Is the Norwood scale a sufficient measure of hairloss?

[kirkland 63]

Hairloss patterns follow some general rules but determining where your type of hairloss fits on the Norwood scale is not always clear. When I have had consultations with hair transplant surgeons (or their reps), I have been told that I am anywhere between a Norwood 4 and 7.  Clearly I am not at either end of those parameters. A Norwood 5A, 5V or 6 seem a better reflection of my hairloss degree. But do you think that the classification system is not a sufficient measure of hairloss?

[JohnAC71 1,475]

To me that looks like a 5a. I do know what you mean though, not everyone’s hair will follow the Norwood levels. 
Something that was introduced in the 50s and updated in the 70s needs a 2020s update/review.

Edited February 23 by JohnAC71

[AB2000 29]

11 minutes ago, JohnAC71 said:

To me that looks like a 5a. I do know what you mean though, not everyone’s hair will follow the Norwood levels. 
Something that was introduced in the 50s and updated in the 70s needs a 2020s update/review.

If someone is suggesting N7 that could be a projection of where he winds up, not where he is at now.  Which is an important distinction when planning surgery, knowing the hair loss end point.

[kirkland 63]

That's a good point. 

[JohnAC71 1,475]

Oh yes currently I would say 5a. It’s debatable where his or anybody’s can end up. However with those high sides i would doubt it’s going to end up as a Norwood 7. 

[kirkland 63]

Haha. We should start doing a 'Rate my hairloss' section in this forum.

[JohnAC71 1,475]

Place your bets now 😂

[Melvin-Moderator 3,325]

Can you take a picture of the crown. I would categorize you as a 6 with high sides. But the crown will determine whether you're a 5 or 6. You're definitely not a 7.

[qui bono 57]

 

2 hours ago, kirkland said:

But do you think that the classification system is not a sufficient measure of hairloss?

Its a general guide and doesnt really encapsulate every type of hairloss. A good example is someone like Ted Danson who actually fits the Ludwig classification system (female hairloss) where he has kept his hairline and nothing else. Heres a clinic posting by Dr Path that shows another male patient that has it

 

The system isnt perfect, but its helpful in estimating loss.

If your current hair is stable and the crown doesnt dip, Id have classified you as a solid 5a. But as Melvin stated depending on your crown it might push you into a 6.