Hereditary-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. Hereditary male pattern baldness is not actually a disease, but rather a natural condition caused by a combination of genetics, hormone levels, and the aging process. While almost every man and woman will be subject some amount of hair loss or hair thinning as they age, up to 40% of them will experience a more pronounced variant of this condition.
While people can experience hair loss beginning in their 20s and 30s, in women the changes are most noticeable after menopause. The condition is also called androgenetic alopecia or male-pattern baldness / female-pattern baldness.
What Age Does Hair Loss Start?
According to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), 85% of men experience thinning hair by the age of 50. And 25% of those men start losing their hair before the age of 21.
Is Hair Loss from Your Mother or Father?
Folklore is replete with myths about how hereditary hair loss genes and hair loss itself are passed down from both sides of the family, and can even skip generations, affecting offspring randomly. One of the most prevalent of these myths is that hair loss in men is passed down from the mother’s side of the family while hair loss in women is passed down from the father’s side. The truth is that the genes for hair loss are actually passed down from both sides of the family.
Baldness is strongly associated with the Androgen Receptor gene found on the “X” chromosome, the so-called baldness gene. Men inherit their “X” chromosome from their mother.
Will I Go Bald If My Dad Is?
You will not necessarily go bald if your father is, but it is likely. Numerous studies examining the subject have produced the following results:
- A study looking at 12,806 men of European ancestry found that people with the AR gene had more than double the risk of developing androgenetic alopecia than people without it.
- A 2017 review found 63 genes that might influence male pattern baldness, with only six of them found on the “X” chromosome
- 80 percent of people experiencing noticeable hair loss had a father who also experienced hair loss.
Since hair loss genetics can be complicated, a balding father does not guarantee you will suffer hair loss – but it does increase the likelihood of it.
Is All Hair Loss Hereditary?
While genetics is believed to be the most significant factor contributing to hair loss, it is not the only factor. Stress, hormonal changes, and certain medications are a few of the other significant factors that may be in play. In addition, hair loss genes and hair loss itself are passed down from both sides of the family. The genes can even skip generations, affecting descendants randomly.
Can You Reverse Hereditary Hair Loss?
Genetic hair loss cannot be reversed, but it can be slowed. Treatments such as Minoxidil® can reduce the rate of hair loss experienced. Some cases of more extreme loss opt for hair transplants.
RHRLI, Your Hair Restoration Resource
At Robotic Hair Restoration Long Island, we have a proven track record of successfully combating hair loss. From topical medications to our state-of-the-art ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System and NeoGraft 2.0, we bring the cutting edge of hair restoration technology to your aid. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.