The Norwood Scale: 7 Stages of Hair Loss
The Norwood scale classifies male pattern baldness into 7 stages. Stage I–II: minimal recession, no transplant needed. Stage III: first stage where a transplant is worthwhile — optimal donor area, limited recipient area, excellent results. Stage IV–V: good results possible, requires more grafts (2,000–3,500). Stage VI–VII: technically possible but more complex, limited donor supply.
Graft Estimates Per Stage
Stage III: 1,000–2,000 grafts. Stage IV: 2,000–3,000. Stage V: 2,500–3,500. Stage VI: 3,000–5,000. Stage VII: 4,000–6,000+ depending on donor density. A graft contains 1–4 individual hairs. The average donor supplies 6,000–8,000 lifetime grafts.
Non-Surgical Alternatives for Early Hair Loss
Minoxidil: proven effective for slowing loss and thickening existing hair. Finasteride: oral DHT inhibitor, effective for Norwood II–IV. PRP therapy: platelet-rich plasma injections to stimulate hair growth — popular as a hair transplant supplement in Turkey.