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Put simply, yes, hair loss can be hereditary. However, just because hair loss runs in your family doesn’t mean that you’ll definitely experience it. When thinking about your potential for hereditary hair loss, it’s also important to consider the picture of your whole health and how this may further impact any hair loss you may be predisposed to.
If you are already experiencing hair loss - hereditary or not - there are so many options to help you start growing your hair back.
Hereditary Hair Loss Basics
The most common type of hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness, has a strong genetic component. Research has shown that certain genes are involved in developing this condition. If you have a family history of hair loss, especially among your parents or grandparents, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing hair loss yourself.
While your long-term genetic history can impact your hereditary hair loss, the primary cause is the genetic predisposition inherited from one's parents. Specifically, it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genes inherited from both your mother and father.
These genes affect how sensitive your hair follicles are to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT binds to receptors in the scalp's hair follicles, causing them to shrink over time. As a result, the affected hair becomes thinner and shorter until it eventually stops growing altogether, leading to hair loss.
Identifying Hereditary Hair Loss
This kind of hair loss presents differently in men and women.
Hereditary hair loss in men often presents as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, eventually leading to partial or complete baldness.
Hereditary hair loss in women, however, typically shows as diffuse thinning throughout the scalp, with the hairline remaining intact.
While these are the signs we see most often, it’s possible your hair loss may present differently, as everyone’s genes and responses to DHT are unique.
Hereditary Hair Loss Treatments
Because there is no one-size-fits-all solution for hereditary hair loss, we always prefer to approach hair loss treatments with custom products and routines. With all of our topical prescription solutions, we can customize the specific ingredients and strength of the ingredients, to align with what’s best based on your health history and hereditary considerations.
Two of our most popular options are:
- Our Topical Rx Solution (Advanced Formula) utilizes finasteride, dutasteride and minoxidil at customized strengths to help block DHT and boost hair growth.
- Our Topical Rx Solution (For Women Under 50), combines spironolactone and minoxidil to block DHT. For women, it’s important to consider your age when treating your hair loss, as certain ingredients are safer for women who are still considering having children.
Many people also like to pair our Scalp Dermaroller with our topical solutions, as this device can stimulate hair follicle growth and enhance the absorption of our topical products.
Additionally, our Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner and drug-free Hair Supplements can be paired with our topical solutions to create a complete, daily hair loss routine.
If your parents and grandparents struggled with hair loss, don’t lose hope. Thanks to today’s customized solutions and hair loss technology, there’s so much that can be done to help you achieve a fuller head of hair — even if hair loss runs in your family.
