Norwood Stage 1: Photos, Treatments, Results

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Norwood 1 is the earliest stage on the Norwood Scale. It doesn’t present noticeable hair loss. Norwood 1 is categorised as an adolescent hairline, meaning most teenagers and men will have this hairline as they mature.

There is usually no need for hair restoration methods at this point, as there is no significant or noticeable hair loss.

In this article we will discuss:

Whether this stage of hair loss is classed as balding
What a Norwood 1 hairline looks like
How to tell if you’re Norwood 1 or 2
How to treat early-stage hair loss

Table of Contents

Does Norwood 1 mean you’re going bald?
What does a Norwood 1 hairline look like?
Hair transplant to Norwood 1
How to tell if you’re Norwood 1 or Norwood 2
How to treat hair loss at Norwood Stage 1
What medication can I use in the early Norwood stages?
Follicle stimulation in the early Norwood stages
Treat early-stage hair loss at the Wimpole Clinic

Does Norwood 1 mean you’re going bald?

A Norwood 1 hairline doesn’t indicate baldness. It’s the earliest stage on the Norwood scale, so there is no noticeable hair loss present to identify any hair loss condition(s) [1].

This type of hairline is common among men as they mature and is sometimes classified as an adolescent hairline, as it is present in the transition from a teenager to an adult.

Some men will notice their hairline moving back slightly as they age, while others may not notice at all due to slow progression. This is what is referred to as a ‘mature hairline’ and is considered to be normal. If you never see any recession across your hairline, you could remain at Norwood 1 for your whole life and not lose hair.

What does a Norwood 1 hairline look like?

At this stage, you will not see any balding forming on the hairline or scalp. There are no signs of receding at this stage. Norwood himself describes this stage as ‘minimal or no recession of the hairline’ [1].

It’s important to remember that some hairlines are different shapes. At Norwood 1, your hairline may appear to be further back than another person at the same stage. For example, you can have a widow’s peak and still be at Norwood stage 1.

Actor Donald Glover and footballer Harry Maguire both have Norwood 1 hairlines.

Hair transplant to Norwood 1

Footballer Rob Holding had a hair transplant at the Wimpole Clinic, restoring his hairline to a healthy Norwood stage 1. He has no evidence of temple hair loss, and his hairline is no longer receding.

As a hair transplant is permanent, he should remain at this stage with due care and maintenance of his hair.

How to tell if you’re Norwood 1 or Norwood 2

Norwood 1 and Norwood 2 differ in the level of male hair loss and genetic disposition. Male pattern baldness usually presents as light hair thinning around the temples and slight hairline recession, while Norwood 1 does not have any visible hair loss.

This illustration shows the key difference between these stages:

As you can see, the hairline in the second illustration is receding back toward the vertex, with temple hair loss present.

Norwood 2 isn’t always considered to be balding, although many trichologists do consider this to be the earliest stage of male pattern hair loss.

How to treat hair loss at Norwood Stage 1

Norwood 1 doesn’t usually call for any hair restoration or treatments as it is unlikely that there is any hair loss. If you are experiencing shedding or hair thinning around the temples or hairline you should consult a doctor or hair loss specialist before trying any treatments.

Any hair loss or thinning across the scalp is unlikely due to androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). It could signify diffuse thinning, a temporary stress-based hair loss condition.

There are a few options for hair loss at this stage. A hair transplant at Norwood 1 isn’t usually recommended, as an invasive intervention at this stage could damage healthy hair follicles in the surrounding areas. In fact, a hair transplant performed too early is one of the most common hair transplant regrets.

At this early stage, you may benefit from alternative hair loss treatments which promote blood flow to the scalp.

What medication can I use in the early Norwood stages?

A common medication used at the early stages of the Norwood scale is Minoxidil. Minoxidil works as a vasodilator, meaning that it encourages blood flow to the scalp [2].

It’s common to use Minoxidil for a receding hairline. It’s available in oral, topical, and shampoo forms.

One study, conducted over 4 months, measured the success of using a 2% or 3% Minoxidil solution over 4 months on 126 men with early male pattern baldness. At the end of the 4-month trial, there was a significant increase in hair regrowth among the subjects [3].

Follicle stimulation in the early Norwood stages

There are two alternative solutions to help hair growth at Norwood 1. These include derma rolling for hair growth and scalp massage, which are both focused on stimulating blood flow to both the scalp and hair remaining. Trying these methods at an earlier stage may prove more effective at stimulating natural hair growth than at later stages of hair loss.

Micro-needling penetrates the scalp with tiny needles, stimulating blood flow while encouraging healing and hair growth. Research suggests that this solution pairs well with Minoxidil use in early male pattern baldness [4].

Scalp massage also promotes blood flow to the hair follicles. Research shows that stimulation of the scalp using the fingertips can alter the expression of hair growth genes [5].

Treat early-stage hair loss at the Wimpole Clinic

If you have any questions or concerns about your hair or any clinically significant hair loss you are noticing, our trichology team is on hand to help.

We have more than 50 years of experience worth of experience in restoring hairlines and offering alternative hair loss treatments to prevent further hair loss to your remaining hair. Book your free consultation today and receive a no-obligation hair loss assessment.