What the Hair Density Planner Does
The Hair Density Planner helps you estimate how many grafts you need for each zone of your scalp based on your current hair loss pattern. Rather than relying on a single total graft number, zone-based planning accounts for the different density requirements of your hairline, midscalp, crown, and temple areas.
myhairline.ai uses 468 MediaPipe facial landmarks for precision measurement, giving you clinical-grade Norwood staging from your phone in 60 seconds.
Understanding Hair Transplant Zones
Your scalp is divided into distinct zones, each with different density needs and visual importance:
Zone 1: Frontal Hairline
The most visible zone and the area where density matters most. This strip runs from temple to temple along the front of your scalp.
- Target density: 35 to 45 FU/cm2 (single-hair grafts in front row for natural appearance)
- Typical graft allocation: 25% to 35% of total grafts
- Priority: Highest. This zone frames the face and is visible in every interaction
Zone 2: Frontal Midscalp
The area behind the hairline extending to the middle of the scalp. It provides depth and the appearance of full coverage.
- Target density: 30 to 40 FU/cm2
- Typical graft allocation: 20% to 30% of total grafts
- Priority: High. Supports the hairline and prevents a thin look behind the front row
Zone 3: Crown/Vertex
The circular area at the top-back of the head. Crown thinning becomes visible in photos and under overhead lighting.
- Target density: 25 to 35 FU/cm2
- Typical graft allocation: 15% to 25% of total grafts
- Priority: Medium. Less visible in face-to-face interactions but important for overall appearance
Zone 4: Temporal Points
The small triangular areas at the corners of your hairline. Rebuilding these creates a natural frame for your face.
- Target density: 20 to 30 FU/cm2 (fine single-hair grafts)
- Typical graft allocation: 5% to 10% of total grafts
- Priority: High for natural appearance, low graft cost
Graft Distribution by Norwood Stage
The following table shows recommended graft distribution across zones for each Norwood stage:
| Norwood Stage | Total Grafts | Zone 1 (Hairline) | Zone 2 (Midscalp) | Zone 3 (Crown) | Zone 4 (Temples) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N2 | 800 to 1,500 | 350 to 600 | 250 to 500 | 0 | 200 to 400 |
| N3 | 1,500 to 2,200 | 500 to 750 | 500 to 750 | 0 to 200 | 300 to 500 |
| N3V | 2,000 to 2,800 | 500 to 700 | 500 to 700 | 500 to 800 | 300 to 400 |
| N4 | 2,500 to 3,500 | 700 to 1,000 | 700 to 1,000 | 600 to 900 | 300 to 400 |
| N5 | 3,000 to 4,500 | 800 to 1,200 | 800 to 1,200 | 800 to 1,200 | 300 to 500 |
| N6 | 4,000 to 6,000 | 1,000 to 1,500 | 1,000 to 1,500 | 1,200 to 1,800 | 400 to 600 |
| N7 | 5,500 to 7,500 | 1,200 to 1,800 | 1,200 to 1,800 | 1,500 to 2,200 | 500 to 700 |
Factors That Affect Your Density Plan
Hair Characteristics
Your natural hair properties affect how much coverage each graft provides:
- Hair caliber: Thick, coarse hair provides more coverage per graft than fine hair
- Hair color contrast: Dark hair on light skin requires more grafts for the same visual density
- Curl pattern: Curly hair provides 2 to 3 times more coverage per graft than straight hair
- Follicular units: Each graft contains an average of 2.2 hairs, but this varies by individual
Ethnicity and Native Density
Natural follicular unit density varies by ethnicity and affects both donor capacity and coverage goals:
| Ethnicity | Native Density (FU/cm2) | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Caucasian | 170 to 230 | 200 |
| African | 120 to 180 | 150 |
| Asian | 140 to 200 | 170 |
| Hispanic | 145 to 195 | 170 |
| Middle Eastern | 150 to 210 | 180 |
Donor Area Limits
The safe extraction limit is 45% of total donor follicles. Exceeding this creates visible thinning in the donor area. Most patients have between 5,000 and 6,000 lifetime grafts available across multiple sessions.
How to Use the Density Planner
- Assess your Norwood stage: Use the AI hair loss analysis tool to get your current stage
- Identify your priority zones: Determine which areas matter most for your goals
- Review the graft distribution table: Match your stage to the recommended zone allocations
- Factor in your hair characteristics: Adjust expectations based on hair type, color, and ethnicity
- Plan for the future: If your hair loss is progressing, account for future sessions in your donor budget
Start Your Density Plan
Accurate density planning starts with knowing your exact Norwood stage and donor area capacity. The myhairline.ai tool analyzes your hairline, temple recession, and vertex area in seconds.
Get your free AI hair loss assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to start your personalized density plan.
Unlike tools that require specialized hardware, myhairline.ai works free in any browser on your phone or computer. No clinic visit required to get started.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Density planning should be confirmed with a board-certified hair restoration surgeon during an in-person consultation.