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Hair loss is a concern for millions of men worldwide. But how do you know if your hair loss is temporary, treatable, or irreversible? The Hamilton-Norwood Scale – the most widely used classification system for male-pattern baldness – breaks hair loss down into seven distinct stages.
The good news? If you take action at the right time, you can slow, stop, or even reverse hair loss. The bad news? If you wait too long, your options become very limited.
In this guide, we’ll explain the 7 stages of hair loss, when it’s too late to regrow hair, and when you should start treatment for the best results.
The 7 Stages of Hair Loss
The Hamilton-Norwood Scale provides a clear roadmap of how male-pattern baldness progresses. Each stage represents an increased severity of hair loss, from barely noticeable thinning to complete baldness.
By identifying your current stage, you can determine whether hair restoration treatments can still work for you.
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Stage 1: No Visible Hair Loss (Yet!)
At Stage 1, there is no significant hair loss. Your hairline remains full, and there’s no noticeable thinning at the crown.
What to Watch For
Even though there’s no visible recession, you might notice:
- A change in hair texture (thinner strands)
- Slight shedding in the shower or on your pillow
- A family history of male-pattern baldness
Should You Take Action?
Not necessary, but staying proactive is smart. If baldness runs in your family, monitoring your hair health and using DHT-blocking shampoo as a preventive measure is a good idea.
Stage 2: A Receding Hairline Begins
This is where things start to change. Your hairline begins to subtly recede at the temples, creating an “M” shape.
What to Watch For
- A slightly higher forehead
- Hairline receding more on one side than the other
- No major thinning at the crown yet
Should You Take Action?
Yes! This is the best time to start treatment. The Sons’ Ultimate Plan includes Minoxidil spray, DHT-Blocking Shampoo and their hair growth complex vitamins which can help slow recession and maintain hair density.
Use Code MFH30 for 30% off your first order (UK & Ireland only). This is a fantatic company that I’ve been partner with since 2020. Sons was founded by Will and Adrian, two men who, frustrated by the confusion around hair loss solutions, combined their backgrounds in clinical research and business to create a brand that simplifies men’s health. Their mission? To bring men’s health and well-being into the 21st century—with less stigma, clearer information, more convenience, and better results.
Stage 3: Thinning at the Temples & Crown
Now, the recession is noticeable, and a small bald spot may start to appear on the crown.
You could also have Stsge 3 Vertex – where the hairline is the same as Stsge 2, but the hair loss will appear on the vertex (scalp) of the head.
What to Watch For
- A deeper M-shaped hairline
- Widening part line
- Increased shedding
Should You Take Action?
Absolutely! At this stage, you can still regrow lost hair with treatment. Minoxidil reactivates dormant hair follicles, and DHT-blocking shampoo prevents further thinning.
This is the most effective stage to start treatment!
Stage 4: Hair Loss Becomes Noticeable
By this stage, your hairline has receded significantly, and the bald spot at the crown is growing.
What to Watch For
- Less density at the top
- The hairline and crown start to “meet”
- Side hair remains intact
Should You Take Action?
Yes, but act fast. Minoxidil and DHT blockers can still slow hair loss, but regrowth is more difficult. The sooner you start, the better your results.
Use MFH30 for 30% off the Sons’ Ultimate Plan!
Stage 5: Advanced Hair Thinning
The bridge between mild and severe baldness. The crown and hairline recession start merging, leaving less coverage at the top.
What to Watch For
- Significant crown baldness
- Only thin patches of hair connecting the top
- Side and back hair remain thick
Should You Take Action?
Yes, but results will vary. At this stage, treatment can slow further hair loss, but full regrowth is unlikely. Thickening existing hair is the primary goal.
Stage 6: Severe Hair Loss
At this point, the top of the head is mostly bald, with only side and back hair remaining.
What to Watch For
- A large bald area on top
- Very little hair density in the front
- The “horseshoe” shape forming
Should You Take Action?
Options are limited. Treatments might help strengthen remaining hair, but regrowth is unlikely. Many men at this stage consider hair transplants.
Stage 7: Full Baldness on Top
This is the most severe stage of the scale where the top of the is considered completely bald and only a band of hair remains around the side of the head. The hair in this section will probably be very fine as well.
Should You Take Action?
It’s too late for non-surgical treatments. A hair transplant is the only real solution if you want to regain a full head of hair.
When to Take Action: The Best Time to Start Treatment
The ideal time to start hair loss treatment is between Stage 2 and Stage 4. Beyond that, regrowth becomes more difficult.
Why Early Action Matters:
✔️ Hair follicles respond better to treatment before they shrink completely.
✔️ Minoxidil & DHT-blocking shampoo work best before hair loss is severe.
✔️ Once a follicle dies, regrowth is impossible without surgery.
How Sons’ Ultimate Plan Can Help
Sons’ Ultimate Hair Loss Plan combines clinically proven treatments to combat male-pattern baldness:
- Minoxidil Spray – The spray reactivates and revitalises shrunken hair follicles by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the scalp.
- DHT-Blocking Shampoo – Formulated with saw palmetto to reduce hair loss. The shampoo also contains argan oil, iron and vitamin B3.
- Hair Growth Complex – A 9-ingredient supplement for stronger, healthier hair. It includes anagain, marine collagen, and biotin, to address hair thinning, enhance growth rate, and improve overall hair quality.
Most men see results within 3-6 months of consistent use!
Use code MFH30 for 30% off your first order here.
FAQs on Hair Loss & Treatment
1. Can I regrow my hair if I start treatment at Stage 4?
Yes, but results will vary. The earlier you start, the better your chances.
2. How long does it take to see results?
Most men see noticeable improvements in 3-6 months with consistent use.
3. Is Sons’ Ultimate Plan safe?
Yes, the treatments are clinically tested and doctor-approved.
4. Can I use the shampoo alone?
It can help, but combining Minoxidil and the oral tablet gives the best results.
5. What if I stop using the treatment?
Hair loss will resume if you discontinue treatment.
If you’re between Stage 2 and 4, now is the time to take action! Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Use MFH30 for 30% off the Sons’ Ultimate Plan.
Hairstyles For Thinning Hair
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Cole Palmer’s Hair: French Crop With Mid Drop Fade
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Jude Law’s Hair: Slicked Back Widow’s Peak Hairstyle
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Daniel Craig Hair: Sleek Taper Hairstyle
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Tom Hardy’s Hair: Textured Tapered Brushed Back Hair
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Justin Theroux’s Hair – Textured Tapered Crop With Beard
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Joaquin Phoenix’s Hair: Short Textured Crop Hairstyle