What NW2 typically looks like
The temple corners may sit farther back than the central front, creating a gentle M shape. Hairlines vary, and an image does not need to match a diagram exactly.
| Norwood 1 | Norwood 2 | Norwood 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal visible recession | Mild temple recession | Deeper frontotemporal recession |
| Front outline broadly preserved | Center often remains prominent | Corners create a more pronounced pattern |
| May represent a youthful outline | Can overlap with a mature adult hairline | Conventionally marks a clearer pattern category |
Mature hairline considerations
A stage 2-like shape can remain stable. The scale describes appearance, not whether it is actively progressing. Compare historical photos before treating the label as a trend.
What progression would look like
Progression may show as deeper corners, a narrower central forelock or additional crown visibility. It may also follow a pattern that does not move neatly to the next numbered illustration.
When to seek evaluation
Consider professional evaluation when change is rapid, concerning, symptomatic or when you want to understand cause and options. The stage alone cannot answer those questions.
Sources
- Male pattern baldness: classification and incidence. Southern Medical Journal, 1975.
- Hair loss: Who gets and causes. American Academy of Dermatology, 2024.