Can You Stop Hereditary Hair Loss? Exploring Your Options
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What is hereditary hair loss?
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Hereditary hair loss symptoms
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How to stop hereditary hair loss?
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Take Away
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FAQs
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References
Losing hair is a common issue that affects people of all ages and genders. While there can be several causes of hair loss, hereditary factors play a significant role in many cases. Hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a genetic condition that causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing new hair. This type of hair loss affects both men and women and can lead to thinning hair or baldness. In this blog, we will dive deeper into hereditary hair loss, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments.
What is hereditary hair loss?
- Hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common form of hair loss that is inherited from either the mother's or father's side of the family.
- It is caused by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors that affect the hair follicles, leading to a gradual thinning of hair over time.
- In men, hereditary hair loss typically starts with a receding hairline and thinning on the crown of the head, eventually leading to complete baldness in some cases.
- Women with hereditary hair loss usually experience a thinning of the hair on the top of the scalp, but the hairline remains intact.
- Hereditary hair loss can start as early as puberty, but it is more common in middle-aged and older adults.
- While hereditary hair loss cannot be cured, there are treatments available that can slow down the progression of hair loss and even promote new hair growth, such as mino-xidil and fin tab.
- Lifestyle changes, such as reducing tension, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tight hairstyles, can also help to prevent further hair loss.
Hereditary hair loss symptoms
Male Pattern Hair Loss: Thinning at Hairline and Crown
According to AAD, in men, hereditary hair loss often starts with a gradual thinning at the front hairline, which then recedes further over time, forming an "M" shape. Along with this, the hair on the crown area of the scalp also begins to thin, creating a circular or oval bald spot.
Female Pattern Hair Loss: General Thinning on Top of Head
On the other hand, women with hereditary hair loss typically experience a more diffuse thinning of their hair, particularly at the crown or top of the scalp. This can make the scalp more visible, but women typically maintain their frontal hairline. Unlike men, women with hereditary hair loss rarely develop bald patches.
How to stop hereditary hair loss?
Here are some ways to manage and slow down the progression of hereditary hair loss:
Medications:
Medications such as Fin tab and mino-xidil are FDA-approved for the treatment of hereditary hair loss. fin tab is a prescription medication that is effective for men, while mino-xidil is available over the counter and can be used by both men and women.
Hair transplant:
A hair transplant involves transplanting hair follicles from a healthy area of the scalp to the balding area. This procedure can provide long-lasting results, but it can be expensive.
Lifestyle changes:
Certain lifestyle changes can help slow down hair loss, such as reducing tension, eating a healthy diet rich in protein and vitamins, and avoiding tight hairstyles or harsh chemicals.
Laser therapy:
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. LLLT can be performed at home using a handheld device or in a clinic.
Wigs or hairpieces:
Wigs or hairpieces can be a good option for people who are uncomfortable with their appearance due to hair loss. They come in a variety of styles and can be customized to match your natural hair colour and texture.
Take Away
Hereditary hair loss is a common condition that affects both men and women. While there is no cure, there are several treatments and lifestyle changes that can help slow down or prevent hair loss.
FAQs
Can you stop hereditary hair loss?
There is no definitive cure for hereditary hair loss, but there are treatments that can slow down or stop hair loss and even stimulate hair growth.
Can hereditary hair loss be reversed?
Unfortunately, hereditary hair loss cannot be reversed, but treatments can help slow down or stop hair loss and even promote new hair growth.
Is hair loss genetic from the father?
Hair loss can be inherited from both parents, but research suggests that the genes responsible for hair loss are more commonly inherited from the mother's side of the family.
