Is Hair Loss Hereditary? Male Pattern Baldness, Genetics, and More

Though you can’t predict the future, your family history can hint at what to expect in terms of health conditions and physical traits — including hair loss. We know male pattern baldness has a genetic connection, but is there really a baldness gene? Is balding hereditary?

Male pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss among men. It’s characterized by a receding hairline or a bald patch at the crown.

Research suggests genetic factors can play a role in whether you develop this hair loss condition. But no single baldness gene can definitively say if you’ll lose your hair.

The topic of male pattern baldness genetics is complex. Read on to learn how your DNA can affect your hairline.

There are many myths about hair loss and male pattern baldness.

For example, you might’ve heard that balding only comes from your mother’s side of the family, or that if your grandpa started balding in his 20s, you’ll also experience early-onset androgenetic alopecia.

Another myth is that of the “baldness gene.” In truth, there’s no single gene that determines whether you’ll lose your hair.

Male pattern baldness (also known as androgenetic alopecia or androgenic alopecia) mostly results from genetics.

According to studies conducted on twins, genetics are responsible for around 80 percent of male pattern baldness. You’re five to six times more likely to experience male androgenetic alopecia if your father did too.  

A large 2012 meta-analysis of studies involving nearly 13,000 men of European descent suggested that people with the androgen receptor gene (or AR gene) are more than twice as likely to go bald than those without it.

But the AR gene isn’t the only one to blame.

Current research suggests male androgenetic alopecia is polygenic, meaning multiple gene variants determine whether you’ll experience the hair loss condition.

So, there’s no single “balding gene” — but there are a few different genes involved in balding.

Biological males have X and Y chromosomes (XY), while biological females have two X chromosomes (XX).

Men usually get their X chromosomes from their mothers. This is probably why there’s a myth that balding comes entirely from your mother’s side. 

But that’s a complete oversimplification. 

Some studies have found balding genes on the Y chromosome, suggesting that your dad’s genetic traits might also be a risk factor for hair loss.

Plus, some balding gene variants might be autosomal — meaning they relate to genes that aren’t on sex chromosomes but on the other 22 chromosomes that make up your genome.

Lastly, remember that male pattern baldness genetics is still a relatively young field of research. Experts are constantly learning new things about it — including its link to hair loss.

So, you’ve done an at-home DNA test, and you’ve been told you’re likely to go bald. What now? First, take a deep breath. At-home DNA testing kits are all the rage, but they’re not necessarily a hundred percent accurate — you can expect some degree of error.

For instance, there’s limited data to pull from non-Caucasian ethnicities, which could potentially lead to flawed results.

Think of your DNA test results as a genetic prediction of male pattern baldness rather than cut-and-dried facts or a diagnosis. 

And just because a genetic variation is present in your DNA doesn’t mean these mutations will for sure express themselves. There’s a difference between being a gene carrier (meaning you could pass it down) and having a symptom or disease (phenotype) from an inherited gene.

In other words, you could pass down the balding gene to your children without going bald or having a receding hairline yourself.

The Norwood scale is sometimes used to pinpoint the stage of male balding. Check out pictures and learn more in our guide to the Norwood hair scale.

Although most people associate pattern hair loss with men, women can also experience androgenic alopecia.

Female androgenetic alopecia involves a different pattern of hair loss — instead of an M-shaped hairline recession, the early signs include a widening center part. It’s particularly common among women who’ve reached menopause.

The condition used to be called female pattern baldness, but this isn’t an accurate name — women very rarely go completely bald from this type of hair loss. 

Female pattern hair loss is even less understood than male pattern hair loss. But according to 2023 research, there seems to be a genetic component to female androgenetic alopecia. 

However, the genes involved in male pattern hair loss aren’t the same as those involved in female pattern hair loss. And overall, the genetics of female pattern hair loss aren’t well-understood at all.

Fortunately, the American Academy of Dermatology says female pattern hair loss is treatable. Often, getting the right treatment starts with talking to a medical professional.

The genes that make up your genome can play a role in whether you lose your hair. But DNA isn’t the only thing that can cause hair loss.  

There are many different types of hair loss. For example, alopecia areata is a form of hair loss caused by an autoimmune reaction. 

Another type of temporary hair loss, telogen effluvium, is caused by a shock to the system. This can be triggered by a few issues, including: 

• Extreme stress

• Severe illness

• Medical conditions 

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Hormonal changes 

• Side effects of certain medications

Check out our blog for a rundown of ways to know if you’re going bald.

You can’t delete your genes or change your ancestry. But if you’re experiencing signs of balding or pattern hair loss, you can make moves to encourage healthy hair growth.

Here’s what might help.

Finasteride

If you’re experiencing hair thinning, you might ask a healthcare professional about prescription oral medications like finasteride (generic Propecia®).

Male pattern hair loss is partly caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen (male hormone) produced from testosterone. In guys with a genetic predisposition to baldness, DHT shrinks hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.

Finasteride, an FDA-approved medication, blocks the production of DHT. This way, it slows down genetic hair loss.  

Read more about this hair loss medication, including how long it takes to work, in our guide to finasteride results.

Minoxidil

Another research-backed, FDA-approved hair loss treatment is the topical medication minoxidil (generic for Rogaine®). You apply it right to your scalp in balding areas to encourage the active growth phase of the natural hair growth cycle.

Topical minoxidil is available in a foam formulation or a liquid solution.

Finasteride also comes in topical form, as with our two-in-one topical finasteride & minoxidil spray.

Oral minoxidil is typically used to treat hypertension and cardiovascular disease. It’s also an option for those who can’t use topical minoxidil, but the oral version of the medication isn’t FDA-approved for this specific purpose.

Hair Transplant Surgery

We get it. You’ve tried all these options, and you’re at wit’s end. In that case, hair transplant surgery could be the answer to male or female pattern hair loss.

Hair transplants involve taking healthy hair follicles from one part of your body and moving them to another.

Consider talking with a dermatologist or a follicular surgeon about whether hair restoration surgery is right for you.

Laser Therapy for Hair Loss

Studies on this hair loss treatment are mixed. But there’s some evidence that laser therapy or red light therapy may help improve hair density. It might do this by stimulating hair follicles.

See our guide to low-level light therapy for hair loss to learn more.

Hair Care Treatments

Hair loss shampoos might help too. For example, you could try our hair thickening shampoo. It includes saw palmetto, a plant-sourced ingredient that’s been shown to partially block DHT.

It’s also a good idea to take care of the hair you do have, while you still have it. Avoid extreme heat-styling, excessively tight hairstyles, and harsh chemical treatments — this can cause hair breakage, which can make your hair look thinner.

Although hair care isn’t a replacement for hair loss medications, it can help you keep your hair looking good for as long as possible.

So, is baldness hereditary? Technically, yes.

Finding out you’re genetically predisposed to losing hair can be scary and nerve-wracking. But male pattern baldness genetics aren’t the whole story when it comes to hair loss.

Here’s what to remember about the balding gene:

• Genetic factors play a role. Your genetics may increase your susceptibility to male pattern hair loss, but your family history isn’t a definitive death sentence for your hair follicles.

• You can lose your hair for other reasons. Other potential causes of hair loss include things like stress, medical conditions, and medications.

• But genetic hair loss can be slowed down. Regardless of why you’re losing your hair, effective treatment options exist.

If you’re concerned about hair loss, it’s best to consult a medical professional, such as a dermatology specialist or an online medical provider at Hims. 

Want to learn more about how hair loss treatments might help prevent future shedding? Start with a free online consultation today.