Guides & How-Tos

Hair Graft Zone Calculator: Hairline Midscalp Crown

February 23, 20264 min read1,000 words

The hair graft zone calculator at myhairline.ai/analyze estimates how many grafts you need in each transplant zone (hairline, midscalp, and crown) based on your Norwood stage and hair loss pattern. The tool uses 468 MediaPipe facial landmarks for precision measurement and runs free in any browser with no clinic visit required.

How the Graft Zone Calculator Works

Hair transplant planning divides the scalp into three primary zones, each requiring different graft densities for a natural result. The calculator analyzes your hair loss pattern and distributes estimated graft counts across these zones.

Zone 1: Hairline (Frontal Zone)

The hairline zone extends from the natural frontal hairline to approximately 2-3cm behind it. This zone requires the highest density because it frames the face and is the most visible area.

Target DensityGraft TypeVisual Impact
40-50 FU/cm2Single-hair grafts at the very frontNatural, feathered hairline appearance
30-40 FU/cm2Mix of 1-2 hair grafts behind the lineSmooth density transition

Zone 2: Midscalp (Transitional Zone)

The midscalp connects the hairline to the crown area. It requires moderate density and uses multi-hair grafts for coverage efficiency.

Target DensityGraft TypeVisual Impact
25-35 FU/cm22-3 hair graftsFull coverage with efficient graft usage
20-25 FU/cm22-4 hair graftsAdequate density for most hair types

Zone 3: Crown (Vertex Zone)

The crown requires the least density per square centimeter because hair grows in a swirl pattern that provides natural coverage. Overgrafting the crown wastes donor supply.

Target DensityGraft TypeVisual Impact
25-35 FU/cm22-3 hair graftsCovers the whorl area effectively
20-25 FU/cm2Multi-hair graftsSufficient for most patients

Graft Distribution by Norwood Stage

The calculator distributes grafts across zones based on your specific hair loss pattern.

Norwood StageTotal GraftsHairline ZoneMidscalp ZoneCrown Zone
2800-1,50060-70%30-40%0%
31,500-2,20050-60%35-45%0-5%
3V2,000-2,80035-45%25-35%20-30%
42,500-3,50030-40%30-35%25-35%
53,000-4,50025-35%25-30%35-45%
64,000-6,00020-25%25-30%40-50%
75,500-7,50015-20%25-30%45-55%

Why Zone-Based Planning Matters

Allocating grafts without zone planning leads to two common problems:

  1. Hairline overloading: Placing too many grafts at the front leaves insufficient supply for the crown, creating an unnatural "wall of hair" with thin areas behind it.
  2. Even distribution error: Spreading grafts equally across all zones ignores the fact that the hairline needs higher density per cm2 for a natural look.

Proper zone planning accounts for the average 2.2 hairs per graft and adjusts density targets based on your hair characteristics. Thicker hair (common in Caucasian patients at 170-230 FU/cm2 natural density) provides more coverage per graft, while finer hair (common in Asian patients at 140-200 FU/cm2) may need higher graft counts for equivalent visual density.

Using the Calculator

  1. Visit myhairline.ai/analyze on your phone or computer
  2. Allow camera access when prompted
  3. Position your face in the frame following the on-screen guide
  4. The AI maps 468 facial landmarks to measure your hairline position
  5. Receive your Norwood stage classification and zone-by-zone graft estimate

The entire process takes approximately 60 seconds. No photos are stored or uploaded.

What to Do With Your Results

Your zone calculator results give you a strong foundation for clinic consultations. Read our AI hair loss analysis guide for tips on interpreting your results.

Next steps after getting your estimate:

  • Compare your AI-generated Norwood stage with the complete Norwood scale guide for visual confirmation
  • Use the graft zone breakdown to evaluate clinic proposals (if a clinic suggests a dramatically different distribution, ask why)
  • Calculate approximate costs: multiply total grafts by regional per-graft pricing (US: $4-6, Turkey: $1-2, UK: $3-5)
  • Consider non-surgical options for early stages: finasteride (80-90% halt loss, 65% regrowth), minoxidil (40-60% regrowth)

Limitations of the Calculator

The graft zone calculator provides estimates based on visible hair loss patterns. It cannot measure:

  • Donor area density (requires a densitometer)
  • Hair shaft thickness (requires trichoscopy)
  • Scalp laxity (requires physical examination)
  • Miniaturization patterns (requires microscopy)

Always verify calculator estimates with an in-person consultation before committing to a procedure.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The graft zone calculator provides estimates for educational purposes. Consult a board-certified hair restoration surgeon for personalized treatment recommendations.

FAQ

Is AI-based Norwood staging accurate?

AI-based Norwood staging using facial landmark detection achieves clinical-grade accuracy for most patients. The myhairline.ai tool uses 468 MediaPipe facial landmarks to measure hairline position and recession patterns, providing staging that aligns with in-person dermatologist assessments for Norwood 2-6 stages.

Do I need an account to use the tools?

No account is required. The graft zone calculator at myhairline.ai/analyze runs entirely in your browser using your device camera. No photos are stored or uploaded to external servers. You can use the tool as many times as needed without registration or payment.

How does myhairline.ai compare to a clinical assessment?

The AI tool provides accurate Norwood staging and graft zone estimates that serve as a strong starting point for clinic consultations. In-person assessments add donor density measurements, scalp laxity checks, and hair caliber data that AI cannot capture from photos alone. Use the AI tool first, then verify with a surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions

AI-based Norwood staging using facial landmark detection achieves clinical-grade accuracy for most patients. The myhairline.ai tool uses 468 MediaPipe facial landmarks to measure hairline position and recession patterns, providing staging that aligns with in-person dermatologist assessments for Norwood 2-6 stages.

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