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Genetic Hair Loss

REGAINE® should only be used for the treatment of hereditary hair loss. Remember to always seek advice from a healthcare professional first, before treating any hair loss.

 

Genetic hair loss in men

Balding can be based on a number of factors – hormones, lifestyle, illness, etc. – but one key factor that feeds into all types of hair loss is genetics. Hereditary hair loss is known as androgenic alopecia, and it affects millions of men across the world. This type of baldness usually kicks off with progressive thinning around the hairline, accompanied by a thinning or balding spot at the crown, which gradually increases in size.

Unfortunately, just as there’s no cure for other hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis or certain allergies, there’s no ‘cure’ for genetic hair loss – just ongoing treatment that tackles the problem and keep it from progressing too quickly.

 

Genetic hair loss myths debunked

There are lots of myths surrounding hereditary hair loss – so let’s set the record straight on those first.

It’s my mother’s fault I have genetic hair loss – it comes from her side of the family

A rumour floating around the web has seen many people convinced that baldness and hair shedding is passed down on the mother’s side. While this is partly true (baldness is largely based on the X chromosome, which comes from the mother), you can’t place all the blame on poor old Mum! Twin studies have shown that male pattern baldness can come from anywhere in the family, and men with bald fathers have an increased chance of going bald compared with men whose fathers have kept their hair. If there’s balding anywhere in your family, you might be at risk.

High levels of hair shedding is a sign I have genetic baldness

Another myth. Genetic baldness generally doesn’t always involve handfuls of hair falling out in the shower or onto your pillow. Androgenic alopecia tends to follow a process of miniaturisation, where hairs fall out to be replaced with thinner, shorter hairs. The life cycle of the hair is also reduced, so your hair stays on your scalp for a shorter period of time. If you’re shedding clumps of hair, see a doctor – this doesn’t sound like ordinary genetic hair loss, and there could be a deeper underlying problem.

I’m 40 and still have all my hair, so I’m safe from genetic hair loss

Unfortunately this isn’t true either. Hereditary hair loss can strike at any time; you could be in your twenties when it hits, or you could have made it all the way to your late 50s without so much as a receding hairline. If hair loss is in your genes on either side of the family, keep a sharp eye out for the signs and symptoms of thinning – the faster you can treat it, the better the results will be.

To read up on more of the most common myths about genetic hair loss, head on over to our FAQ page. And as always, if you’re unsure about what’s causing your hair loss, see a health care professional. You may be convinced that your shedding is genetic, but your doctor may unearth a more significant problem – always get a professional opinion before you act to treat your hair loss.