Consult the Norwood-Hamilton Scale

balding? Check out Scalp Co. — The Nordwood Scale

The Norwood-Hamilton Scale is a diagram commonly used by experts to check male balding. The scale also called the Norwood scale, divides hair loss through seven stages. A one on the scale indicates no hair loss while a seven corresponds with severe balding.

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Baldness and hair loss as a condition is a serious concern for many men. The condition leaves you open to public opinion, approval loss, and of course, bald people jokes. Luckily, you can act before it’s too late.

Balding is a timeless struggle from which many remedies, methods, and studies have arisen. If you’re at a loss, consult the Norwood-Hamilton scale. The scale identifies male pattern baldness stages to inform you about your next move.

Read on about the stages of hair loss in our list below. Compare the symptoms of these balding stages to keep you and your locks lasting longer.

What is the Norwood-Hamilton Scale?

The Norwood-Hamilton Scale is a diagram commonly used by experts to check male balding. The scale also called the Norwood scale, divides hair loss through seven stages. A one on the scale indicates no hair loss while a seven corresponds with severe balding.

The scale is further used along with hair loss procedures to get effective treatment. A process in this instance involves a check-up and a medical examination. This identifies hair loss which is common in men and a few select females.

Referencing the Norwood scale, dermatologists will decide whether to perform surgery or not. This means that the cheaper methods are more effective when started early. This allows for hair follicle stimulation to regrow hair and stop hair loss.

Why Do Men Go Bald in the First Place?

The scale, while helpful, only does so much in the fight against male baldness. Understanding male baldness is the primary method to save hair early. Knowing what factors into male balding allows for a better understanding of the scale and better efforts.

The three factors of hair loss for men are genes, hormones, and environment. Hair loss occurs due to follicles going dormant due to hormones such as androgens. The more androgens and stress you place on your hair, the more likely it is to fall.

The Safe Stage

Stage one of the Norwood scale is where men without hair loss or baldness fall into. This stage has no receding hairline and hair is likely healthy. In fact, hair loss only occurs in this stage if it is forcefully removed or stressed.

While this stage may mean that males are safe for now, it’s always best to remain vigilant. Hair loss is an eventuality best stopped in this stage by researching one’s three factors. Many males in this stage are simply counting down the years until they reach stage two.

Hair Thinning

Hair thinning is usually the point where men start panicking. “Am I going bald?” is a common question for many middle-aged men. While several treatments do exist, now is the time to start thinking about the future.

Hair thinning begins with the increased visibility of your forehead or temples. Most men usually don’t know they’re in this stage until it’s too late. If you see more skin peeking out of your upper forehead and temples, consider hair treatment. While many people are at this stage and many actors rock the hairline, you may want more hair. To prevent hair loss at this stage, treatment such as natural hair stimulants are available. Staying in a clean environment free of pollution and smoke also helps a thinning hairline.

Bald Spots in Stage Three

At this point, congratulations, you are officially bald. While treatment is available, expect more expenses to regain your lost youth. This stage marks a loss of hair in your natural hairline and bald spots on your scalp. If you look in the mirror, your hairline should now resemble a v or u shape with the vertex reaching your scalp. Not only is this noticeable, but from an angle, you will appear almost completely bald.

To take immediate action, consume zinc-rich foods and invest in a good shampoo. Zinc blocks off those androgens we talked about to prevent hair loss. See a dermatologist regularly and get their advice on which shampoo is safer. This point is where the struggle for male baldness intensifies, so hold on tight. Take steps to keep your environment and diet clean for the best results. Or, you can always shave your hair and rock your baldness.

More Bald Spots

Stage four of the Norwood-Hamilton scale is rough. Bald spots will take over the back of your head to leave you with barely any hair on your scalp. Treatment at this point means a heavy lifestyle investment to keep your remaining hair healthy.<br /><br /> If you feel the back of your head exposed, you are at stage four. By now, taking steps to avoid further hair loss includes taking pills, keeping healthy, and getting surgery.

Going, Going, and Gone

Stages five is the midway point between total baldness and minimal hair. At this point, you probably have barely any hair left on your head. Treatment to avoid hair loss won’t stop you from looking bald this time.

Options right now include androgen blockers to prevent further loss. To add more hair, you can use a hair transplant to implant hair from other parts of your head or body. This makes your scalp less obvious. To give the appearance of more hair, micro-pigmentation is available to implant ink in your pores. The ink gives the suggestion of hair growth but is an elaborate tattoo. As far as procedures go, this is more effective in keeping up appearances.

You’re Almost There

To almost everyone, you’re bald. If you read the scale and have several patches left, you’re a stage six. The difference between stages six and seven are minimal, but they’re there.

You still have options such as micro-pigmentation and hair transplants. Alternatively, you can get surgery to get a full head of hair. Either way, you’re nearing the end of the road now.

Baldness

At the seventh stage of the Norwood-Hamilton Scale is total baldness. Your scalp has no more hair while the sides still have some. At this point, you can either shave it off completely or wear a toupee.