It’s important to understand how baldness progresses when deciding the right approach to address it. Dermatologists usually rely on established scales to assess the stages of hair loss, with the Norwood-Hamilton scale being the standard for men. This scale lays out seven stages of hair loss.
The stages are as follows:
Stage 1: Full hair coverage.
Stage 2: Mild hairline recession.
Stage 3: Significant balding.
Stage 4: Advanced hair loss.
Stage 5: Very advanced baldness.
Stage 6: Severe balding.
Stage 7: Extreme baldness.
At Tir na nOg Clinic, Dr Kevin McDonald typically advises against transplant surgery at stage 3 due to the uncertainty of future hair loss. Ideally, candidates should consider a hair transplant starting from stage 4, when the hair loss pattern is more predictable. People at stage 5 or 6 are generally the best candidates for Follicular Unit Excision (FUE ) transplants, which can restore coverage to earlier stages.
Candidates are generally recommended to be at least 30 years old. For individuals under 30, non-surgical treatments are often suggested first to manage hair loss before considering surgery. A successful hair transplant greatly depends on the stability of hair loss. If the hair continues to thin after a transplant, it can lead to uneven results, requiring additional procedures. This is why Dr Kevin always advises waiting until hair loss has stabilised for a satisfactory and lasting outcome.
Whether considering non surgical solutions or a hair transplant, it’s important to consult with experienced hair transplant surgeons who can tailor a strategy to each patient’s specific needs.
For more information call 01 8489159, 086 8755979 or email [email protected].
