Baldness isn't caused by just one parent; it's a complex trait influenced by many genes from both your mother and father, though the maternal X chromosome plays a significant role in male pattern baldness due to the androgen receptor gene. While there's a myth linking it solely to the mother's side, modern research shows numerous genes from both parents, plus hormones like DHT, determine hair loss.
Studies have identified that the genetic predisposition to Male Pattern Baldness is inherited from both parents, though the influence of genes from the maternal side is particularly significant due to the role of the X chromosome. In women, androgen sensitivity also plays a role, but it is less pronounced than in men.
Fact: Although the inheritance from the mother's side is stronger, typical hair loss can be inherited from the mother's side of the family, the father's side or both.
Bottom line: Having a father with hair reduces one source of genetic risk but does not eliminate the possibility of going bald. Early monitoring and, if appropriate, medical treatment improve outcomes.
Many of the genes responsible for baldness and hair loss tend to come from your maternal grandfather, even though genes from both of your parents and all of your grandparents can also play a role. If your maternal grandfather is bald or is losing their hair, you are a likely candidate for hair loss problems yourself.
Your biological father can pass on physical traits such as your biological sex, eye color, height, puberty timing, fat distribution, dimples, and even risk factors for certain health conditions.
What are the best vitamins for hair growth? The available evidence supports the routine use of only three supplements: Vitamin D, Iron, and Vitamin C, mostly for its effects on improving iron absorption.
The "Big 3" in hair loss treatment refers to a popular, multi-pronged approach using Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole shampoo, targeting different aspects of hair thinning (like circulation, DHT, and inflammation) for potentially better results than single treatments, often used for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). While Minoxidil promotes growth, Finasteride blocks follicle-shrinking DHT, and Ketoconazole reduces scalp inflammation, sometimes Microneedling replaces Ketoconazole as a "Big 3" component.
By the time you turn 30, you have a 25% chance of displaying some balding. By age 50, 50% of men have at least some noticeable hair loss. By age 60, about two-thirds are either bald or have a balding pattern. While hair loss is more common as you get older, it doesn't necessarily make it any easier to accept.
It's a myth that there's a single balding gene that directly determines whether or not you'll go bald. Baldness is influenced by multiple genes, as well as other factors including diet, age, and general health [2]. One study found 63 different genes that play a role in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) [3].
Asian hair generally exhibits the strongest mechanical properties, and its cross-sectional area is determined greatly by genetic variations, particularly from the ectodysplasin A receptor gene.
Every cell we have descends from a the first human cell, a zygote. And zygote mitochondria comes only from egg cells, never from sperm cells. So every gene that belongs to us from mitochondria is only inherited from our mom's side. So, taking this into account, you could say that we have more mom genes than dad genes.
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.
Gen Z is experiencing faster hair loss due to a potent mix of chronic stress, poor modern diets lacking key nutrients, environmental pollution, intense digital lifestyles affecting sleep, and the acceleration of underlying genetic predispositions like androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) by these external factors, all contributing to earlier and more significant thinning. While genetics remain primary, lifestyle stressors are intensifying the issue, causing hair follicles to weaken and shed prematurely.
Caucasians Lose The Most Hair
That is why it is no surprise that countries with the most people suffering thinning hair were all European: the Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom lead the list, with the U.S. coming in sixth.
It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.
Male hair loss typically follows several patterns, the most common being:
How can I prevent hair loss?
Genetic and hormonal factors are to blame, particularly sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron, Vitamin D, Biotin (B7), B12, and Zinc, can cause hair loss by disrupting hair follicle function, keratin production, or oxygen supply, leading to thinning, shedding, or brittle strands; though rare, deficiencies in Folic Acid, Niacin (B3), and Vitamin A (excess is also harmful) can also contribute.
Japanese scalp treatments focus on cleansing, stimulating, and nourishing the scalp to create an ideal environment for healthy hair growth. These treatments remove buildup, improve circulation, and strengthen hair follicles, helping with early signs of hair loss and thinning.
Oral Finasteride
Finasteride slows the rate of hair loss and stimulates new hair growth by inhibiting the body's production of a hormone that destroys hair follicles. This medication is taken once a day by mouth and is most effective when taken at the same time each day.
While vitamin D supplementation alone is unlikely to be a magic cure for hair loss, it can certainly be a key component of a comprehensive hair restoration strategy. Hair regrowth may take time, as hair follicles require several months to respond to changes in nutrient levels and to cycle through the stages of growth.
Although a deficiency in B12 may lead to hair loss, research does not suggest that people who do not have a deficiency can improve their hair growth by using a supplement. Nevertheless, getting enough vitamin B12 is essential for overall health. Good sources of vitamin B12 include meat, dairy, and other animal foods.
Zinc is scientifically proven to support hair growth and repair, but it needs to be the right amount. Most people can get enough zinc through common foods – supplements aren't usually necessary. If you're experiencing hair loss, low zinc levels could be a factor, but it's rarely the sole cause.