Approximately 1.2 million adults in the US identify as non-binary, and standard hair loss classification systems were not built with this demographic in mind. The Norwood scale assumes male-pattern loss, the Ludwig scale assumes female-pattern loss, and neither accounts for the full spectrum of how hair loss presents across all gender identities.
This guide explains how to set up a gender-neutral hair loss tracking protocol that classifies by loss pattern and scalp zone rather than by gender.
Why Gender-Based Scales Fall Short
The Norwood-Hamilton scale tracks frontal recession and vertex thinning in 7 stages. The Ludwig scale tracks diffuse thinning across the part line in 3 stages. Both systems assume a binary starting point.
For non-binary individuals, hair loss patterns may not fit neatly into either framework. Hormonal profiles vary widely depending on whether someone is on hormone therapy, what type, and for how long. This means the loss pattern itself is the most reliable classification anchor, not gender.
| Traditional Scale | Pattern Focus | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood (I-VII) | Frontal recession + vertex | Assumes male hormonal pattern |
| Ludwig (I-III) | Diffuse thinning at part line | Assumes female hormonal pattern |
| Zone-based mapping | All zones independently | No gender assumption required |
Step 1: Identify Your Hair Loss Pattern Type
Before tracking anything, classify which pattern you are experiencing. There are four primary types that apply regardless of gender identity.
Frontal recession affects the hairline at the temples and forehead. Vertex thinning affects the crown area. Diffuse thinning reduces density across the entire scalp without a distinct pattern. Combined patterns involve more than one of these occurring simultaneously.
Take a clear photo of your hairline from the front, each temple, and the crown. Compare these against the pattern types above to identify your starting classification.
Step 2: Set Up Zone-Based Density Mapping
Divide your scalp into five independent tracking zones. This is the core of gender-neutral tracking because each zone is measured on its own terms.
| Zone | Location | What to Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal | Hairline to 4 cm behind it | Hairline position, density per cm2 |
| Temporal | Left and right temple points | Recession angle, density |
| Mid-scalp | Between frontal and crown | Overall density per cm2 |
| Crown/vertex | Top-back of the head | Whorl size, density around whorl |
| Occipital (donor) | Back and sides | Baseline donor density per cm2 |
Upload photos of each zone to myhairline.ai/analyze for AI density measurement. The system maps follicular unit density per cm2 without applying any gendered staging label.
Step 3: Establish Your Baseline Measurements
Your first scan creates the reference point for all future comparisons. Record these numbers for each zone.
Caucasian hair averages 170 to 230 follicular units per cm2. Asian hair averages 140 to 200 FU/cm2. African hair averages 120 to 180 FU/cm2. Hispanic hair averages 145 to 195 FU/cm2. These benchmarks apply regardless of gender.
Document your baseline alongside any current medications or hormone therapies. Hormonal factors directly influence hair density, so tracking treatment context alongside density data makes your timeline more useful.
Step 4: Track Changes Monthly
Photograph each zone under the same lighting conditions every 4 weeks. Upload to myhairline.ai for consistent AI measurement.
Watch for these signals in your data:
- Density dropping more than 10% in any zone over 3 months suggests active progression
- Density stable within 5% across all zones suggests your current approach is working
- Density increasing in treatment zones suggests positive treatment response
Step 5: Choose Treatments Based on Pattern, Not Gender
Treatment selection should follow the loss pattern and its underlying cause, not a gendered protocol.
| Pattern | Common Treatment Options | Expected Response |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal recession (DHT-driven) | Finasteride 1mg daily | 80-90% halt further loss, 65% regrowth |
| Diffuse thinning | Minoxidil 5% twice daily | 40-60% moderate regrowth in 4-6 months |
| Vertex thinning | Finasteride + Minoxidil combined | Better response than either alone |
| Non-hormonal thinning | PRP therapy ($500-$2,000/session) | 30-40% density increase over 3-4 sessions |
Discuss any hormonal treatments with your prescribing physician. If you are on estrogen or anti-androgen therapy, your hair loss pattern and treatment options will differ from someone on testosterone therapy. The tracking data you collect gives your doctor objective measurements to work with.
Hormone Therapy Considerations for Tracking
If you are on masculinizing hormone therapy (testosterone), you may develop androgenetic alopecia patterns similar to Norwood staging. Track your frontal and vertex zones closely during the first 2 years of therapy, when DHT-related changes are most rapid.
If you are on feminizing hormone therapy (estrogen and anti-androgens), existing androgenetic alopecia may partially reverse. Track all zones to document whether density is recovering and where.
If you are not on any hormone therapy, your natural hormonal profile drives your pattern. Zone-based tracking captures whatever pattern emerges without needing to label it.
When to Consult a Specialist
Your tracking data becomes a communication tool. Bring your zone density reports to any consultation. A dermatologist or hair restoration specialist can interpret density-per-cm2 data without needing to force your situation into a gendered scale.
Consider scheduling a consultation if any zone shows a density decline of 15% or more from baseline over 6 months, or if you are starting or changing hormone therapy.
Get Your Zone-Based Density Scan
Start tracking your hair density with a system that measures what matters: your actual follicular density in each zone, independent of gender labels. Upload your photos at myhairline.ai/analyze and get your baseline today.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any hair loss treatment.
FAQ
How does myhairline.ai accommodate non-binary tracking preferences?
myhairline.ai uses scalp zone density mapping and hair loss pattern type as the primary classification rather than gender. You select your loss pattern (frontal, vertex, diffuse, or combined) and the AI tracks density changes in each zone independently, regardless of gender identity.
Can I use myhairline.ai without selecting a binary gender?
Yes. The core tracking features use hair loss type and scalp zone measurements that do not depend on binary gender selection. Your density data, progression rate, and treatment response tracking all function based on your actual hair loss pattern.
What tracking protocol works best for non-binary users with pattern hair loss?
Zone-based density tracking works best. Map your scalp into frontal, temporal, mid-scalp, crown, and occipital zones. Track density in each zone independently over time. This approach captures any pattern of hair loss without requiring gender-based staging systems.