Where do I fall on the Norwood scale?

[Throwaway912]

I am a 19 year old male and have been using topical minoxidil since late December of 2024 and started taking finasteride last week. I’m really worried about my hair and want to know where I fall on the Norwood scale. Would a hair transplant be a bad idea at 21?

 

[losingbattle88]

I am a 19 year old male and have been using topical minoxidil since late December of 2024 and started taking finasteride last week. I’m really worried about my hair and want to know where I fall on the Norwood scale. Would a hair transplant be a bad idea at 21?

UR balding bad kid. Deffo nw2 it would be nw3 if u didnt use meds.

 

[Throwaway912]

Yeah, I figured. How bad does the scalp look, is that within the realms of being normal?

 

[losingbattle88]

Yeah, I figured. How bad does the scalp look, is that within the realms of being normal?

It looks allright. Just continue with the meds.

 

[Throwaway912]

Alright, thanks.

 

[Jpw1999]

I've maintained a similar amount of hair loss for the past 6 years, only been on meds for 4 of those. Started balding at 18. It will probably get a bit worse over the years, mine did but it will look a lot better than if you took nothing at all.

 

[Michael76]

I am a 19 year old male and have been using topical minoxidil since late December of 2024 and started taking finasteride last week. I’m really worried about my hair and want to know where I fall on the Norwood scale. Would a hair transplant be a bad idea at 21?

Hey man, totally get where you’re coming from — starting to lose hair at a young age can be really stressful. The fact that you’ve already started topical minoxidil and now finasteride is a solid move — those are the two most proven treatments to slow or even reverse early hair loss.


As for the Norwood scale, it's tough to say exactly without a photo, but if you're early in your journey, you're probably somewhere between Norwood 2 to 3 if you're noticing recession at the temples or thinning on top.


When it comes to a hair transplant at 21, most doctors will tell you to wait. Hair loss is still progressing at that age, and getting a transplant too early can lead to unnatural-looking results down the line if more native hair continues to fall out. The best approach is usually to stabilize your hair loss with meds first — which you're already doing — and reassess in a year or so.


You're doing the right things early — that’s key. Hang in there, and don’t stress too much. You're not alone in this.