There are many myths regarding the relationship between genetics and hair loss. One popular myth is that hair loss in men is passed down from the mother’s side of the family while hair loss in women is passed down from the father’s side; however, the truth is that the genes for hair loss and hair loss itself are actually passed down from both sides of the family.
Baldness genes may also skip generations and are completely random in terms of which siblings (male or female) they will affect. They may even have very different effects on siblings in the same family. For example, if your twin brother has hair loss, this does not necessarily mean that you will experience hair loss as well.
The type of hair loss that is passed down to individuals through genetics is known as androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as male/female pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness usually begins at the hairline, causing hair loss on the forehead and at the temples first. It can occur as early as the late teens and early 20s, and usually works backward from the temples to eventually cause partial or total baldness on the top and sides of the scalp. Female pattern baldness affects women differently in that it rarely results in total baldness. It’s typically a general thinning of the hair on the top and sides of the scalp. The receding hairline common in men is usually not exhibited by women with androgenetic alopecia.
If you would like to learn more about the causes of hair loss and available treatment options, you can request a free info kit and schedule a free consultation with a Bosley professional. Bosley physicians can inform you if there is a problem, what the condition could be, and offer the appropriate treatment or solution.