Hair guideHair-Loss GlossaryLudwig scale

Ludwig scale

Last updated: 2026-06-14

The 3-stage scale used to grade female-pattern hair loss. It describes progressive thinning and a widening part over the crown while the frontal hairline is usually kept — the opposite pattern to the receding male hairline.

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Sources: AAD ↗

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Not medical advice. General education only; it does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Consult a board-certified dermatologist before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.

⚠️ When to see a doctor — don’t self-treat

  • Sudden patchy or circular bald spots
  • Redness, scaling, pus, pain or itch (possible scarring alopecia — treat urgently)
  • Broken hairs or rapid loss
  • Loss with body-wide signs (weight loss, fatigue, cycle changes, acne, extra hair)
  • Loss right after a new medication
  • Any hair loss in a child
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