Is male pattern baldness inherited?
Thinning at the temples or crown makes many men look at their fathers and grandfathers. Here is what is known about family history and what you can do about it for free.
Yes, male pattern baldness is inherited. DermNet explains that male pattern hair loss is an inherited condition, caused by a genetically determined sensitivity to the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in some areas of the scalp.
What "inherited" means for your scalp
Inherited means the trait is passed down through family genes. In this condition, the sensitivity is to DHT, and it affects some areas of the scalp rather than all of it.
That is why a relative's hair history is a useful clue. It works the same for every reader this site writes for, from Madera to Madera Acres and Fairmead, which have place pages of their own, and the rest of the county.
Asking relatives and taking monthly photos
Two steps cost nothing and need no special skill.
- Ask your relatives when their hair began to thin and where. Write the answers down so you can hand them to a clinician.
- Take a photo of your hairline and crown in the same light, once a month. A dated set of photos shows change better than memory does.
The American Academy of Dermatology keeps a page on how hair loss is diagnosed and treated, which is a good read before any appointment.
Patchy, sudden or painful hair loss
Hair that comes out in patches, hair that thins suddenly, or a scalp that itches, burns or hurts is worth a visit. A clinician can tell you whether what you see matches male pattern hair loss.
Procedures are a separate matter. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is the professional society for surgeons who do hair restoration, and its site shows what that field covers. Save that for after you know what is causing the thinning.
What can be done about inherited thinning
Once the cause is clear, the next question is what can be done about it. The Hair Loss Resource Center from the American Academy of Dermatology and the MedlinePlus hair loss overview are two sources to read first.