The Norwood Scale Explained

The Hamilton Norwood Scale is the most widely used clinical system for staging male pattern hair loss. Understanding your Norwood stage clarifies expectations, guides selection of a scientific hair loss solution, and helps you monitor response to therapy. PMC+1

What the Norwood Scale Measures

The Norwood Scale, adapted from Hamilton’s original work, categorizes androgenetic alopecia across seven primary stages with common variants such as the Type A pattern. It grades recession at the temples, midscalp thinning, and vertex involvement to describe the extent of miniaturization. Inter-rater reliability studies confirm it as a practical tool in clinics and therapeutic trials. PMC+3PMC+3PMC+3

Stages at a glance

• Norwood 1 Minimal or no recession. 

• Norwood 2 Triangular temporal M shaped recession with preserved midline.

• Norwood 3 Deeper bitemporal recession. Vertex may remain dense or begin thinning in 3 Vertex.

• Norwood 4 Clear vertex thinning and broader frontal recession. Bridge of hair separates front and crown.

• Norwood 5 Bridge narrows, frontal and vertex zones enlarge.

• Norwood 6 Bridge disappears. Front and crown merge.

• Norwood 7 Horseshoe pattern with sparse residual hair.
  Figures and teaching resources commonly depict these stages using standardized graphics. NCBI+1

Why Staging Matters for Treatment Choice

Androgenetic alopecia is progressive. Evidence syntheses and guidelines establish that therapy selection and goals differ by stage and patient profile. Early stages focus on density preservation and caliber support. Later stages emphasize stabilization, camouflage, procedural planning, or combined modalities. PMC+1

Where a 2DDR Hydrogel Can Fit

A natural scalp health hydrogel that incorporates 2-deoxy-D-ribose aims to support pro-angiogenic signaling around follicles. 2DDR has been shown to upregulate VEGF and stimulate endothelial migration and sprouting in preclinical models, which provides a biologic rationale for its inclusion in a peptide-style hair density serum format. PubMed+2PubMed+2

Deoxylocks hydrogel hair growth uses this mechanistic logic within a daily routine that is easy to adhere to. For people seeking a minoxidil alternative 2DDR gel, Deoxylocks can anchor a multi-modal plan consistent with guideline-based care. PubMed

When Deoxylocks May Help by Norwood Stage

• Norwood 1–2
  Goal is prevention and caliber support. A hair loss treatment with 2DDR can be introduced early to condition the scalp environment while you track photographs every 3 to 4 months. This stage pairs well with nonprocedural modalities such as low-level light or concealment strategies when desired. PMC

• Norwood 3 and 3 Vertex
  Aim for stabilization plus incremental coverage. Deoxylocks as a minoxidil alternative 2DDR gel can be used twice daily to promote a healthier microenvironment for miniaturized follicles. Consider combination planning where appropriate. PMC

• Norwood 4–5
  Expectations shift toward maintaining remaining density and optimizing hair shaft quality. A scientific hair loss solution may include Deoxylocks alongside other evidence-based options selected with your clinician. Clear staging helps you decide whether to add procedures or micro-camouflage. PubMed

• Norwood 6–7
  Medical therapy alone rarely restores extensive loss. Deoxylocks can remain valuable for scalp conditioning, donor-area care if pursuing hair transplantation, and for supporting overall scalp comfort as part of a comprehensive plan. PMC

Transitioning From Minoxidil

If you are switching from minoxidil to a 2DDR gel alternative, a conservative taper helps limit regression of benefits, since discontinuation of minoxidil often leads to gradual loss of gains. Use consistent photos to judge stability while you introduce Deoxylocks. PubMed

How To Use Deoxylocks For Each Stage

1. Baseline and Tracking
   Record your exact Norwood stage, hair counts on wash days, and standardized photos. This aligns your expectations with objective data. PMC

2. Application Technique
   Apply Deoxylocks on a clean, dry scalp. Partition into lines, use measured dosing, and allow full absorption before styling. This supports natural scalp health hydrogel performance.

3. Consistency Window
   Assess outcomes at 12 to 16 weeks. Hair cycles require time, and guideline discussions emphasize continuous therapy for sustained effect in androgenic alopecia hair regrowth. PMC

4. Combination Planning
   Discuss adjuncts that fit your stage and goals. Evidence reviews outline options, benefits, and practical considerations. Deoxylocks can be the daily backbone while other elements are layered thoughtfully. PMC

FAQs

Is the Norwood Scale only for men?
Yes. The Norwood Hamilton scale classifies male pattern hair loss. Female pattern hair loss is usually staged with Ludwig or Sinclair systems, though women can rarely show Norwood-like patterns. NCBI

Does stage predict response to treatment?
Higher stages often correlate with more extensive miniaturization and fewer responsive follicles. Staging helps set realistic goals and select the best product for hair regrowth strategy for your situation. PMC

Why consider 2DDR specifically?
Preclinical research shows 2DDR can stimulate VEGF signaling and angiogenesis, which may support follicular nutrition. These data motivate exploration of Deoxylocks as a hair loss treatment with 2DDR within evidence-based routines. PubMed+1

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Key References

• Norwood OT. Male pattern baldness. Classification and incidence. South Med J. 1975. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1188424/ PubMed

• Gupta M, et al. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss. Int J Trichology. 2016. Open access review of Norwood and related systems. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4812885/ PMC

• Wirya CT, et al. Classification of Male-pattern Hair Loss. 2017. Concise overview of Hamilton-Norwood. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5596658/ PMC

• Kanti V, et al. Evidence-based S3 guideline for androgenetic alopecia. JEADV. 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29178529/ PubMed

• Dikici S, et al. 2-deoxy-D-ribose upregulates VEGF and stimulates angiogenesis. Tissue Eng Part A. 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32593538/ PubMed

Deoxylocks Clinical Team.

This article was medically reviewed by the Deoxylocks Clinical Team, composed of our board-certified physician medical director and Advanced Practice Provider team with expertise in preventive medicine.