3 Hair Loss Myths You Probably Believe
Baldness and Its Genetic Origins
Baldness does not only come from your mother’s side—this is a common misconception. Many false ideas about baldness persist like catchy TV show theme songs. To clarify, Popular Science consulted three hair experts to explain what science really reveals about hair loss.
Myth: Your Mother’s Family Determines Your Hairline
The saying goes, “Your mother’s father determines if you’ll go bald,” but this is incorrect. Dr. Jerry Shapiro, a dermatologist and alopecia specialist at New York University, states:
“That’s one of the most common myths I hear, and it’s not true. The gene for pattern hair loss isn’t confined to your mom’s side.”
Genetic and Other Factors in Baldness
The gene related to androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) is partially linked to the X chromosome, which men inherit from their mothers. Dr. Alan Bauman, a hair transplant surgeon at Bauman Medical, explains:
“But that’s just one piece of a very complicated puzzle. Baldness is shaped by many genes from both parents, as well as lifestyle, hormonal, and environmental factors.”
He adds that if male relatives on either side of your family experienced hair loss, your risk may be higher, but it is never solely determined by your mother’s side.
Summary
Hair loss is influenced by a complex mix of genetics from both parents combined with other factors, debunking the myth that only maternal genes cause baldness.
Author’s Conclusion
Hair loss results from multiple genetic and non-genetic causes, not just your mother’s side, making the common myths about baldness misleading.