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The baldness gene plays a significant influence in determining the amount of hair loss that occurs with age.

Help: I’m losing my hair! Is a common phrase we hear when new clients walk through our doors. Sadly, hair loss is prevalent, and no matter what you may have heard, it doesn’t just affect men!

Although baldness is commonly considered a male issue, anybody can experience hair loss, regardless of gender.

Genetics play a significant influence in determining the amount of hair loss that occurs with age. Other factors, such as stress levels, illness, medication, nutrition, and hormones, can also contribute to hair loss.

Sadly, there is no way to reverse genetic hair loss, but there are ways to slow it down and restore your confidence following hair loss.

In this post, we’ll investigate the genetics behind balding, debunk a common misunderstanding about balding, and discuss methods to prevent hereditary hair loss and gain back your self-esteem.

When hair loss is caused by your genetics, it occurs in a predictable pattern often referred to as male pattern.

The “balding gene”

When hair loss is inherited, it follows a predictable pattern known as male pattern baldness (MPB) or female pattern baldness (FPB).

MPB manifests in men as an m-shaped recession at the front of the scalp and typically begins from the age of 20, progressing with each passing year. Approximately 80% of men get MPB by age 80.

Women frequently have Ludwig pattern hair loss – a progressive regression along the hairline. This condition commonly starts after menopause, but can begin earlier. Approximately 50% of women will have female pattern hair by age 80.

The baldness gene and male pattern hair loss

You may have heard the urban legend that men only receive the baldness gene from their mother’s father. Even though this is not always the case, the statement has some validity.

In truth, the genetic component of male pattern baldness is poorly known, but it is believed to be polygenic (meaning that it involves multiple genes).

The AR gene is highly associated with male pattern baldness. A comprehensive research of 12,806 males of European ancestry revealed that those with the gene had more than double the chance of getting MPB compared to those without the gene.

Nonetheless, this is not the only gene that determines baldness. In addition, research has revealed that more than 80% of persons suffering from visible baldness had a balding parent.

The baldness gene and female pattern baldness

As with MPB, the genetic component of FPB is still largely unknown, but it is believed to involve many genes.

The ability to convert testosterone to estradiol may contribute to female pattern baldness and explain why so many women lose their hair after menopause.

A number of studies have identified specific genetic variants linked to variations in baldness, usually with the AR gene showing the strongest association.

What else causes hair loss?

In addition to heredity, several other factors can contribute to hair loss in both men and women.

Hormonal fluctuations

Changes in thyroid hormone levels are associated with hair loss in both men and women.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an immunological disorder that causes patchy hair loss. These patches may connect and then become more noticeable.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania, commonly known as hair-pulling disorder, is a psychiatric condition characterised by the urge to pull out one’s own hair.

COVID-19

There is currently no solid evidence linking COVID-19 to hair loss. However, doctors believe that COVID may cause hair loss due to the tremendous physical and emotional stress sufferers face. This mental state harms all organ systems, including your integumentary system (e.g., hair, nails).

Cancer treatments

Hair loss is one of the most common side symptoms reported by both men and women after being diagnosed with cancer. Chemotherapy treatments are extremely potent pharmaceuticals that target quickly growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, these medications also destroy your body’s other quickly growing cells, including those in your hair roots.

Chemotherapy may result in hair loss across your body, not only on your scalp. Eyelash, eyebrow, armpit, pubic, and other body hair may come out at times.

Some chemotherapy medicines are more likely to induce hair loss than others, and various doses can result in anything from thinning to full baldness. The good news is that most hair loss caused by chemotherapy is transitory. In other words: Your hair will grow back!

Additional medical conditions

Additional causes of hair loss include ringworm infections, cicatricial alopecia, and traumatic alopecia.

Various hairstyles

Stressful hairstyles, such as tight ponytails, can cause traction alopecia, a form of hair loss caused by hair traction. This form of hair loss may be transient or permanent.

Other causes of hair loss and balding include:

Pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements
Depression
Cardiac problems
Gout
Elevated blood pressure
Arthritis
Birth control measures
Radiation treatment
Stress
Nutritional deficits (not consuming enough protein or other necessary minerals, such as zinc)

How to decrease hair loss if you have the baldness gene

Genetic hair loss is irreversible, and little can be done to prevent it. However, there are numerous techniques to slow it down.

Positive lifestyle choices

Eating a well-balanced diet, obtaining enough sleep, limiting stress, and engaging in regular physical activity can enhance overall health and hair health.

Topical treatments

Typically, topical drugs such as minoxidil (Rogaine) are the initial therapy option. Commonly, these lotions are applied directly to the scalp in balding areas.

Oral pharmaceuticals

Your physician may prescribe finasteride (Propecia) orally to treat MPB. Finasteride is also utilised to treat prostatic enlargement.

Surgical hair transplantation

Follicular unit transplantation and follicular unit extraction are two hair transplantation procedures that relocate hair follicles from one area of the scalp to balding areas.

Laser treatment (red light therapy)

Laser treatment may be beneficial if you are battling genetic hair loss or chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

Injections containing platelet-rich plasma

Injections of platelet-rich plasma may encourage hair growth in areas experiencing hair loss. Similar to laser therapy, further research is required to determine its efficacy.

Anti-hair loss injections can help restore hair growth.

Hair prosthetics and hair integration systems: Toppers & Wigs

A hair topper or wig is an ideal solution if your hair is thin in various places and areas or if you are suffering partial or complete balding. Toppers are becoming increasingly popular among women and men as a solution for thinning or balding hair.

Using a topper can protect your natural hair, in turn encouraging growth. Since the topper sits on top of your head, it reduces any possible tugging or pulling of your natural hair.

They are also easy to use: You can clip on the hair toppers and enjoy the natural volume it gives your hair. Hair toppers by Tymeless Necessity Hair are available in a wide range of materials and construction methods and are designed for all stages of hair loss.

In addition to toppers, we offer superior human hair wigs for men, women, and children suffering from partial or total hair loss. Tymeless is unique because each wig and hairpiece chosen is customised according to your lifestyle, personality, and individual needs. Every product we create is so realistic that no one will know you’re wearing a hairpiece.

Takeaway on balding and hair loss

Regardless of gender, genetics have a significant role in hair loss. The genetic component of balding is still poorly known. However, it is believed that multiple genes are involved.

Although genetic hair loss is irreversible, medicines, laser therapy, and platelet-rich plasma injections may encourage hair growth in balding areas. Some individuals receive hair transplants to conceal balding spots. Others opt for wigs or toppers to cover baldness and balding areas.