Is Baldness Hereditary From Mother or Father: Here’s the Answer

Ever wondered if your thinning hair is due to baldness genes from mom or dad? The answer is complex but we will answer it in this blog using what science has to say about genetic hair damage. Life evolves from genetic data we borrow from both mother and father. Usually, fathers with thin hair and bald heads are blamed by their children for passing on the damage to them but how much of it is really true? Can mothers too pass on thinning hair to offsprings?

In this blog, Lordhair - a leading nonsurgical hair replacement brand - will delve into the genetics of baldness, and discover how the hair status and history of both parents affect your hairline. Read on!

Basics of Baldness and Heredity Damage

Before discussing the genetic part, it’s essential to understand that not all baldness is the same. There are many reasons behind hair loss. Androgenic Alopecia is a common form of baldness which is commonly due to heredity. In this type of hair loss, receding of the hair and the crown part for men (for women, thinning of the scalp) is the usual pattern. There are also other kinds of hair loss such as alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition) or telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding) but these are not necessarily genetic. Bad lifestyle choices can also lead to hair damage.

There are many myths about genetics and hair loss. The most popular probably 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. The truth however is that the genes for hair loss are actually passed down from both sides of the family. Read on to discover more myths related to parental hair loss and damage.

The ‘Balding Gene’ Explained

Hair loss caused by genetic factors has a characteristic pattern most often referred to as male or female pattern baldness. Let’s look at them one by one:

Male Pattern Baldness (MPB): Male pattern baldness is the type of baldness that results from hair loss at the temples, which initially starts to create an "M" shaped hairline at the front of the scalp. This kind of hair loss may occur even in the early 20s. Three out of ten men in their early 30s have significant balding.

Female Pattern Baldness (FPB): In women, hair loss primarily begins at the late stages of the menstrual cycle, and it takes on the pattern, which looks like slow hair thinning along the crown of the head.

 

MPB and Mother’s Side Myth

One of the most common misconceptions is that men inherit baldness from their mother’s side, more specifically from their grandfather on the maternal side. It’s true, but just part of it. Here’s what really happens at chromosome level:

The X chromosome is inherited from the mother while the Y chromosome is from the father. Male pattern baldness linkage through this gene on the X chromosome has a very strong correlation. Research shows that individuals having one copy of a mutated form of this gene were twice as young as those without it who developed MPB. Probably this is the reason baldness has for so long been linked to the maternal side.

Nevertheless, scientists have also found that male pattern baldness (MPB) is a polygenic disease. Meaning, more than one gene involved. According to a study conducted in 2017, 63 genes were identified to be associated with MPB and only 6 of them are on the X chromosome.

Female Pattern Baldness and Genetic Pathways

The genetic information gathered regarding FPB is still far from complete. The current scenario is similar to that of MPB, where multiple genes are responsible instead of a single gene called the “balding gene.” FPB, in its own way, is different from MPB for the reason that it usually starts by a gradual thinning along the part and can eventually become more diffuse across the scalp.

It seems that an important factor involved in FPB is in connection with hormonal changes rather than simply genetics. Scientists have discovered evidence suggesting that genes that make coding for aromatase, a particular enzyme, may be part of the puzzle. Aromatase changes testosterone to estradiol (a type of estrogen), so this might explain why women go bald or lose hair after menopause when estrogen levels are down.
The post-menopausal drop in estrogen, coupled with genetic predispositions, might cause the hair follicles to become more sensitive to androgens (male hormones), contributing to hair thinning over time.

Long story short, your parents may be responsible for the hair damage after your thirties but it would be wrong to lay blame solely on your mother or father.

Other Factors Contributing to Balding

In addition to genetics, various other factors can contribute to hair loss across genders. Here’s a look at some of these influential elements:

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes are a common reason for hair loss. Women may experience hair thinning or shedding because of hormonal changes triggered by menopause, pregnancy, or childbirth.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles, which leads to the loss of hair being localized and patchy. The fall of hair can affect any person regardless of their age.

Medical Conditions

Several medical conditions can lead to hair loss in men and women, including:

• Ringworm infections of the scalp.Cicatricial alopecia, a condition where inflammation destroys hair follicles, causing scarring.
• Traumatic alopecia, which results from injury or damage to the scalp.

Certain Hairstyles

Traction alopecia is the type of hair loss that happens when a hairstyle causes excessive tension on hair follicles and damages it in the long run. Such hairstyles include tight ponytails, braids, or buns.

Medications and Supplements

Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. Drugs commonly associated with hair shedding include those used to treat:

• Depression
• Heart conditions
• Gout
• High blood pressure
• Cancer
• Arthritis

Nutritional Deficiencies

A diet lacking in essential nutrients like protein, zinc, iron, and other vitamins and minerals can negatively impact hair growth. Without adequate nutrition, hair can become weak, brittle, and prone to thinning.

Understanding these hair loss causes along with genetic predispositions can be key in addressing hair loss early on. Managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding hairstyles that strain the scalp are all ways to support hair health beyond genetic factors.

Don’t forget to check out these sources as well:

Genetic hair loss causes and treatments
Connection between antibiotics and hair loss explained
Does George Costanza wear a Toupee?

Recovery from Hereditary Hair Loss

If you are noticing signs of hair loss and are worried about it, there are a number of solutions worth exploring. Medications approved by the FDA (minoxidil and finasteride) have shown hair growth results in men globally. Reducing stress, improving diet, and being mindful of hair care practices can support hair health as well. These hair treatments won’t completely undo the damage caused by genetic hair loss but it will help retain existing hair to some extent.

If you have reached a stage where hair loss and lifestyle changes are no longer helping, then, nonsurgical options such as hair wigs and toupees for men are very useful. Modern hair replacement systems are realistic, comfortable, and can be customized to the last detail.
Hair Transplant is also an option but they tend to be more expensive and the surgical risks are many.

 

Baldness From Mother or Father: Takeaway

Genetics is one of the primary causes of hair loss but it’s hard to attribute it solely to mother or father’s side. The hereditary element that leads to the onset of baldness still requires research, and more facts may appear in coming years.

Although genetic hair loss is almost permanent and there is no treatment to reverse it, medications, non-surgical solutions, and home remedies may help to stimulate hair growth in some cases. If your hair loss has reached an advanced stage, we recommend exploring the world of hair systems!
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