Ludwig scale

The Ludwig scale is a method of classifying female pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) developed by Dr. Erich Ludwig in 1977, and ranges from stages I to III.^[1]

Ludwig scale
Ludwig scale for female pattern baldness.
Purpose	assess female baldness

Stage I begins with thinning on the top of the head. In stage II the scalp starts to show. All of the hair at the crown of the head may be lost when the hair loss progresses to stage III. However, the scale is used merely for general categorization. Many women do not actually fit into the Ludwig stages.

Unlike male pattern baldness, which often begins with a receding hairline, female pattern hair loss typically presents as diffuse thinning over the crown while maintaining the frontal hairline.^[2]

Stages of Hair Loss

The Ludwig Scale defines three primary stages of hair thinning:

• Stage I: Early thinning becomes noticeable, especially along the central parting. The hair density decreases slightly, but the scalp remains mostly covered.^[3] ​
• Stage II: Thinning intensifies, with a more apparent widening of the parting and reduced hair volume on the crown. The scalp becomes more visible.
• Stage III: This advanced stage is characterized by significant hair loss on the crown, leading to a translucent or fully visible scalp. The hair becomes sparse, and the thinning is more extensive.

See also

• Hamilton–Norwood scale for male pattern baldness