Finasteride started at Norwood 2 prevents advancement to Norwood 3 or higher in over 83% of users based on clinical trial data. Early treatment produces the best long-term density preservation, but tracking at this stage requires the right tools because the changes are too subtle for the naked eye.
Why Norwood 2 Is the Optimal Starting Point
Norwood 2 describes slight temple recession, typically the first visible sign of androgenetic alopecia in men. At this stage:
- Hair density remains close to pre-loss levels
- Temple recession is measurable but mild
- The donor area is fully intact
- Follicle miniaturization has just begun
Starting Finasteride (1 mg daily) here gives you the largest window of preservation. The drug halts further loss in 80-90% of users and produces regrowth in roughly 65%.
| Starting Stage | 5-Year Stabilization Rate | Likelihood of Avoiding Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2 | ~83% | High |
| Norwood 3 | ~70% | Moderate |
| Norwood 4+ | ~55% | Lower |
Setting Your Norwood 2 Baseline
Your baseline is everything. At Norwood 2, the differences between stable and progressing are measured in fractions of a centimeter. You need:
- A Norwood classification: Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to confirm your stage
- Temple recession measurement: Distance from the outer brow to the lowest point of recession
- Frontal density count: Follicular units per cm2 in the frontal zone (typical range: 170-230 FU/cm2 for Caucasian hair)
- Miniaturization ratio: Percentage of thin, short hairs versus full terminal hairs
Save these numbers. They become your comparison point for every future check.
What to Expect at Each Milestone
Months 1-3
No visible change is expected. DHT levels are dropping, but hair cycles take time to respond. Some users experience a brief shedding phase at months 2-3 as miniaturized hairs are replaced. Do not stop treatment.
Months 3-6
Density data should begin to stabilize. The rate of miniaturization slows. AI analysis may detect an improving terminal-to-miniaturized hair ratio before you see any difference in the mirror.
Months 6-12
This is the confirmation window. At Norwood 2, a positive response means:
- Density is within 5% of baseline
- Temple position has not moved
- Miniaturization ratio has held or improved
If your data shows this pattern, Finasteride is working. Continue the protocol.
When the Data Says "Not Enough"
If density continues to decline at Norwood 2 after 9 months of Finasteride, options include:
- Adding Minoxidil (5% topical, twice daily) for a combined approach. Minoxidil produces moderate regrowth in 40-60% of users.
- Switching to Dutasteride (0.5 mg daily), which also blocks Type I 5-alpha reductase
- PRP therapy ($500-$2,000 per session) as a supplement to oral treatment
At Norwood 2, surgical intervention is rarely needed. If your loss has stabilized on Finasteride, a transplant would only require 800-1,500 grafts, but most patients at this stage can maintain their hairline with medication alone.
Track Your Norwood 2 Response
Get your free baseline assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze. The AI analysis runs in your browser with no downloads, no account, and no data stored. Use the Norwood 2 tracking app alongside your Finasteride progress tracking guide to build a data set that shows exactly how your treatment is performing.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Finasteride is a prescription medication with side effects reported in 2-4% of users, including sexual side effects that are reversible upon discontinuation. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.