STAGES OF MALE PATTERN BALDNESS
A distinguished dermatologist, O'Tar Norwood, devised a seven step monitoring system for male pattern baldness in 1975.
Before he developed this system a man could call be "thinning" until all of his hair fell out.
The following scale is called the Norwood scale and it provides a ranking from 1 to 7.
NORWOOD SCALE 1 TO 2
Your testicles produce a hormone, called DHT, that increases the "resting phase" of your hair follicles and causes the recession in your hairline above the temples.
The chance that you will reach this phase is 68%.
What to do: A good barber can work with you to find the right solution for your head type, hair style, and what you have left to work with.
Acceptance: This happens to over 2/3s of men. It is the normal male hairline.
NORWOOD SCALE 3
The output of DHT by your testicles is causing your once-thick hair to fall out and grow back as thinner, transparent hairs.
The chance that you will reach this phase is 46%.
What to do: At this stage hair growth products Rogaine and Propecia might help you stay at stage 3 for 10 years.
Acceptance: Women will trust you and you will begin to have that "distinguished" look.
NORWOOD SCALE 4
Your hair is is in full retreat--you're fighting all over and losing.
The chance that you will reach this phase is 30%.
What to do: You can now grow hair everywhare else. Try a beard. Now is the time for a transplant. Women will say go natural.
Acceptance: Remember that women have more issues with aging than men do.
NORWOOD SCALE 5
Hair on the top of your scalp is just about gone.
The chance that you will reach this stage is 25%.
What to do: Try short hair. Work on other areas of your appearence and grooming. Get some new clothes that complement your style.
Acceptance: Most women appreciate older men. Those that don't, have not met you yet.
NORWOOD SCALE 6 TO 7
It's over...your bald.
The chance that you will reach this stage is 18%.
What to do: Remember to wear a hat when out in the sun. Continue to work on grooming and neatness. Try to improve your social skills.
Acceptance: With any luck your richer than when you had hair. Women appreciate men with style/money more anyway.