During the hair transplantation process, the severity and pattern of hair loss are assessed using standardized classification systems. One of the most recognized of these is the Hamilton–Norwood Scale, which determines the degree of baldness in male pattern hair loss on a scale from 1 to 7. The system was first developed by Dr. James Hamilton in 1951 and later modified by Dr. O’Tar Norwood in 1975, hence its current name.

At Quartz Clinique, the Norwood Scale is an essential diagnostic tool used to evaluate the stage of baldness, plan the transplantation strategy, and estimate the number of grafts required for natural and permanent results.

What Is the Hamilton–Norwood Scale?

The Norwood Scale is the internationally accepted standard classification system for male pattern baldness. It allows specialists to document hair loss progression in a structured way and to develop individualized hair restoration plans.
By defining clear stages of baldness, this scale enables physicians to determine:

• The extent of hair loss,
• The number of grafts needed, and
• The suitability of the donor area for transplantation.

Using the Norwood Scale simplifies both diagnosis and treatment planning, ensuring an efficient and medically precise hair transplant process.

How Many Grafts Do I Need According to the Norwood Scale?

Male pattern baldness typically begins with hairline recession at the temples and thinning at the crown. Over time, these areas expand and merge, leaving only a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair around the sides and back of the scalp.
The number of grafts required depends on the degree of baldness as defined by the Norwood Scale.

Surgical Design for Norwood 6–7 Degree Hair Loss

Patients classified as Norwood 6 or 7 experience advanced baldness, where the donor area may not provide enough viable follicles for transplantation. In such cases, alternative regenerative approaches like stem-cell-assisted hair restoration are considered.

At Quartz Clinique, specialists may use:

• FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) for grafts taken from dense donor zones.
• DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) for precise implantation and natural density.
• Stem Cell–Based Hair Regeneration to enhance graft count and follicle vitality when donor supply is limited.
• This combined approach maximizes density and coverage even in advanced cases of baldness.

What Is FUE Hair Transplantation?

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) involves harvesting individual hair follicles from the donor area—usually the back of the head—under local anesthesia. After sufficient grafts are collected, tiny channels are opened using micro-motor tools, and follicles are implanted one by one.
Advantages include:

• Minimal scarring,
• Fast healing, and
• Natural, dense appearance.

What Is DHI Hair Transplantation?

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) uses a specialized CHOI implanter pen to extract and implant hair follicles directly, without creating separate incisions.
This technique shortens the overall procedure time, minimizes trauma, and increases follicle survival rates—especially beneficial for dense hairline design.

Stem Cell–Assisted Hair Transplantation

When a patient lacks sufficient donor follicles (common in Norwood 6–7 cases), autologous stem cells can be harvested and cultivated in a laboratory to regenerate new follicles. These lab-grown follicles are genetically identical to the patient’s original hair, ensuring compatibility and natural results.
This method offers a groundbreaking solution for individuals previously deemed unsuitable for traditional transplantation.

Norwood 6–7 Hair Transplantation in Young Patients

Young adults suffering from advanced hair loss often experience psychological distress, as baldness can make them appear significantly older. For Norwood 6–7 cases in younger individuals, careful donor evaluation and long-term planning are crucial.
With stem-cell-supported FUE or DHI methods, sustainable and aesthetically balanced results can be achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is My Hair Loss Level?

Your hair loss level can only be accurately determined by a specialist using the Norwood Scale during a clinical examination. Depending on the degree, the number of grafts required ranges from 1,000 to over 7,000.

Can Hair Transplant Results Be Permanent?

Yes. Once transplanted follicles adapt to their new location, they retain the genetic resistance of the donor hair and grow permanently throughout life.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The duration depends on the number of grafts and the chosen method (FUE or DHI).

• FUE: 6–8 hours on average
• DHI: 4–6 hours on average

Is Stem Cell Hair Transplantation Safe?

Yes, because the stem cells are derived from the patient’s own tissue, eliminating any risk of rejection or allergic reaction. The procedure is performed under sterile laboratory and surgical conditions.

