Hair Loss Assessment. Norwood Chart (male)

Do you look in the mirror at the back of your head and see more scalp than you used to? Do you compare old photos of yourself to new photos and see that your current hairline has receded?  Does it seem like you have less hair than friends your age?  Of course, these are often the first signs of hair loss.  But there are several ways to more accurately assess the extent of your hair loss:​​

​A consultation with a hair restoration physician is an important first step.  By performing a thorough examination and understanding your complete medical history, as well as the prevalence of hair loss in your family, a physician can determine the reason for your hair loss.  The doctor examines the scalp under magnification, using a device called a densitometer, which allows the doctor to assess the degree of miniaturization of the hair follicles, allowing him to ascertain the rate and extent of future hair loss.  Based upon this initial assessment, hair restoration specialists provide and recommend solutions, including surgical and non-surgical options.

​

The simplest method of hair loss assessment is to compare your hair pattern to standard classification patterns of male hair loss.  The classification pattern was developed in the 1970's (and is still widely used today) by Dr. O'Tar Norwood, based upon earlier classifications of another doctor (Hamilton).  The Norwood-Hamilton Scale of Male-Pattern Baldness divides typical hair loss patterns into seven categories.  Take a look at the following pictures to see which hair pattern most closely resembles yours.  Once you have determined which category you fall under, contact us for a free consultation or click on our contact page to complete a 100% virtual consultation to let us recommend your available options.





Hair Loss Assessment. The Ludwig Scale (female)

​There are two widely known female hair loss density scales used by hair loss Specialists: the Ludwig Scale and the Savin Scale.  For all intents and purposes, they are identical except that the Savin Scale also measures overall thinning.  As you will see in these illustrations, eight crown density images reflect a range from no hair loss to severe hair loss. Density 8 is rarely seen in clinical practice. One example of frontal anterior recession is also illustrated (again, it's not too common), and one example of general diffuse thinning, lateral view, is shown.



A consultation with a hair restoration physician is an important first step.  By performing a thorough examination and understanding your complete medical history, as well as the prevalence of hair loss in your family, a physician can determine the reason for your hair loss.  The doctor examines the scalp under magnification, using a device called a densitometer, which allows the doctor to assess the degree of miniaturization of the hair follicles, allowing him to ascertain the rate and extent of future hair loss.  Based upon this initial assessment, hair restoration specialists provide and recommend solutions, including surgical and non-surgical options.

The simplest method to complete a hair loss assessment is to compare your hair pattern to standard classification patterns of female hair loss.  Take a look at the following pictures to see which hair pattern most closely resembles yours.  Once you have determined which category you fall under, contact us for a free consultation or click on our contact page to complete a 100% virtual consultation to let us recommend your available options.