Recognising Hair Loss Patterns: Who Is a Good Hair Transplant Candidate?

The most common cause: hereditary hair loss

Androgenetic alopecia is by far the most common type of hair loss in men and women. Follicles in certain areas are sensitive to the hormone DHT; they shrink and over time produce only fine, short hair. Hair at the back of the head is usually unaffected – and that is exactly the hair used as donor hair in a transplant.

Typical patterns in men (Norwood scale)

• Early stages: receding temples and a slightly receding hairline.
• Intermediate stages: pronounced temples plus thinning at the crown.
• Advanced stages: front and crown merge, leaving a horseshoe-shaped fringe.

Typical patterns in women (Ludwig scale)

In women the frontal hairline usually stays intact while hair thins diffusely along the parting. A medical assessment is particularly important here, as hormonal or internal causes are possible. Read more on our women's hair transplant page.

When are you a good candidate?

• Your hair loss has been medically classified as hereditary and is relatively stable.
• The donor area at the back of your head is dense enough.
• Your expectations are realistic: a transplant redistributes existing hair.
• You are in good general health and willing to follow the aftercare.

When not – or not yet?

• Very young age with rapidly progressing loss: the future pattern is hard to predict; a hairline set too low can look unnatural later.
• Diffuse loss without a stable donor area
• Alopecia areata in an active phase
• Unclear cause – such as thyroid problems, iron deficiency or medication