The Savin scale adds four additional density categories to the Ludwig classification, making it the most granular clinical tool for staging female pattern hair loss. For women tracking hair density over time, the Savin scale's sensitivity to subtle density changes means you can detect treatment response months before it becomes visible in the mirror.
What the Savin Scale Measures
The Ludwig scale classifies female pattern hair loss (FPHL) into three broad stages based on the visible widening of the central hair part. This works for initial diagnosis, but the jump between stages is too large for tracking treatment response over months.
The Savin scale solves this by adding density gradations within each pattern stage. Instead of three stages, the Savin system provides eight distinct classifications that capture both the pattern of loss and the degree of density reduction.
| Savin Stage | Pattern Description | Approximate Density Loss | Ludwig Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-1 | Normal density, no visible part widening | 0-5% | Pre-Ludwig |
| I-2 | Minimal part widening, slight density reduction | 5-15% | Ludwig I (early) |
| I-3 | Noticeable part widening, moderate density loss | 15-25% | Ludwig I (established) |
| I-4 | Wide part, significant central density loss | 25-40% | Ludwig I-II transition |
| II-1 | Diffuse thinning across crown, part clearly visible | 40-50% | Ludwig II (early) |
| II-2 | Advanced diffuse thinning, scalp visible through hair | 50-65% | Ludwig II (established) |
| III | Near-complete loss of crown density | 65-80% | Ludwig III |
| Advanced | Complete crown baldness (rare in women) | 80-100% | Ludwig III advanced |
This granularity is what makes the Savin scale superior for tracking. A woman who improves from Savin II-1 to I-4 has made meaningful progress, but on the Ludwig scale, she would still be classified the same way.
Why Women Need Different Tracking Tools
Female pattern hair loss presents differently from male androgenetic alopecia. Men lose hair in predictable frontal and vertex patterns measured by the Norwood scale. Women experience diffuse thinning across the crown with preservation of the frontal hairline in most cases.
This diffuse pattern is harder to track because the changes are spread across a larger area. A man losing hair at the temples can see the recession in the mirror. A woman losing 20% of her crown density may not notice until someone points it out or until hairstyling no longer covers the widening part.
AI density tracking is particularly valuable for female hair loss because it measures what the eye cannot. A 10% density change across the entire crown is invisible to visual inspection but clearly detectable in numerical density data.
The Density Reference Zone Approach
The Savin scale works by comparing crown density to reference zones. In healthy hair, the crown, temporal, and occipital regions have roughly similar density. As FPHL progresses, the crown density drops while the sides and back remain stable.
myhairline.ai measures this ratio by taking density readings from multiple zones:
| Zone | Role in Savin Staging | What Changes Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Central crown | Primary measurement zone | Declining density = progression |
| Frontal hairline | Secondary measurement | Usually preserved in FPHL |
| Temporal (sides) | Reference zone | Should remain stable |
| Occipital (back) | Reference zone | Should remain stable |
| Crown-to-reference ratio | Staging metric | Ratio drop = Savin stage increase |
How to Track Your Savin Scale Stage
Step 1: Capture Multi-Zone Baseline Photos
Unlike male pattern tracking that focuses on the hairline, Savin scale tracking requires overhead and part-line photographs that show the central scalp.
Required photos for Savin staging:
- Overhead crown shot (looking straight down at the top of the head)
- Central part-line photo (part your hair down the center and photograph from above)
- Frontal hairline (for reference and to confirm FPHL vs. other conditions)
- Both temporal zones (for density comparison)
Take all photos under consistent lighting. Natural daylight from above works best for crown shots. Flash photography can create misleading bright spots that interfere with density measurement.
Step 2: Establish Your Baseline Stage
Upload your photos to myhairline.ai and record density values for each zone. Your current Savin stage is determined by comparing your crown density to your reference zones and matching the pattern to the scale.
If your crown density is 85% of your temporal density, you are likely in the Savin I-2 to I-3 range. If it drops below 60%, you are in the Savin II range. These ratios give you a precise starting point.
