Hair loss genes come from both parents, but the myth that it's only from the mother's side stems from a key gene (Androgen Receptor or AR) on the mother's X-chromosome being significant, while other genes from both parents also contribute, making it a complex mix influenced by genetics, hormones, and environment, not just one parent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hereditary hair loss cannot be prevented, but there are medical treatments that can maintain, improve, and optimize hair growth, such as minoxidil, finasteride, and spironolactone. Topical minoxidil is FDA-approved for hair loss in men and women.
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.
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.
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.
Key Vitamins for Hair Growth
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.
Japan, Spain and Sweden are widely known for having people with healthy hair, but there are also other countries like India, France and Russia that are also known for helping people keep their hair natural and not messing with any artificial coloring.
Asian and African hair have lower densities, with 175 hairs/cm2 and 161 hairs/cm2, respectively. Asian hair is the thickest, with a larger diameter of about 70 µm. Caucasian hair has an average diameter of 65 µm, and African hair is the finest, with a diameter of 55 µm.
“The ethnicity with the least amount of terminal hair is Asian, whereas people of Hispanic and Middle Eastern descent typically have the most. Other ethnicities fall somewhere in between. So what's normal, hair-wise, for you might not be normal for someone of a different ethnic background.”
Fathers will always pass their X chromosome to their daughters and their Y chromosome to their sons.
The nucleus contains genetic info in a combination of 23 pairs of chromosomes that are made from DNA. You inherit one pair from each of your parents. Only one pair, chromosome 23 determines the gender. Genetically, a person actually carries more of his/her mother's genes than his/her father's.
Your biological father can pass on physical traits such as your biological sex, eye colour, height, puberty timing, fat distribution, dimples, and even risk factors for certain health conditions. Some of these, like Y-linked traits and the sex-determining chromosome, come exclusively from dad.
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.
Stage 7: The most advanced androgenetic alopecia
This is the most advanced stage of male pattern baldness. The top of the head is completely bald, but some hair is still thinner and of varying density at the back and on the sides.
Hair loss patients frequently have lower vitamin D concentrations. In studies, boosting vitamin D levels promoted hair thickness and growth. Optimising your vitamin D intake is key for maintaining healthy hair follicle cycling.