You might have heard the old wives’ tale that if you want to find out if you’re going to go bald, all you have to do is look at your grandad on your mum’s side. If he was bald, chances are you will be too. If not, you’re safe. But it’s not quite that simple.
In truth, male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is more complex than that. It is a hereditary condition, but there’s more than just one gene which determines how your hairline fares. In reality, male pattern baldness is controlled by a complex interplay of genes, which scientists are still working to fully understand.
Here’s what we do know about the genetics behind this condition.
Genetics which impact baldness
The perception that baldness is inherited from the mother is because one gene related to baldness, the androgen receptor (AR) gene, is located on the X chromosome (which all men get from their mother). However, just because a man has mutations on this particular gene does not mean he will definitely lose his hair, and conversely, men without variations to the AR gene will not necessarily get to keep their hair. This is because other genes linked to baldness are found on the non-sex chromosomes (you have 22 other pairs of chromosomes), which you inherit from both your parents.
That said, the AR gene is believed to have the strongest influence, as it affects how sensitive hair follicles are to androgens. Male pattern baldness is triggered by an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which binds to androgen receptors on the hair follicles, causing them to shrink (a process called miniaturisation). Over time, this shortens the growth phase of the hair cycle until follicles stop producing new hairs altogether.
Men with androgenetic alopecia can have increased DHT production, more of the enzyme (5-alpha reductase) which converts testosterone into DHT, and more androgen receptors in the areas of the scalp affected by balding.
So, what’s family history got to do with it?
Family history is a good indicator of your likelihood of experiencing hair loss, but it’s not a perfect predictor.
According to this study, the chances of experiencing hair loss are increased if you have a history of hair loss on either side of your family. Men whose fathers had experienced hair loss were twice as likely to have some level of hair loss compared to men whose fathers had no hair loss. Men were 3 times more likely to experience hair loss if they reported a history of hair loss in either parent, compared to men with no parental history.
The greatest risk was found in men who had a history of hair loss in both the father and maternal grandfather.
Are there any other factors, besides genetics?
In twin studies, about 80% of both early and late-onset baldness was attributed to genetic factors. But what else can have an impact?
One factor is age, as the risk of experiencing hair loss increases as men get older. After the age of about 60, both the levels of androgens and 5-alpha reductase wane, so hair loss after this age is often distinct from androgenetic alopecia. Instead, hair loss is linked to oxidative stress (free radicals causing cellular damage) and apoptosis (cell death).
Environmental factors such as high caffeine consumption, smoking, and increased durations of stress are linked to hair thinning as well.
So, it’s not all about genetics, but they do tend to have the greatest impact on your chances of experiencing hair loss.
What can I do if I’m losing my hair?
If you’re noticing the early signs of hair loss, regardless of your age or family history, there are treatments that may be suitable for you to combat hair loss.
Treatments such as Minoxidil and Finasteride are clinically proven treatments for hair loss, licensed by the MHRA:
- Finasteride blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which reduces DHT levels and protects hair follicles from damage.
- Minoxidil boosts blood flow to the scalp, supplying hair follicles with oxygen and nutrients to help hair grow thicker and stronger.
When used together, Minoxidil and Finasteride are effective in 94% of men at preventing further hair loss.
Take our free consultation for personalised recommendations and start your hair loss journey today.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
