Hair transplant outcomes vary significantly based on your starting Norwood stage. A Norwood 2 patient and a Norwood 6 patient undergo the same biological recovery process, but the number of grafts required, the cost, and the achievable density are fundamentally different. This reference maps expected outcomes for each stage based on established clinical data and graft count ranges.
Norwood Stage Outcome Reference Table
| Stage | Description | Grafts Needed | Sessions | Cost (Turkey) | Cost (USA) | Cost (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N2 | Slight temple recession | 800-1,500 | 1 | $800-$3,000 | $3,200-$9,000 | $2,400-$7,500 |
| N3 | Deep temple recession, M-shape | 1,500-2,200 | 1 | $1,500-$4,400 | $6,000-$13,200 | $4,500-$11,000 |
| N3V | Temples + vertex thinning | 2,000-2,800 | 1 | $2,000-$5,600 | $8,000-$16,800 | $6,000-$14,000 |
| N4 | Further recession + enlarged vertex | 2,500-3,500 | 1-2 | $2,500-$7,000 | $10,000-$21,000 | $7,500-$17,500 |
| N5 | Front-vertex gap narrowing | 3,000-4,500 | 1-2 | $3,000-$9,000 | $12,000-$27,000 | $9,000-$22,500 |
| N6 | Bridge lost, horseshoe pattern | 4,000-6,000 | 2 | $4,000-$12,000 | $16,000-$36,000 | $12,000-$30,000 |
| N7 | Most extensive loss | 5,500-7,500 | 2-3 | $5,500-$15,000 | $22,000-$45,000 | $16,500-$37,500 |
Costs are calculated using 2026 per-graft rates: Turkey $1-2/graft, USA $4-6/graft, UK $3-5/graft.
Stage-by-Stage Expected Outcomes
Norwood 2: Targeted Temple Restoration
With 800 to 1,500 grafts placed in the temple zones, the expected outcome is well-defined temporal points and a natural hairline frame. One session is sufficient. The result is typically subtle but effective, addressing the early recession without creating an artificial "too-perfect" hairline.
Achievable density: Near-native density in the transplanted temple zones. The small area means available grafts are concentrated, producing high per-cm2 density.
Norwood 3: Full Hairline Reconstruction
At 1,500 to 2,200 grafts, a Norwood 3 transplant restores the frontal hairline and temples. The result is a significant cosmetic improvement with a natural-looking hairline that frames the face.
Achievable density: Good density across the frontal zone. Some patients opt for a slightly conservative hairline position to account for potential future recession behind the transplanted area.
Norwood 3V: Hairline Plus Early Crown Work
The 3V variant requires 2,000 to 2,800 grafts to address both temple recession and vertex thinning. Graft allocation must balance hairline restoration with crown coverage.
Achievable density: Good frontal density with moderate crown improvement. Many surgeons prioritize the hairline, as it has the greatest impact on facial aesthetics, and address the crown with medication (finasteride/minoxidil) where possible.
Norwood 4: Dual-Zone Coverage
Norwood 4 patients need 2,500 to 3,500 grafts covering both the frontal zone and an expanding vertex area. One session can deliver this graft count, though some patients benefit from splitting across two sessions for optimized placement.
Achievable density: Good frontal coverage with moderate crown density. The larger coverage area means per-cm2 density is lower than at Norwood 2 or 3.
Norwood 5: Extensive Restoration
At 3,000 to 4,500 grafts, a Norwood 5 procedure produces noticeable improvement across the frontal and mid-scalp zones. Two sessions are often recommended to achieve the best distribution.
Achievable density: Noticeable coverage improvement but not native-level density. Under strong overhead lighting or when wet, some thinness may remain visible. Adjunct treatments (finasteride, minoxidil) are strongly recommended.
Norwood 6: Multi-Session Required
Norwood 6 requires 4,000 to 6,000 grafts across two sessions. The horseshoe pattern of remaining hair means the coverage area is extensive.
Achievable density: Meaningful coverage that significantly improves appearance. Full native-level density is not achievable across the entire scalp at this stage. Strategic placement prioritizes the frontal third for maximum visual impact.
Norwood 7: Maximum Restoration With Realistic Limits
At 5,500 to 7,500 grafts across 2 to 3 sessions, a Norwood 7 transplant provides coverage across the largest possible area. Donor capacity becomes the primary constraint.
Achievable density: Coverage is possible but at lower per-cm2 density than earlier stages. Many Norwood 7 patients combine transplantation with scalp micropigmentation (SMP) to create the appearance of greater density between transplanted hairs.
Key Takeaway: Stage Determines Outcome Range
Your Norwood stage sets the boundaries for what a transplant can achieve. Lower stages (2-3) can expect near-complete restoration. Higher stages (5-7) achieve significant improvement but within biological limits of donor supply.
For detailed guidance on whether a second session fits your situation, see the second session planning guide. For a full breakdown of the Norwood classification system, see the complete Norwood scale guide.
Find out your Norwood stage and see what results are realistic for your pattern with a free analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary based on donor density, hair characteristics, surgeon skill, and post-operative care.
FAQ
When will I see results after hair transplant?
Regardless of Norwood stage, the growth timeline follows the same biological pattern. New growth starts at months 3 to 4, significant density appears at months 6 to 9, and final results are visible at months 12 to 18. Higher Norwood stages may perceive slower progress because more area needs to fill in.
Is shock loss after hair transplant normal?
Yes, shock loss occurs across all Norwood stages. It is not affected by the number of grafts placed. Whether you had 1,000 or 5,000 grafts, the shedding phase follows the same 2 to 6 week timeline with regrowth beginning at months 3 to 4.
How do I know if my hair transplant is working?
Compare your progress photos against the expected outcomes for your Norwood stage. A Norwood 3 patient with 1,500 to 2,200 grafts should see clear hairline definition by month 9. A Norwood 6 patient with 4,000 to 6,000 grafts should see meaningful coverage but may need a second session for full density.