What Can I Expect After Hair Transplantation?

After recovery, transplanted hair grows naturally. It can be washed, cut, dyed, and styled like normal hair. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in biotin (vitamin B7) supports stronger and shinier growth.

How Soon Can I See the Final Results?

Initial growth begins around the 3rd month, and the final appearance becomes evident between 9–12 months post-operation.

The Hamilton–Norwood Scale plays a critical role in diagnosing, classifying, and treating male pattern baldness.

At Quartz Clinique, each hair transplant plan—especially for Norwood 6–7 cases—is developed through advanced assessment, personalized design, and modern techniques such as FUE, DHI, and stem-cell-assisted restoration.

This scientific and individualized approach ensures permanent, dense, and natural-looking hair for every patient.

Transgender hair transplant surgery plays a crucial role in helping individuals align their appearance with their gender identity. Whether it involves feminizing a masculine hairline or addressing hair loss due to hormonal therapy, hair restoration is often an essential step in the transitioning process.

For MtF (Male-to-Female) and FtM (Female-to-Male) patients, hair transplants can help redefine self-image, reduce gender dysphoria, and enhance overall confidence.

What Is a Transgender Hair Transplant?

A transgender hair transplant involves using advanced techniques such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) or FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) to reshape or restore hairlines according to gender-specific aesthetic goals.

These procedures are carefully planned based on whether the patient is transitioning to a more feminine or masculine appearance. In addition to scalp hair restoration, eyebrow, beard, or sideburn transplants can also be included to achieve more natural gender-congruent features.

MtF vs FtM Hair Transplant: Key Differences

Below is a comparative overview showing the distinctions between Male-to-Female (MtF) and Female-to-Male (FtM) hair transplant goals, patterns, and techniques.

Understanding Hair Loss Patterns in Transgender Patients

Gender-specific hairlines differ significantly in shape, height, and density. A feminine hairline tends to be lower and curved, while a masculine hairline appears more angular and receded at the temples.

Male-to-Female Hair Loss

MtF patients often experience receding hairlines or crown thinning as a result of testosterone exposure prior to hormone therapy. Estrogen may slow this process but cannot fully reverse it.

For these individuals, FUE hair transplantation is an effective option to restore frontal density and create a naturally feminine hairline that frames the face harmoniously.

Female-to-Male Hair Loss

FtM patients undergoing testosterone therapy may experience androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Testosterone converts into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which miniaturizes follicles and causes thinning or baldness.

A transgender hair transplant can address this by redistributing resistant hair follicles to thinning areas. In addition, beard and sideburn transplants help enhance masculine features.

Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatments for Transgender Patients

Before considering surgical options, non-invasive therapies can be explored to slow hair loss and strengthen existing follicles.

These include:

• Minoxidil: Stimulates follicle activity and promotes hair growth.
• Finasteride: Blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Uses patient’s own growth factors to stimulate follicles.
• Exosome Therapy: Regenerates cells and enhances scalp health.

Health Conditions That May Prevent Hair Transplant in Transgender Patients

Before surgery, your doctor will review your overall health to ensure safety and optimal outcomes. Certain medical conditions may temporarily or permanently prevent hair transplant procedures.

What Is the Best Method for Transgender Hair Transplant?

The FUE method is generally preferred due to its minimally invasive nature, faster recovery, and lack of visible scarring.
Each procedure is fully customized based on the patient’s transition goals and existing hair density.

For MtF patients, the focus is on frontal hairline lowering and creating symmetry. For FtM patients, emphasis is placed on beard, sideburn, and temple density to achieve a more masculine appearance.

A transgender hair transplant is more than a cosmetic enhancement — it’s a life-affirming procedure that helps align appearance with gender identity.
With today’s advanced FUE techniques, both MtF and FtM patients can achieve natural, permanent, and confidence-boosting results.

At Quartz Hair Clinic Istanbul, our specialists customize every transgender hair transplant to suit your facial structure, gender goals, and medical background — ensuring safe, natural, and lasting transformations.