Hair loss affects both men and women. It is usually marked by a gradual recession of hair from the scalp and is often regarded as hereditary. Measure your level of hair loss to figure out the appropriate treatment. Generally, the Norwood-Hamilton Scale is used to assess male pattern baldness. Derived by Dr James Hamilton sometime in the 1950s, the measurement helps identify the level of your hair loss as it falls in one of the seven stages as prescribed by the scale. It is with the help of this that the doctor determines the best course of treatment for hair growth.
One of the biggest advantages of the Hamilton – Norwood Scale is that it protects you against misdiagnosis. With this, you can also ascertain if you are suffering from male pattern baldness or if the hair loss is merely due to aging.
The seven stages of the Hamilton Norwood scale:
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Stage 1: This stage may even go unnoticed. A minor recession of the hairline is noticed. This usually does not invite any treatment unless you have a family history of balding.
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Stage 2: A triangular recession is noticed along the lining of the hair in the frontal temporal area. Hair also recedes by several centimetres around the ears. In stage 2, baldness becomes a little more apparent.
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Stage 3: In this stage, the temples go bare and only sparse hair is noticed. There is a crown formation in front of the head. Hair loss is at its lowest level and the person can easily be considered bald.
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Stage 4: Symptoms from stage 3 start getting more severe. Further hair thinning and receding is noticed around the temples and in front of the head.
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Stage 5 & 6: The crown is thinning and hair loss around the temples and ears are well-noticed. This goes on until stage 6. The bridge of hair that runs across the crown is now totally gone.
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Stage 7: Hair loss is fairly advanced at this stage. Horseshoe-shaped hair is noticed on the back of the scalp and sides of the head. Some hair may remain in the form of a semi-circle going over both ears.
Don't wait till you reach Stage 7. Seek treatment even before your patterned baldness aggravates. Hair loss becomes difficult to treat once you have reached the last stage. Go to a professional who can help you address your hair loss ahead of time.
