Is a High Forehead on the Norwood Scale?

Excellent blog – dispelling the myths and hysteria around the web. For that, I thank you.

I have a question about the classification of hair loss – i.e. the Norwood Scale. I have a high forehead and temples, I have always had a high forehead even as a child and my temples developed into an adult hair line in my late teens. Looking at the NHI site my hair line is similar to some of the Norwood class 3s. However, I know for a fact that it hasn’t changed in at least 10 years (i have photos) and I am pretty certain it is the same as when I was 20 (give or take a few hairs). I am now 33. The thickness has not obviously changed either. But according to Norwood I am losing my hair. Any thoughts?

Thank you in advance

If you have a hair hairline, it does not mean that you are balding. High hairlines are genetic in both males and females. If you wrinkle your brow, the highest crease is where your hairline was when you are 12 years old, but in the mature hairline, the mid-point rises about 1/2 inch in the mature hairline and that is not balding on the Norwood scale.

Assuming that you have balded to a Norwood class 3 and stayed there, it does not mean you are going to progress from a class 3 to 4 to 5 to 6. It is merely Dr. Norwood’s description of how men look.