A hair transplant at Norwood 2 costs between $3,200 and $9,000 in the US for 800 to 1,500 grafts, making it one of the most affordable transplant procedures. Norwood 2 involves slight recession at the temples, and many men at this stage are weighing whether to intervene with surgery now or manage with medication alone.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or medical advice.
Cost Breakdown by Country
Norwood 2 requires 800 to 1,500 grafts, placing it in the lower range of hair transplant procedures. Here is what that costs across the top markets in 2026:
| Country | Cost Per Graft | Total Cost (800 to 1,500 Grafts) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $4 to $6 | $3,200 to $9,000 | Procedure only |
| United Kingdom | $3 to $5 | $2,400 to $7,500 | Procedure only |
| Turkey | $1 to $2 | $800 to $3,000 | Hotel, transfers, aftercare |
| India | $0.50 to $1.50 | $400 to $2,250 | Varies by clinic |
At these graft counts, the absolute dollar savings from traveling to Turkey ($2,400 to $6,000) are smaller than for high-graft procedures. Some patients find the convenience of a local US or UK clinic worth the premium at Norwood 2.
FUE Is the Standard at Norwood 2
At 800 to 1,500 grafts, FUE is the universal recommendation. FUT (strip method) is not justified for this volume because the smaller graft count does not warrant a linear scar. A single FUE session lasting 3 to 6 hours handles the full procedure comfortably.
| Method | US Cost (800 to 1,500 Grafts) | Session Duration |
|---|---|---|
| FUE | $3,200 to $9,000 | 3 to 6 hours |
| FUT | Not recommended at this volume | N/A |
What Norwood 2 Looks Like
Norwood 2 shows slight recession at both temples, creating a subtle M-shaped hairline. The frontal hairline may remain relatively intact while the temporal points pull back 1 to 2 centimeters from their juvenile position. Full details on staging are in the Norwood scale guide.
Many men reach Norwood 2 in their late 20s to early 30s and stabilize there. Others progress to Norwood 3 or beyond within a few years. Stabilization status matters because transplanting at Norwood 2 while loss is still progressing means future procedures may be needed.
Surgery vs Medication at Norwood 2
The decision to transplant at Norwood 2 often comes down to whether hair loss has stabilized:
| Approach | Monthly Cost | One-Time Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride + minoxidil (prevention) | $25 to $60 | N/A | Active progression |
| FUE transplant (800 to 1,500 grafts) | N/A | $3,200 to $9,000 (US) | Stable hair loss |
| Both (transplant + medication) | $25 to $60 ongoing | $3,200 to $9,000 (US) | Long-term protection |
Most surgeons recommend at least 12 months on finasteride before considering surgery at Norwood 2. This stabilizes existing hair, establishes your response to medication, and prevents the transplanted hair from looking isolated if native hair continues to thin.
Planning for Future Progression
A Norwood 2 transplant uses 800 to 1,500 of your 6,000 to 8,000 available donor grafts. This leaves 85% to 90% of your donor supply intact for future procedures if your hair loss progresses. This is a significant advantage of treating early: the graft demand is low, the donor supply remains robust, and the results are highly natural because existing surrounding hair provides camouflage.
Use our graft cost calculator to model what additional procedures would cost if you progress to Norwood 3 or beyond later.
Financing at Norwood 2
At $3,200 to $9,000 in the US, a Norwood 2 transplant is within reach without financing for many patients. For those who prefer to spread payments:
| Option | Typical Terms |
|---|---|
| CareCredit | 6 to 12 months interest-free |
| Clinic payment plans | 50% deposit, balance over 3 to 6 months |
| Turkey package | Full upfront, $800 to $3,000 total |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a hair transplant cost at Norwood 2?
A hair transplant at Norwood 2 costs between $3,200 and $9,000 in the US for 800 to 1,500 grafts. In the UK, expect $2,400 to $7,500. Turkey offers all-inclusive packages for $800 to $3,000, and India ranges from $400 to $2,250. The total depends on graft count, technique, and surgeon experience.
Should I get a hair transplant at Norwood 2?
A hair transplant at Norwood 2 is optional and depends on your goals. Many surgeons recommend medication first (finasteride and minoxidil) to stabilize loss before considering surgery. If your hair loss has been stable for 12 or more months and the recession bothers you, a small FUE procedure of 800 to 1,500 grafts can restore the temples and produce natural results.
How many grafts do I need at Norwood 2?
Norwood 2 typically requires 800 to 1,500 grafts. The lower end (800 to 1,000) addresses mild temple recession with conservative coverage. The upper end (1,200 to 1,500) provides denser coverage and a more defined hairline. Your surgeon will determine the exact count based on your recession pattern and hair characteristics.
Wondering if you are actually at Norwood 2? Get a free AI hairline analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze to confirm your Norwood stage and see a projected graft estimate in under 60 seconds.