Norwood 5 hair transplant results typically show a well-defined frontal hairline and moderate mid-scalp density after 12 to 18 months, achieving 30 to 50% of original hair density across the treated zones. The outcomes below represent typical clinical results across different techniques, graft counts, and patient profiles.
What Determines Results at Norwood 5
Before examining specific outcomes, it helps to understand the variables that drive result quality. At Norwood 5, these factors carry more weight than at earlier stages because the margin for error is smaller with a larger area to cover.
Key Variables
| Factor | Impact on Result |
|---|---|
| Graft count | 3,000-4,500 grafts determines total coverage area |
| Donor density | Higher donor density (80+ FU/cm2) allows more grafts without visible thinning |
| Hair caliber | Thicker hair shafts provide more visual coverage per graft |
| Hair-to-skin color contrast | Lower contrast (dark hair on dark skin, light hair on light skin) creates a denser appearance |
| Surgeon experience with NW5+ | Critical for graft distribution and hairline design at this stage |
| Graft survival rate | 90-95% is standard with experienced surgeons |
| Post-op medication use | Finasteride and minoxidil preserve native hair and support transplanted growth |
Typical FUE Results at Norwood 5
FUE is the most common technique at Norwood 5, offering up to 5,000 grafts per session with no linear scar and a 7 to 10 day recovery period.
Profile: 3,500 Grafts, Single Session FUE
A typical outcome with 3,500 FUE grafts at Norwood 5:
- Months 0-1: Transplanted hairs shed (shock loss). The scalp appears similar to pre-surgery or slightly worse during this phase
- Months 2-4: New growth begins. Fine, thin hairs emerge from the transplanted follicles. Coverage is patchy and uneven
- Months 5-8: Growth accelerates. Approximately 50-60% of transplanted hairs are now visible. The frontal hairline begins to take shape
- Months 9-12: Growth continues thickening. Hair texture matures from fine to closer to normal caliber. 80-90% of final density is visible
- Months 12-18: Final result. Full maturation of transplanted hair, with 90-95% of grafts producing visible hair
Typical coverage achieved: A natural frontal hairline from temple to temple, moderate density across the mid-scalp, and partial crown coverage. The frontal zone receives higher density placement (40-50 grafts per cm2) while the mid-scalp and crown receive 25-35 grafts per cm2.
Profile: 4,500 Grafts, Single Session FUE
With the maximum graft count for Norwood 5:
- Frontal zone: Dense, natural-looking hairline with single-hair grafts at the leading edge
- Mid-scalp: Good coverage with 35-40 grafts per cm2
- Crown: Moderate coverage radiating from the natural whorl pattern
- Overall appearance: Significant improvement that allows varied hairstyling options
At 4,500 grafts (approximately 9,900 hairs), the surgeon can distribute grafts more generously without leaving obvious thin spots between zones.
Typical FUT Results at Norwood 5
FUT can harvest up to 4,000 grafts per session. The recovery period is 10 to 14 days, and it leaves a linear scar in the donor area.
Profile: 3,800 Grafts, Single Session FUT
FUT results at Norwood 5 are clinically comparable to FUE in terms of growth and density. The primary differences are in the donor area:
- Recipient area: Identical to FUE in appearance and growth timeline. The grafts do not know how they were extracted
- Donor area: A linear scar, typically 1-3mm wide after healing, running horizontally across the back of the head. The scar is concealed when hair is kept at medium length or longer
- Graft quality: FUT grafts often have slightly more protective tissue around the follicle, which some surgeons argue improves survival rates. Clinical data shows 90-95% survival for both techniques
FUT can be a strong choice at Norwood 5 for patients who keep their sides at a medium length and want to maximize graft count per session while staying within the 45% safe donor extraction limit.
Typical DHI Results at Norwood 5
DHI uses the Choi implanter pen and is limited to approximately 3,500 grafts per session. Recovery is 7 to 10 days.
Profile: 3,200 Grafts, Single Session DHI
DHI's advantage is precise control over implantation angle and depth, which some surgeons leverage for:
- Hairline definition: Extremely precise placement of single-hair grafts at the hairline edge
- Density in specific zones: The Choi pen allows tighter packing in the frontal zone
- Less recipient site trauma: No pre-made incisions, which may reduce healing time
The trade-off at Norwood 5: With a 3,500 graft maximum, DHI may not fully cover the frontal, mid-scalp, and crown in a single session. Many DHI patients at Norwood 5 plan for a second session to address the crown, or combine DHI for the hairline with FUE for the mid-scalp and crown.
What "Good" Results Look Like at Norwood 5
Realistic, high-quality results at Norwood 5 share these characteristics:
- Natural hairline placement: The hairline sits slightly higher than the patient's original juvenile hairline, typically at a position appropriate for the patient's age. A 45-year-old Norwood 5 patient should not have a 20-year-old's hairline
- Soft, irregular hairline edge: Single-hair grafts at the leading edge create an irregular, feathered transition rather than a harsh line
- Appropriate density gradient: Higher density at the front (40-50 FU/cm2), tapering to moderate density in the mid-scalp (30-40 FU/cm2), and lighter density at the crown (25-35 FU/cm2)
- Consistent graft angulation: Hair direction follows the natural growth pattern, radiating forward in the front and spiraling at the crown whorl
- No visible donor depletion: The donor area looks unchanged in density when hair is at a short to medium length
Results That Fall Short: Common Issues
Not all Norwood 5 results meet expectations. These are the most frequent problems:
Insufficient Graft Count
Using fewer than 3,000 grafts at Norwood 5 often produces a "thin lawn" effect where the transplanted hair is visible but not dense enough to look natural. This is the most common cause of dissatisfaction.
Hairline Placed Too Low
An aggressively low hairline consumes too many grafts in the front, leaving the mid-scalp and crown sparse. The result looks unbalanced and may not age well.
Poor Graft Survival
Survival below 85% significantly reduces final density. Causes include poor graft handling, prolonged time outside the body, desiccation, and trauma during placement. Choosing an experienced surgeon is the best protection against this.
No Medical Therapy Post-Surgery
Without finasteride or minoxidil, the native hair surrounding the transplanted grafts continues to thin. Over 2 to 5 years, this creates an increasingly obvious contrast between the transplanted zone and the thinning native hair.
How to Evaluate Before-and-After Photos
When reviewing a surgeon's Norwood 5 portfolio, apply these criteria:
- Same lighting and angles: Before and after photos should use identical lighting conditions and camera positions. Dramatic lighting differences can exaggerate or minimize results
- 12+ months post-op: Any photos taken before 12 months do not represent the final result
- Multiple angles shown: Front, temples, vertex, and profile views should all be included
- Unedited photos: Look for consistent backgrounds and no signs of digital manipulation
- Similar Norwood classification: Compare cases at your specific stage, not at Norwood 3 or 4
Get Your Personalized Assessment
Every Norwood 5 case is different. Donor density, hair caliber, scalp laxity, and individual anatomy all influence what your results will look like. For a free AI-powered analysis of your current stage, estimated graft count, and projected outcomes, upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze.