Genetics play a pivotal role in the development of hair loss in both men and women. In the US alone, 50 million men and 30 million women are estimated to be affected by androgenetic alopecia — more than 30% of the male population and 17% of the female population [1].
For most of us, whether or not we lose our hair is a genetic lottery. But hair loss genetics aren’t the only factor in play, and there are things you can do to prevent hereditary hair loss getting the better of you.
Here, you’ll learn:
There are many different types of hair loss, and genetics play varying roles in each type. Some, like traction alopecia, are almost entirely down to lifestyle choices, with genetics playing a minimal role (if any).
Others, however, are significantly affected by genetics. Hereditary factors play a massive role in androgenetic alopecia (the collective name for male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss). Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key hormone in the development of these conditions, interacts with receptors in your hair follicles, minimising them until they stop producing hair. DHT and receptor levels are largely determined by your genes.
But even pattern baldness isn’t exclusively driven by genetics. Your hair can also be affected by:
All these factors must be considered when diagnosing hair loss. But genetics are often the driving force behind your maturing or receding hairline and crown bald spot. So let’s find out more about how genes impact your hair.
It’s well-established that DHT causes hair loss in men prone to male pattern baldness. But all men produce DHT, and research suggests that normal DHT levels are enough to cause balding [2]. So why do some men go bald and others don’t?
It’s largely down to genetics. Your genes determine your sensitivity to DHT. If the androgen receptors in your hair follicles are highly sensitive to this hormone, you’re more likely to go bald.
Your genes may also mean you have higher levels (or a more active variant) of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT [3]. If more testosterone is converted to DHT, you’re more likely to lose your hair.
Longstanding myths suggest there’s a single “baldness gene” that accounts for people’s predisposition to losing their hair. But many studies have since debunked this, with one review of more than 52,000 male participants identifying more than 200 independent genes that may contribute to pattern baldness [4].
The AR gene (or androgen receptor gene) is sometimes referred to as the baldness gene. The AR gene is estimated to account for up to 40% of the genetic risk of baldness — a high risk factor for a single gene [5].
Everyone has the AR gene. But variations within this gene determine how sensitive the androgen receptors in your follicles are to DHT. If you have a high level of AR gene expression, you may also have more androgen receptors in your follicles, compounding the effect of hair loss.
But other genes can also have a big impact on your hair. So even if your AR gene isn’t a factor, you may have inherited other genes that are.
In men, the AR gene is inherited from their mother [6]. So look to the hairlines on your mum’s side of the family as an indication of the impact of the AR gene and how it might affect you.
But there are dozens of other genes linked to baldness that can be inherited from either parent. So even if there are thick hairlines on your mum’s side of the family, you could still go bald if your dad is bald. One study found 81.5% of men with hair loss had fathers who were also bald [7].
Yes. Unfortunately, even if your dad has a full head of hair, you can still be genetically predisposed to baldness via genes inherited from your mum.
If baldness doesn’t run in your family but you’re still losing hair, it’s possible that you’re affected by non-genetic hair loss. This could be related to stress, weight loss, illness, hormones, or any number of reasons you’re losing hair.
Genetic hair loss typically produces a pattern that’s easy to spot. In men, it begins with hair loss at the temples which gradually recedes. A bald spot on the crown may also develop. In severe cases, the two bald patches meet, leading to widespread hair loss across the scalp.
The Norwood Scale indicates the typical development of male pattern baldness:
Women are more likely to see diffuse thinning across the scalp, often resulting in a Christmas tree-like pattern along the parting. This is shown in the Ludwig Scale:
While pattern baldness is by far the most common, other types of alopecia can also have a genetic element. For example, alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that can be hereditary [8].
Other conditions including central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), frontal fibrosing alopecia, and dissecting cellulitis may also be affected by your genes, though other factors generally have a greater influence on the development of these conditions.
Androgenetic alopecia is permanent unless you take preventative measures to slow or stop your hair loss. It can start from a young age — it’s not impossible to see a receding hairline at the age of 20 — so it’s a good idea to take steps to stop hair loss at the first signs of balding.
If treated early enough, you may be able to prevent genetic hair loss (or at least delay its onset and progression). Medications like Minoxidil and Finasteride are both proven licensed treatments for slowing the symptoms of male pattern baldness so you can maintain your hair for longer [9]. Several studies have also shown that combining Minoxidil and Finasteride can boost your results [10-11].
There are also many other evidence-based solutions for slowing hair loss, from platelet-rich plasma therapy to low level laser therapy. Speak to a trichologist about your hair maintenance treatment options.
Unfortunately genetic hair loss is a progressive condition. Without treatment, it gets worse over time and becomes more difficult to restore. So if you have concerns about your hair, we recommend tackling it sooner rather than later.
If your hair has already thinned more than you’d like, a hair transplant is the single most effective way to restore a full hairline and crown. When combined with the preventative measures above, you can all but eliminate genetic hair loss, leaving you feeling confident and secure in your appearance.
At the Wimpole Clinic, we can help you reduce the impact of your genetic hair loss. Whether you’re looking for preventative non-surgical hair loss treatments or you’re considering a hair transplant with one of our experienced surgeons, look no further. Book a consultation with one of our hair loss specialists to get started.
Learn more about hair loss and genetics in these frequently asked questions.
Research suggests that around 80% of hair loss is down to hereditary factors [4]. So if you’re unsure why you’re losing hair, genetic hair loss is a likely explanation.
Baldness can skip a generation, but it doesn’t always. Hereditary hair loss comes down to which genes each person inherits from their parents. As a result, it’s even possible for a man to have a healthy head of hair into middle age while his brother goes bald in his 20s.
Certain natural hair loss remedies may be helpful for genetic hair loss, as they act as natural DHT blockers. These include rosemary oil for hair and pumpkin seed oil for hair. However, research into these substances is fairly limited, so we recommend discussing your hair loss concerns with a trichologist for an effective hair loss treatment plan.
Simply fill in your details in the form below and we'll get in touch with you shortly.
Δ
