Is there an age at which one can predict a patient’s ultimate degree of hair loss? For example, if one is a certain Norwood class by age 30, 40 or 50 can an estimate be made for his ultimate Norwood class at age 60 or 70?
No. We can try to make an intelligent guess with miniaturization studies and our clinical medical experience, but it is not a science and there are no guarantees in predicting hair loss. Generally, the worst balding patterns hit men before they are 30 years old and I find that most balding patterns can be predicted by ages 26-30 based upon early signs of thinning evidenced by miniaturization studies. On occasion I have seen men start balding in their 40s and 50s, although very rare.