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Classification Of Hair Loss In Men

Hair loss in men may be categorized into two large patterns or into some less common kinds. You may take a look into this page to know which class you belong to. This page will help you prepare for diagnosis and treatment.

The Norwood Classification is the most widely used classification in men's hair loss. This was introduced by Dr. O'tar Norwood in the year 1975. There are two major patterns in this classification and some less common kinds. In the regular Norwood pattern, there is a so-called bi temporal recession and thinning of the crown, that gradually enlarge and joins until the head loses all its hair.

Less common classifications of hair loss in men

This particular scale showed the seven small cases of hair loss. The pattern starts from the mild to the severe cases. In order to learn about the classification, the classes were typically numbered in Roman Numerals I to VII:

• Class I. This represents an adolescent that is not prone to balding.  Men’s hair can be seen as healthy in this stage with no signs of falling at all.
• Class II. During this state, the hairline seems to be reduced but on a temporary basis only.  The lessening is apparent at the fold located above the eyebrows. 
• Class III. This is the period where men start to encounter the hair loss problem as apparently seen on a wide forehead.
• Class IV.  This is a phase where the frontal hair starts to diminish at a greater extent.
• Class V.  Both the frontal hair and the crown are seen to have bald patches during this stage. 
• Class VI. A large portion from the frontal hair to the crown has been predominantly lessened appearing as a single file.
• Class VII.  This is the most severe case were man’s hair is leading him to total baldness.

Norwood Class A

Norwood Class A is characterized by a front to back losing of the hair. A bridge-like connection can be seen but the crown is not gravely affected. Men with this condition often go for hair transplantation as a surgical procedure. The hair is restored where bald spots are predominant.

Diffuse Patterned and Unpatterned Alopecia

The first type of alopecia in men does not pass through the usual Norwood stage. The thinning hair is prominent on all areas from the front, top then to the scalp and occurs on a permanent site. Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA), on the other hand does not have any stable target for hair thinning. It is less severe than the first one but hair transplant may not be possible for DUPA since the non-permanence of the target area may give doctors a hard time in searching for the right place where hair could be gathered.

You may now start assessing which type of hair loss seems to be affecting you. Begin by looking at yourself in front of the mirror then consider going to your physicians for consultation. This would help in diagnosing your real case.

Tags: Diffuse Patterned Alopecia, Diffuse Unpat, hair loss in men, Norwood Class A, Norwood classification

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