Hair Loss Assessment Quiz
Answer 15 questions about your hair loss patterns, family history, and lifestyle to get a personalized assessment. Includes Norwood Scale staging, likely hair loss type, severity level, and recommended actions.
Understanding Hair Loss in Men
Hair loss affects roughly 50% of men by age 50 and up to 80% by age 80. Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) accounts for over 95% of hair loss in men. It is caused by a genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone that shrinks hair follicles over time. Understanding your type of hair loss is the first step toward effective treatment.
The Norwood Scale
The Norwood Scale (Hamilton-Norwood Scale) is the standard classification system for male pattern baldness. It ranges from Stage 1 (no significant hair loss) to Stage 7 (extensive baldness). Stages 2-3 show receding hairline. Stages 3-4 show crown thinning. Stages 5-7 show advanced loss where the receding hairline and crown thinning merge. Knowing your stage helps determine which treatments are most effective.
Types of Hair Loss
Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia): The most common type. Follows a predictable pattern — receding temples and thinning crown. Genetic and hormonal. Progresses gradually over years.
Stress-Related (Telogen Effluvium): Diffuse thinning across the entire scalp caused by major stress, illness, surgery, or crash dieting. Usually temporary — hair regrows within 6-12 months when the trigger is resolved.
Nutritional Deficiency: Iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, and protein deficiencies can cause hair thinning. A blood test can identify deficiencies. Supplementation usually restores growth.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition causing sudden, patchy hair loss. Can affect any body hair. Often resolves on its own but may need medical treatment.
Proven Treatments
Minoxidil (Rogaine): An FDA-approved topical treatment that stimulates hair follicles and increases blood flow. Available over the counter. Takes 3-6 months to see results. Must be used continuously — stopping reverses gains.
Finasteride (Propecia): A prescription oral medication that blocks DHT production. More effective than minoxidil for many men. Takes 3-12 months to see results. Has potential side effects — discuss with a doctor.
Lifestyle Factors: Reduce stress, eat a balanced diet rich in protein and iron, get adequate sleep, avoid tight hairstyles that pull on follicles, and quit smoking (which impairs blood flow to follicles).
When to See a Dermatologist
See a doctor if: hair loss is sudden or patchy, you notice scalp irritation or redness, hair loss accompanies other symptoms, you want to discuss prescription treatments, or you are unsure about the cause. Early intervention provides the best outcomes — the sooner you act, the more hair you can preserve.