Step 3: Set Measurement Intervals
Female hair loss progresses more slowly than male pattern baldness in most cases. Monthly measurements are typically sufficient for tracking.
| Tracking Scenario | Recommended Frequency | Minimum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Monitoring without treatment | Monthly | 6 months |
| Tracking treatment response | Biweekly | 6 months |
| Post-treatment maintenance | Monthly | Ongoing |
| Seasonal variation assessment | Monthly | 12 months |
Step 4: Log Treatments and Variables
Women's hair density is affected by more variables than men's. Hormonal fluctuations from menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal contraceptives all influence density independently of FPHL. Iron levels, thyroid function, and stress also play roles.
Log everything in your tracking notes:
- Current medications and supplements
- Menstrual cycle phase (if applicable)
- Recent blood work results (ferritin, thyroid panel)
- Stress level changes
- Diet or lifestyle changes
- Hair care routine changes
Treatment Response by Savin Stage
Different Savin stages respond differently to treatment, and tracking helps you identify whether your specific stage and treatment combination is producing results.
Minoxidil Response
Minoxidil 2% is FDA-approved for female pattern hair loss. Response rates of 40-60% are based on studies using the Savin scale as the primary outcome measure.
Early Savin stages (I-2 through I-4) show the best response rates. Women in these stages have miniaturizing follicles that still have the capacity to recover when stimulated by minoxidil. Advanced stages (II-2 and beyond) show lower response rates because more follicles have been lost permanently.
| Savin Stage at Treatment Start | Expected Response Rate | Typical Density Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| I-2 to I-3 | 50-65% | Moderate improvement possible |
| I-4 to II-1 | 40-55% | Mild to moderate improvement |
| II-2 to III | 25-40% | Stabilization more likely than regrowth |
Anti-Androgen Therapy
Spironolactone is the most commonly prescribed off-label anti-androgen for FPHL. It works by blocking androgen receptors and reducing androgen production. Tracking response takes longer than with minoxidil because the mechanism of action is preventive rather than stimulatory.
Expect 6-12 months before tracking data shows a meaningful trend. The initial benefit is halting further density decline. Regrowth, when it occurs, appears gradually over 12-24 months.
PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy costs $500-$2,000 per session and produces 30-40% density increases in clinical studies. For women, PRP is often used alongside minoxidil for combined effect.
Track density before and after each PRP session. The typical protocol is 3-4 initial sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 3-6 months. Your tracking data should show a density response within 2-3 months of the initial series.
Combination Therapy Tracking
Most dermatologists prescribe combination therapy for FPHL: minoxidil plus spironolactone, or minoxidil plus PRP. Tracking each component's contribution is difficult but possible with structured data collection.
If you start minoxidil first, track for three months to establish its individual effect. Then add the second treatment and track the combined response. The difference in density trajectory after adding the second treatment approximates its additional benefit.
Interpreting Your Long-Term Data
Seasonal Variation
Women commonly experience increased hair shedding in late summer and fall. Your tracking data may show a dip in density during August through November that is completely normal and not a sign of treatment failure. Track for at least 12 months to separate seasonal variation from actual progression.
Hormonal Events
Pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause each create significant density changes independent of FPHL. Postpartum shedding typically peaks 3-4 months after delivery and resolves by 12 months. Menopausal transitions can accelerate FPHL progression as estrogen levels decline.
Note these events in your tracking log so you can interpret density changes in context.
When to Escalate
If your tracking data shows continued density decline despite 12 months of consistent treatment, bring your data to a dermatologist. The numerical density trend is more useful to a clinician than a verbal description of "I think my hair is getting thinner."
Your Savin scale tracking data provides the objective foundation for treatment adjustment decisions. Read more about the broader context in our female hair loss tracking guide and Ludwig scale tracking for female hair loss.
Start Your Savin Scale Tracking
Get your baseline crown density measurement with the free analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze. The more data points you collect early, the clearer your long-term trend becomes.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Female pattern hair loss has multiple potential causes including hormonal, nutritional, and autoimmune conditions. Always consult a qualified dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.