Norwood 4 at age 55 involves deep temple recession and a growing bald area at the crown, with a band of hair still connecting the two zones. This is a common presentation in the mid-50s and a stage where treatment produces visible, reliable results. Your stable loss pattern makes this an ideal time for either medical or surgical intervention.
What Norwood 4 Looks Like at 55
The frontal hairline has receded significantly at both temples, and the vertex (crown) shows a distinct thinning or bald patch. A bridge of moderate-density hair separates these two areas. See our complete Norwood scale guide for visual stage comparisons.
| Feature | Norwood 4 at 55 |
|---|---|
| Temple recession | Severe |
| Crown thinning | Moderate to significant |
| Bridge zone | Present but thinning |
| Grafts needed | 2,500 to 3,500 |
| Progression risk | Low |
Prognosis at 55
Slow Further Progression
At 55, hair loss has reached a plateau for most men. The bridge zone may thin further over the next decade, but rapid progression to Norwood 6 or 7 is uncommon. This predictability is valuable for surgical planning because transplanted grafts will not be left exposed by surrounding hair retreating.
Donor Assessment
Norwood 4 requires 2,500 to 3,500 grafts, which is well within typical donor capacity:
| Ethnicity | Donor Density (FU/cm2) | Lifetime Grafts Available | Used for N4 Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caucasian | 170 to 230 | 6,000 to 8,000 | 35 to 55% |
| African | 120 to 180 | 4,000 to 6,000 | 45 to 85% |
| Asian | 140 to 200 | 5,000 to 7,000 | 40 to 70% |
A surgeon will map your specific donor density to confirm available supply before proceeding.
Treatment Strategy at 55
Hair Transplant
Norwood 4 is the stage where a transplant delivers the most noticeable improvement per graft. At 55, the procedure is equally safe and effective as at younger ages.
| Detail | Norwood 4 Transplant at 55 |
|---|---|
| Grafts needed | 2,500 to 3,500 |
| Procedure time | 6 to 8 hours |
| Recovery | 7 to 10 days (FUE) |
| Graft survival | 90 to 95% |
| Sessions needed | 1 |
Graft distribution strategy:
| Zone | Allocation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal hairline | 40 to 50% | Restore facial framing |
| Midscalp/bridge | 25 to 30% | Maintain connectivity |
| Crown | 20 to 30% | Address vertex thinning |
Review our hair transplant candidacy guide for a full eligibility checklist.
Age-Specific Surgical Considerations
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Blood thinners | Stop aspirin/warfarin per surgeon instructions (typically 7 to 10 days before) |
| Diabetes | Controlled diabetes does not prevent surgery but may slow healing slightly |
| Blood pressure medications | Continue as prescribed, inform surgeon |
| Gray hair | Grafts transplant at donor color, including gray or white |
| Scalp condition | Slightly thinner skin at 55 may ease FUE extraction |
Cost Estimates
| Location | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | $2,500 to $7,000 |
| USA | $10,000 to $21,000 |
| UK | $7,500 to $17,500 |
Medication
Even with a transplant, medication is recommended to protect native hair:
Finasteride (1mg daily)
- Halts further loss in 80 to 90% of men
- Protects the bridge zone between frontal and crown transplant areas
- At 55, inform your doctor for PSA screening adjustments (finasteride lowers PSA by approximately 50%)
Minoxidil (5% topical, twice daily)
- 40 to 60% regrowth in thinning areas
- Effective for crown and midscalp zones
- No hormonal side effects
Non-Surgical Options
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PRP therapy | $500 to $2,000/session | Thickening thinning areas |
| Scalp micropigmentation | $2,000 to $5,000 | Adding visual density |
| Hair system | $300 to $800 + $150 to $400/month | Immediate full coverage |
| Low-level laser therapy | $200 to $1,000 (device) | Mild density support |
Decision Framework
| Your Priority | Recommended Path |
|---|---|
| Maximum natural restoration | Transplant + finasteride + minoxidil |
| Moderate improvement, no surgery | Finasteride + minoxidil + PRP |
| Quick visual change | SMP or hair system |
| Minimal intervention | Finasteride only |
What to Do Next
Norwood 4 at 55 is a treatable stage with strong outcomes across all options. The first step is confirming your graft needs and donor capacity with a precise assessment.
Get your free AI hairline assessment to map your recession, confirm your Norwood stage, and receive personalized treatment guidance.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon before starting any treatment.
FAQ
Is Norwood 4 hair loss normal at 55?
Yes. Norwood 4 is a common stage at 55. Over 60% of men experience visible hair loss by this age, and Norwood 4 represents a moderate-to-advanced level. Deep temple recession with an expanding crown bald spot, separated by a bridge of remaining hair, is the typical presentation at this age.
What treatments work best for Norwood 4 at age 55?
A hair transplant of 2,500 to 3,500 grafts combined with finasteride offers the best results. Finasteride halts loss in 80 to 90% of men and protects the bridge zone between frontal and crown areas. For non-surgical options, SMP ($2,000 to $5,000) adds visual density, and PRP ($500 to $2,000 per session) thickens thinning hair.
Should I get a hair transplant at age 55 with Norwood 4?
Yes, Norwood 4 at 55 is a well-suited transplant scenario. Your loss pattern is stable and predictable. The graft requirement (2,500 to 3,500) fits within a single FUE session. Graft survival is 90 to 95% at any age. Discuss any blood thinners or medications with your surgeon, and allow 7 to 10 days for initial recovery.