Is male hair loss hereditary?
Male pattern hair loss is a result of a number of factors, so it’s important to understand what causes the condition. Here, we answer the question - is male hair loss hereditary - and explain how you can effectively treat the condition. While you can’t do anything about your genes, you can take the necessary steps to treat your hair loss, as we explore throughout.
What is male pattern hair loss?
Male pattern hair loss (or baldness) is also known as androgenetic alopecia. It’s the most common type of hair loss in men, affecting millions in the UK alone. The telltale signs of male pattern hair loss are a receding hairline and thinning hair above the temples. Some people experience male pattern hair loss in their teens, while some men don’t experience any symptoms until their fifties or sixties. The reality is that it affects every man differently, but there is one common factor underlying male pattern hair loss, and that’s your genetic makeup.
So, is male hair loss hereditary?
Research shows that male pattern hair loss is polygenic, meaning that it is likely caused by more than one gene. Male pattern hair loss is commonly associated with the AR gene, which is prevalent on the X chromosome. For instance, a comprehensive study in 2012 found that people with the gene - from a study pool of 12,806 participants - had more than twice the risk of developing male pattern hair loss. But as a 2017 study showed, the AR gene is not the only one associated with male pattern baldness. In fact, the researchers posited that as many as 63 genes could be responsible for hereditary hair loss. Therefore, while male pattern hair loss is often hereditary, it’s difficult to discern patterns, and it’s not easy to predict whether you will be affected.
Can you predict male pattern hair loss?
While there’s no way of knowing definitively whether you’re going to lose your hair, you can look to your father and grandfather’s history of hair loss as an indicator of what lies in store for you. You should also pay close attention to your hair to identify signs that are early indicators of male pattern hair loss, as the earlier you notice it, the sooner you can treat it. The good news is that there are so many treatments available for men who are experiencing hair loss, as we explain below.
Can you treat male pattern hair loss?
You can’t do anything about your genetic makeup, but you can treat male pattern hair loss. In fact, two medications have been clinically proven to treat male pattern hair loss - Finasteride and Minoxidil. When used in tandem, these medications can block the growth of DHT, which binds to your hair follicles, and increase blood and oxygen flow to the affected areas of your scalp. As a result, they can effectively boost your hair growth over a sustained period of time. Our Full Works treatment plan consists of Finasteride, Minoxidil, Biotin, and saw palmetto shampoo, and it is a great option if you’re looking to treat male pattern hair loss caused by genetics.
Be sure to check out all of our hair loss treatment plans and begin your consultation today to kick start your hair loss treatment with Sons.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
