Norwood 3 at age 60 represents a common and manageable level of hair loss. The deep temple recession that characterizes this stage is visible but far from severe, and reaching this age at Norwood 3 strongly suggests your pattern has stabilized.
What Norwood 3 Looks Like at 60
Norwood 3 features pronounced temple recession forming an M-shaped hairline. The frontal hairline may sit 2 to 3 centimeters behind its original juvenile position. At 60, this pattern often looks natural and proportional, particularly when overall hair density remains intact behind the receded areas.
The critical factor at this stage is stability. Men who reach 60 at Norwood 3 without progressing to Norwood 4 or beyond have typically experienced the majority of their hair loss already. Further recession, while possible, tends to be gradual.
Treatment Options Compared
| Treatment | Effectiveness | Recovery/Onset | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride 1mg | 80 to 90% halt loss, 65% regrowth | 3 to 6 months | $10 to $30/month |
| Minoxidil 5% | 40 to 60% regrowth | 4 to 6 months | $10 to $30/month |
| PRP therapy | 30 to 40% density increase | 3 to 4 sessions | $500 to $2,000/session |
| FUE transplant | 90 to 95% graft survival | 7 to 10 days | $6,000 to $13,200 |
| No treatment | N/A | N/A | $0 |
Medication at 60
Finasteride remains effective at 60, halting further loss in 80 to 90% of men and producing regrowth in about 65%. The 1mg daily dose used for hair loss is lower than the 5mg dose prescribed for prostate conditions, but discuss both with your doctor if you are already taking medications for BPH.
Minoxidil 5% applied twice daily works independently of age. It produces moderate regrowth in 40 to 60% of users within 4 to 6 months. Side effects are primarily local: scalp irritation and occasional facial hair growth.
Hair Transplant at 60 with Norwood 3
A transplant at this stage requires 1,500 to 2,200 grafts, comfortably within a single FUE session. The advantages of transplanting at 60 include:
- Pattern stability: Your surgeon can design a hairline without guessing about future recession
- Realistic expectations: You know exactly what you are working with
- Single procedure: Norwood 3 rarely requires follow-up sessions
FUE recovery takes 7 to 10 days, with graft survival rates of 90 to 95%. Most men return to normal activities within two weeks.
Cost by Location for 1,500 to 2,200 Grafts
| Location | Cost per Graft | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $4 to $6 | $6,000 to $13,200 |
| UK | $3 to $5 | $4,500 to $11,000 |
| Turkey | $1 to $2 | $1,500 to $4,400 |
| Europe | $2.50 to $4.50 | $3,750 to $9,900 |
| India | $0.50 to $1.50 | $750 to $3,300 |
PRP as a Middle Ground
If you want improvement without surgery, Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy offers a non-surgical option. PRP increases hair density by 30 to 40% in clinical studies, costing $500 to $2,000 per session. Most protocols require 3 to 4 initial sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 3 to 6 months.
PRP is particularly effective at thickening miniaturized hairs in the transition zones around the temples, which can visually reduce the appearance of recession at Norwood 3.
When to Act vs. When to Wait
Consider treatment if: The recession affects your confidence, you have strong donor density, and you are in good general health.
Consider waiting if: Your Norwood 3 has been stable for 5+ years, the cosmetic impact is minimal, or you have other health priorities.
At 60, there is no urgency. Your hair loss pattern is not going to change rapidly. Take time to evaluate your options.
Get Your Personalized Assessment
Want to confirm your Norwood stage and see exactly how your recession compares to the clinical benchmark? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze for a free AI assessment with personalized treatment recommendations.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist before starting any treatment.