The Norwood scale, also known as the Hamilton-Norwood scale is a classification system that uses a 1 to 7 scale, to help doctors measure the extent of male pattern baldness. It was first introduced by Dr. James Hamilton in 1951, after observing the male-pattern baldness signs in over 300 men. However, it was updated later by O’Tar T. Norwood in the 1970s, and it’s now referred to as the Norwood Scale.
Most cosmetic clinics are now using this scale to diagnose the extent of baldness, discuss treatment options, and measure the effectiveness of treatment. To help you understand your case better, we are going to discuss Norwood Scale 2 in this article. Norwood 2 usually involves slight hair loss in areas of recession at the front of the head near or at the temples. People usually call it mature or adult hairline which marks the end of the teenage or adolescent hairline.
How does Norwood scale 2 look like?
Norwood Scale 2 usually indicates a further progression to an adult hairline. This means that you can notice your temples deepen slightly and your hairline recedes up from the brow crease when you reach this stage. In addition to that, it is normal to recognize at this point a slight recession of the hairline at the temples, however, you won’t lose hair at the vertex of the scalp. You can also notice the early signs of the common M-, V- or U-shaped hairline starting to appear as you are moving to Norwood 3.
However, a Norwood Type 2 hairline will usually precede more hair loss, not all people will suffer from hair loss, thinning hair, and balding pattern as they get older. Many medications can be used to slow down your hair loss at this point, you need to know that your family history, age, and other factors will determine whether you will progress to Norwood 3 or not. However, it is considered a warning that you need a treatment or hair transplant surgery.
Can Norwood scale 2 get a hair transplant?
Yes, many doctors do hair transplants for patients who are on Norwood scale 2, which they call a minor degree of hair loss. We know that there are alternative treatment options and medications for Norwood 2 as well including Minoxidil, which is an FDA-approved medication that helps to slow down hair loss progress.
However, doctors recommend hair transplant as the most effective treatment to prevent hair loss and avoid progressing to much worse baldness. FUE Method is considered the most suitable method of hair transplant for Norwood 2 patients, especially since it is the most advanced micrograft technique, in this method, doctors will extract the follicular units one by one and implanted them in the right perifollicular structures without the need for cuts.
Keep in mind that Norwood scale 2 may last many years, actually, it won’t lead to baldness nor Norwood 3 in many cases. Most men who are at Norwood scale 2 will continue to lose hair as they get older, the speed of hair loss progress depends on hair quality, family history, and other environmental factors.
How many grafts are needed for Norwood scale 2?
You would need around 500 to 800 grafts when you are at Norwood stage 2. As we mentioned earlier, your hairline will recede and your temple area will start to look deeper. You can notice early signs of U, M, or V-shaped hairline, which is beginning to appear in your head.
This hair loss is an early sign of a male balding pattern, but since each patient’s case is different, the exact numbers of needed grafts could vary from one man to another. However, Norwood Scale can give you a good perspective on how many grafts could be needed for your hair transplant operation.
As you already know, a hair transplant surgery is involved extracting hair grafts from the back or side of your head, which we usually call the donor area, and implanting them in the recipient area, which is usually where you suffer from hair loss and thinning hair. Consult a professional cosmetic doctor about the possible solutions for your Norwood stage case, and choose the right one for you.
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