The Role of Genetics in Male Hair Loss: Can You Prevent It?

Fuller and healthy hair is a plus one to an individual’s appearance. On the contrary, the thinning of hair turning into hair loss may be a concerning feeling. A large percentage of men and women fall prey to hair thinning that soon takes the shape of a male-pattern or female-pattern baldness. As per stats, men are more vulnerable to becoming bald than females.

While there may be many causes of why thinning of hair happens, the most common one is genetics. Your genetics have a crucial role in determining the health of your hair, especially in men. As per the current research, 95% of men with male pattern baldness have developed this condition genetically.

What is Genetic Hair Loss?

Genetic hair loss can affect both males and females. The cases of males are higher than females. Known as androgenic alopecia, hair loss due to genetic research is referred to as male pattern baldness (MPB) or female pattern baldness (FBP) in layman’s language.

This type of hair loss can be traced to the androgen hormone which plays a vital role in regulating hair growth in both males and females. Increased levels of androgen may affect hair follicles and reduce hair growth cycle. Every human body has cells that regulate proper functioning and carry genes in the cell nucleus. These genes, or DNA, have input from both the mother and the father and their previous generations. Androgenic hair loss may be caused by genetic history.

Androgen or testosterone hormones are produced by gonads or adrenal glands. When converted into dihydrotestosterone or DHT, they become responsible for the miniaturization of hair in generally prone people.

How to Prevent Genetic Male Hair Loss?

Thinning hair or bald patches make you look older than you are. But fret not! You can opt for many treatment options and restore the appearance of your hair. Depending on the stage of your male pattern baldness and other factors, the doctor may suggest the following treatment options.

Medications

If your male pattern baldness is in the early stages, the dermatologist will recommend medications. This treatment is suitable for people who don’t want to opt for invasive treatments to treat their hair loss. The most common medicines that the doctor would suggest are Minoxidil or Rogaine. It is a topical product applied on the scalp in the places where you notice bald spots. You may start seeing positive changes after four months of regular application.

It is important to mention that the effects of Minoxidil will last only as long as you keep applying it. When stopped using it, your hair thinning may return. Another medication that many doctors suggest to their patients is Propecia. It works by decreasing the number of DHT in your body. You may experience positive changes in 3-4 months.

Laser Cap

A laser cap is one of the most innovative solutions for male pattern baldness. It looks like a baseball cap and contains low-level laser light that helps stimulate hair follicles when you wear it. A laser cap is an FDA-approved treatment that can be worn comfortably. The ease of this treatment makes it a sought-after option among many men.

With regular use of a laser cap, as suggested by your doctor, you may be able to report noticeable results within 2-4 months.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

Also known as PRP therapy, it is another sought-after option for genetic hair loss that helps stimulate the hair growth on your bald spots. The doctor will administer PRP injections that release various growth factors, helping in promoting hair growth and stem cells present in the dermal papilla.

Hair Transplant

When all the above-listed treatment options fail to work in your favour, the doctor may suggest a hair transplant. It is known as a permanent solution to your male pattern baldness. There are two types of hair transplant – FUT and FUE.

In the former, the hair follicular units are taken from the donor and inserted into the bald scalp after dissection to make a single hair follicle. In the latter method, the graft from the donor area is extracted and implanted in the recipient area. Both methods provide a natural and favourable appearance. Both of them are safe treatment options requiring a downtime of 2-3 days. They have a high success rate with no noticeable scarring. Each treatment type may require more than one sitting. You may start noticing changes within 3-4 months.

Takeaway

Genetic hair loss is one of the most common problems in men. Your genetics strongly influence the growth of your hair. Thanks to the advanced treatment options, you can address this concern and get the best hair growth treatment. Meet your doctor, discuss your concerns, and let them decide the best treatment approach.