Is Baldness Hereditary?

Whether you call it hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, or baldness, it’s a common condition that affects millions of people. Baldness does run in families, but that’s not a guarantee you will – or won’t – lose your hair.

There are many types of hair loss, but hereditary baldness is the most common. It affects men and women and usually begins in your 20s or 30s but can start in your teens. Fortunately, treatments are available to counter thinning hair, even when it’s related to your DNA.

Hair transplantation is one of the more popular services plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Blumenauer offers at Oceana Aesthetics in Stuart, Florida. His surgical skill and minimally invasive follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique ensure natural-appearing results that blend well with your hair’s growth pattern.

Here, Dr. Blumenauer and his team explain hereditary baldness, how genes versus environment play a role in hair loss, and whether FUE can help.

Signs of hereditary baldness

Some types of hair loss are temporary. For instance, hormonal shifts following childbirth, illness, and excessive emotional stress can all cause hair to thin dramatically. In these cases, your usual hair volume returns six to nine months after the stress, illness, etc., resolves.

On the other hand, hereditary hair loss is progressive. The condition, also known as male or female pattern baldness, develops when hair follicles shrink and quit producing hair.

Men usually notice it first as a receding hairline and significant thinning on the top of the head. For women, it usually develops as overall thinning or widening of their part. Without treatment, the thinning hair and receding hairline progress to partial or complete baldness.

Genetics versus environmental factors related to hair loss

Several genes are associated with an increased risk of hereditary hair loss. One of the most well-known is the androgen receptor gene (AR). This gene plays a crucial role in the body's response to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that may cause hair follicles to shrink.

Other genes involved in hair follicle development, growth cycle regulation, and hormone metabolism may also contribute to the risk of baldness. However, it's important to note that genetics is not the sole determiner of hair loss.

Stress, poor nutrition, smoking, certain medications, and hormonal fluctuations can accelerate hair loss. Conversely, a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and proper hair care can help delay the onset of baldness.

When to consider a hair transplant for hereditary baldness

Not everyone with hair loss is a candidate for FUE, but hereditary baldness is one type that often responds well to this popular surgery. Notably, FUE can also restore hair loss related to scarring and may be used to thicken eyebrows, mustaches, and bears.

Before recommending the procedure, Dr. Blumenauer completes a thorough evaluation to assess your overall health and identify the underlying cause of hair loss. If nonsurgical solutions have failed to restore hair volume, he may suggest FUE.

Schedule a visit at Oceana Aesthetics today. Early treatment for hereditary hair loss often ensures optimal results. Call the office or request an appointment online.