scale is a type of measurement that allows to classify the stages of male pattern baldness. In the 1950s, Dr. The measurement that entered the literature by James Hamilton, Dr. Developed by O’tar Norwood. The scale divides baldness and hair loss into 7 different stages. Each stage is divided into classical and A class in itself.
What Is The Classical Scale?
The point looked at in the classical scale is the top of the hair. The baldness measure is determined according to the shedding rate in the top of the head.
What Is A Class A Scale?
In the A-class scale, the front hairline begins to recede backwards. There is no baldness on the top of the head.
What Are The Stages Of Hair Loss?
According to the Norwood-Hamilton scale, the stages of hair loss are;
Stage 1
If you are in the 1st stage of the Norwood-Hamilton scale, there is no need to be afraid because there is no shedding in the hair at this stage. The only symptom is slight retraction in the forehead, taking care of your hair at this stage will prevent shedding.
Stage 2
At this stage, thinning usually begins in the forehead area. Lighter spills are observed in the second stage. If your hairline is starting to recede slightly and your hair is starting to thin, you are in the 2nd phase of hair loss.
Stage 3
At this stage, hair loss becomes visible. Shedding is evident in the forehead and front hairline. The hairline begins to recede and takes an M shape. At the peak point, the openings start slowly.
Stage 4
In the 4th stage, the hairline regression becomes more evident. The hair at the top begins to thin and thin. The front part of the hair begins to take a U shape and the regression of the front line becomes evident.
Stage 5
In this stage, which is called the stage, the spills in the forehead line and the top region become visible. At this stage, shedding has not occurred completely, yet there is still hair on the front and top, but the existing hair has started to thin and weaken.
Stage 6
At this stage, the apex and the front parts begin to fall out clearly. There is still hair on the side of the head, but the front hairline and apex are almost becoming merged. It is the stage before permanent baldness.
Stage 7
It is the last stage of hair loss and comes to the level of baldness. The top of the head is completely shed. Except for the nape area, which is the most resistant to shedding, there is not much hair left. The hair that grows out is thin and weak.
What Are The Causes Of Male Pattern Hair Loss?
Male pattern hair loss is seen especially in men and in some cases it is also seen in women. Male pattern hair loss, known as baldness among the people, is the last stage of hair loss, and after this point, the completely shed roots do not come out again. The permanent solution to male pattern hair loss is hair transplantation.
With the effect of hormones that decrease over time, permanent hair loss is experienced. During this process, the hair becomes thinner, weaker and begins to fall out permanently.
How Is Hair Loss Treated?
Many men and women experience the problem of hair loss. The most important point to get rid of hair loss is early diagnosis and treatment. If the shedding is treated after it starts, the spills do not progress. After the hair loss starts, the first step is drug treatment. Despite everything, if there is no solution, the most permanent solution is to have a hair transplant operation.
Drug treatment for hair loss varies from person to person. As a result of personalized treatment planning, good results can be obtained.
Drug treatments applied for hair loss are;
- Minoxidil
Minoxidil active ingredient is among the most effective drugs used in the treatment of male pattern hair loss. The FDA-approved drug has been found to stop hair loss in approximately 60% of patients. The only negative side of this drug is the recurrence of hair loss when its use is stopped, so experts recommend using the drug continuously.
- Finasteride
Finasteride, which offers a solution for those with male pattern hair loss, is among the effective drugs. The drug, which is effective in stopping hair loss, prevents hair loss in the scalp, hairline and crown area.
Are The Scales Used Correct?
Norwood-Hamilton scales are scales used to determine the extent of male pattern hair loss. There is a classification from the 1st to the 7th stage and the size of your hair loss is determined according to these stages.
Is Stage 1 Considered Balding?
This stage is known as the first stage of baldness. At this stage, you are not completely bald, but the shedding is severe and precautions must be taken. At this stage, the hair around the temple begins to fall out and the hairline regresses. It is also considered as the transition phase from youth to adulthood.
Is It Possible To Get Rid Of Hair Loss In Norwood Stage 2?
Stage 2 is the mature hairline stage. At this stage, when hair loss starts, if necessary precautions are taken, it will decrease and you are more likely to have healthy hair.
Does Norwood Mean Stage 3 Bald?
This is the stage where the hairline begins to recede. Hairline recession, which starts in the 3rd stage, is visible, but it is not correct to say that it is completely bald.
Is There A Need For Hair Transplantation In The 4st Stage?
Hair transplantation is not recommended in the 1st stage. This stage is the control stage of existing hair.
Is Hair Transplant Operation Performed In The 5th Stage?
People who are in the 5th stage can easily have a hair transplant operation. At the stage of hair loss rate, the faster you have hair transplantation, the faster you will get results.
Is Hair Transplantation Done In The 6th Stage?
Every person who is in the advanced stage of hair transplantation planting operation can be done. Hair transplant operation can also be applied to those who experience 6th stage hair loss.
Is Hair Transplantation Done In The 7th Stage?
If you are in the 7th stage, which is the last stage of Norwood measurement, do not be afraid, you can have a hair transplant operation. You can overcome this stage with a doctor who is an expert in his field. New hair can be transplanted to replace your lost hair and your hairline can look natural. Hair follicle seeds taken from the nape area or, if necessary, from the beard area are transferred to the area where the baldness occurs, thereby providing a solution to baldness. In some cases, a second operation may be needed for a more natural image.
Where Should The Hairline Start?
The main goal in hair transplant operations should be naturalness. In order to achieve the most natural result in the planning stage of hair transplantation operation, the person’s natural hairline should be taken as a basis. A joint decision should be taken with the expectation of the patients and the opinion of the specialist, and the points that will give the most natural result should be determined as the hairline.