Donor and graft guide
A hair transplant is a matter of borrowing: loss-resistant follicles from the back of the scalp are moved to thinning areas. Every plan therefore begins by knowing the donor’s limits.
Follicular units and grafts
Hair grows not singly but in natural groups of 1–4 hairs called follicular units (FU). Each unit harvested is a “graft”. An average graft carries roughly 2–2.2 hairs; this varies from person to person.
The safe donor zone
The band between the tops of the ears and the nape is least affected by male pattern loss. Density here is usually 60–90 FU/cm². The number of grafts it can give without visible thinning is limited and should be considered over a lifetime.
Estimate your graft range
Area × density ±12%. The result is an initial idea, not a plan.
Higher density is usually planned at the hairline and lower at the crown. The simulator estimates the area from your photo using the iris scale.
Compared with an average donor capacity (~5,500 grafts, lifetime). Your actual capacity is measured at examination.
The Norwood and Ludwig scales
Male pattern loss is described on the Norwood scale (1–7), female thinning on the Ludwig scale (I–III). The simulator suggests an estimated stage from your photo.
| Norwood | Appearance | Common approach |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No significant recession | Monitoring; no transplant needed |
| 2 | Mild temple recession | Usually treatment and monitoring |
| 3 | Clear M-shaped hairline | Hairline and temple transplant |
| 4 | Frontal recession + crown thinning | Front and mid-scalp first |
| 5 | Front and crown nearly joined | Large area, planned to donor |
| 6 | Front and crown joined | Often two sessions |
| 7 | Only a band at sides and back | Limited donor; careful priorities |
| Ludwig | Appearance | Common approach |
|---|---|---|
| I | Slight widening of the parting | Investigating the cause and treatment |
| II | Visible thinning at the parting | Treatment; unshaven transplant for suitable candidates |
| III | Diffuse thinning on top | Combined plan if donor is suitable |
The information on this page is general and does not replace a medical consultation. The method, graft number and timeline suitable for you can only be determined after an examination. Simulations are illustrative and are not a promise of results.
See it on your own photo
Choose a hairline and hairstyle, review an illustrative 12-month timeline and, if you wish, send it for a doctor’s review.