Normal hair growth What is MPHL? What causes MPHL? What does MPHL look like? What are my chances of suffering from hair loss? Getting your head round MPHL - the psychological impact of hair loss Getting the measure of hair loss

Making Sense of Hair Loss

Getting the measure of hair loss

Are you unsure whether your receding hairline is a sign of male pattern hair loss (MPHL) or a normal part of the ageing process? Or perhaps you are looking for a way to keep track of your hair loss? The Norwood-Hamilton scale is just what you need.

The Norwood-Hamilton scale

Diagram of the Norwood-Hamilton scale

The Norwood-Hamilton scale was developed specifically to measure how much hair has been lost and is used by dermatologists and trichologists (specialists in the hair and scalp) to monitor progress. It shows the typical pattern of MPHL, which usually begins with a receding hairline at the front and sides and progresses to an expanding area of baldness on the top of the head. For further information on MPHL and too see a simplified version of the Norwood-Hamilton scale, click here.

Provided as a service to patients by Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited