Genetic Hair Loss

We have often heard our parents and grandparents saying, ‘It’s all in the genes’. Generally, this would be to let you know as to why you are fair and pretty or tall, dark and handsome. These may be reasons enough to celebrate, however, there are some conditions like hair loss that are inherited and passed down through the generations, and could affect any one in your family, including you. Genetics is an extensive field with constant research and clinical trials being conducted, and though there are still many unanswered questions it is clear that hair loss is linked to our genes. Luckily enough, in a major breakthrough a decade ago scientists mapped the human genome, which has contributed to the study of genetic hair loss.

Though genetic hair loss is predominant in men, it does appear in women too. Whether one inherits the defective gene cannot be determined because genes can lie dormant and skip a few generations. We inherit a pair of genes from both parents and end up with one being dominant. So if your mother’s genes are dominant you are most likely to have her characters, for example, you might have the same eye color. Your mother also inherited a pair of genes from her parents, so if your mother’s genes are dominant you may have the same eye color as someone from her family. The same is the case with genetic hair loss.

Genetic hair loss causes balding in a distinctive pattern and is therefore referred to as pattern baldness. It is referred to as pattern baldness since balding takes in a distinctive pattern. Noticeable in men is a receding hair line and large patches of baldness while the hair around the crown of the head thins. As far as genetic hair loss is concerned, women bald differently from men.  A woman’s hair will thin progressively all over the scalp and eventually lead to baldness.

Research is still underway to determine the genes that cause genetic hair loss. However, there are a few ways to reduce DHT levels. A topical treatment, minoxidil, has a success rate of 90% and can be used by both men and women. It prevents further hair loss and while some have experienced the growth of fine hair in bald patches. This treatment is not recommended for those suffering from heart or kidney ailments. Finasteride, an oral drug, is a synthetic testosterone inhibitor that is exclusively for men. It acts on the root of the hair and has shown positive results in 50% of the cases. The other option is a hair auto  transplant, where hair is transplanted from the neck along with the root to the bald patch. An alternative is to find a suitable line of hair treatment that will strengthen your hair and promote hair growth.