Grafts by Norwood stage
The Norwood scale grades male hair loss from 1 (no loss) to 7 (only a band of hair left around the back and sides). These are typical first-session graft counts from Bernstein Medical, a New York hair restoration practice whose published ranges are widely used as a reference.
| Norwood stage | What it looks like | Front only | Front and crown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Slight recession at the temples | 800 to 1,400 | – |
| 3 | Deeper temples, an M-shaped hairline | 1,000 to 1,600 | – |
| 3 vertex | Norwood 3 plus a thinning crown | 1,200 to 1,600 | 1,600 to 2,200 |
| 4 | Front receding further, larger crown | 1,600 to 2,200 | 2,200 to 2,600 |
| 5 | Front and crown nearly joined | 2,000 to 2,500 | 2,500 to 2,800 |
| 6 | Front and crown joined across the top | 2,400 to 3,000 | 2,800 to 3,400 |
| 7 | Only a band of hair at the back and sides | 2,500 to 3,200 | 3,000 to 3,600 |
First-session ranges. Other surgeons plan more grafts for the same stage when the donor area allows. For example, Acibadem International gives 2,800 to 4,000 for Norwood 5. Your surgeon sets your number at consultation.
Why two people at the same stage need different numbers
Hair thickness and colour
Thick, coarse or wavy hair covers more scalp per graft. Fine hair, or dark hair on pale skin, needs more grafts to look full.
Your donor area
The back and sides of your head have a fixed supply. Most men have roughly 4,000 to 7,000 grafts available over a lifetime, and only a fraction can be taken before the back starts to look thin. A good surgeon protects that supply.
How far your hair loss will go
Younger patients often lose more hair over time. Surgeons plan the hairline and graft count so the result still looks natural in 10 or 20 years, and keep grafts in reserve for later.
Front first or crown too
The hairline frames your face, so it usually comes first. The crown needs a lot of grafts to look dense, and it's often treated only when the donor area can support both.
How we work out your number
- You send front, top and side photos, or use the free graft estimator.
- We assess your Norwood stage, donor area and goals on a free online consultation.
- The surgeon confirms the plan and graft count. Extra grafts on the day are included at no extra cost, up to 4,000.
Start with the free graft estimator, or see what your graft count would cost elsewhere.
Get your exact plan and price
Send a few photos or book a free online consultation. You get an honest graft estimate and a written price, with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How many grafts do I need for Norwood 3?
Usually 1,000 to 1,600 grafts in a first session, or 1,200 to 2,200 if the crown is also thinning (Norwood 3 vertex). Your hair thickness and donor area can move this either way.
How many grafts do I need for Norwood 4?
Usually 1,600 to 2,200 grafts for the front, or 2,200 to 2,600 if the crown is included in the same session.
How many grafts do I need for Norwood 5?
Usually 2,000 to 2,500 grafts for the front, or 2,500 to 2,800 including the crown. Some surgeons plan more, up to around 4,000, when the donor area is strong.
Is 2,000 grafts a lot?
It's a medium-sized session, typical for Norwood 3 to 4. Our price is the same at 2,000 grafts as at 4,000.
How many grafts can I have in one session?
It depends on your donor area. Our price covers up to 4,000 grafts in one session. Larger plans are usually split into two sessions, months apart, so the donor area isn't overharvested.
How many grafts do I have available in total?
Most men have roughly 4,000 to 7,000 grafts available over a lifetime. That's why a good surgeon plans for future hair loss, not just today's.
Related
Sources
- Bernstein Medical: Graft numbers by Norwood class
- Acibadem International: Norwood stage to graft count
Last updated 13 October 2026.