Will I Go Bald If My Dad Is Bald?

Medical Disclaimer: Freebird provides general information, not medical advice. For any health or medical advice, consult a licensed healthcare professional

The hair loss myth is simple: If my dad is bald, you're doomed. For decades, men have stressed over which side of the family to blame.

But the science is in, and the answer is more complex than you think. Baldness is polygenic and isn't caused by a single gene from a parent.

We're diving deep to untangle the mystery behind hair loss, from the often-blamed AR gene to the dozens of autosomal genes from both mom and dad.

When we're done, you'll understand your head's true genetic destiny and what you can do about it.

The Genetics of Baldness: What Science Says

Does Baldness Come from Mom or Dad?

tl;dr: Baldness comes from both your mom and your dad. While the often-blamed "baldness gene" (AR gene) is on the X chromosome you get from your mom, scientists have found dozens of other genes linked to hair loss that come from both parents. So yes, your maternal grandfather's bald head might be a clue, but so is your dad's. MPB is polygenic, which means multiple genes are involved. Bottom line: it's not just your mom's fault. Both sides of the family play a role.

You've probably heard, "If your mom's dad is bald, you'll go bald too." or "If your dad is bald, you'll go bald as well." While there's some truth to this, it's not the whole story.

Male pattern baldness is dependent on genetics. On the other hand, female pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss is different. It involves other factors and uses a different scale (Ludwig scale) to measure baldness.

You can inherit the baldness gene from both the mother and father's side of the family, although there's a higher chance of getting it from the mother's side. This means your dad or paternal grandfather's baldness can give you a clue about your future hair loss, but it's not the sole reason why you may also go bald.

The AR gene, or androgen receptor, plays a key role in male pattern baldness and is found on the X chromosome. Since men inherit their X chromosome from their mothers, this is why people often think baldness comes from your mom's side of the family (mother's father or maternal grandfather). If your maternal grandfather was bald, there's a chance you've inherited a version of the AR gene that makes you more likely to lose hair.

But here's the catch: baldness isn't just about the AR gene or your mom's side. Scientists have discovered dozens of other genes linked to baldness, many of which are found on autosomes—the non-sex chromosomes. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes, and you inherit one copy of each pair from both your mom and dad. This means any baldness gene on these autosomes could come from either parent.

So, even if you didn't inherit a "baldness variant" on the AR gene from your mom, you could still go bald if you've inherited other baldness genes from your dad—or even your mom. Studies have shown that male pattern baldness is polygenic, meaning it's influenced by multiple genes working together.

A study shows a total of 63 different genes associated with baldness. Another survey by XYON Health found that 81.5% of sons with hair loss had fathers who were also bald. Lastly, identical twin studies suggest that between 79 and 81 percent of baldness is determined by genetics.

The takeaway? All these genes play a role. While your mom's genes might play a significant role in determining whether you'll lose your hair, your dad's genes matter, too. Baldness can come from either side of the family tree, making it more complex than blaming one parent! Understanding this complexity can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with the uncertainty of hair loss.

How Likely Are You to Experience Hereditary Baldness?

Baldness sometimes skips generations, but if both sides of your family have it, your chance of experiencing it goes up. If it shows up mainly on one side, it might skip your generation.

Scientists are now using Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS), which combines the effect of hundreds of genetic markers to predict male pattern baldness. These tests aren’t perfect, but they can give you a high, medium, or low-risk category. Men in the highest-risk group may see hair loss start five to seven years earlier than low-risk men. This technology shows just how complex and predictable your genetic destiny is becoming.

Other Factors That Influence Hair Loss

Hair genetics isn't the only culprit of baldness. Lifestyle, health, and even stress all plays a role. By understanding these factors, you can take control of your hair health and potentially delay hair loss.

Hormonal Changes

DHT or dihydrotestosterone plays a major role in men's hair loss. If you have too much DHT production, male pattern baldness shows up. Catching MPB during the early stages can help you slow down that receding hairline.

Environmental Factors

Pollution and sun exposure can damage your scalp and weaken hair. Living in a polluted area also increases free radicals in your body, contributing to baldness.

Stress

Stress is higher nowadays. Turn on your phone, and you get stressed when you see a 'no signal' or 'internet connection' icon. Intense emotional stress pushes hair follicles into a resting phase or telogen, leading to temporary hair loss called telogen effluvium. The good news? Hair often grows back when stress eases.

Nutrition Deficiencies

What you eat impacts your hair health. If you're not getting the right amounts of key hair nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin, it can weaken your hair follicles and slow hair growth.

What Can You Do About Genetic Hair Loss

If you're experiencing hair thinning, don't freak out; it's not the end of the world. It's just hair. If you act early, there's a better chance of delaying the progression of male pattern baldness.

If your hair loss is sudden, patchy, or is accompanied by scalp itching or pain, you need to see a doctor or dermatologist right away, as it could be a medical condition other than MPB. 

Here are proven and effective ways to combat baldness.  

Medications: The Science-Backed Approach

The big guns in the battle against baldness are FDA-approved medications like Minoxidil and Finasteride. Some take these two medications together and experience better results.

Minoxidil is an over-the-counter medication for hair loss that boosts blood flow to follicles, helping hair grow. Most people are familiar with it as a topical liquid or foam, but oral Minoxidil (OM) is now an option that many doctors are using. It's not FDA-approved specifically for hair loss, so a doctor has to prescribe it off-label at a very low dose. Many patients find it easier than applying topical foam every day. It's quickly becoming a popular and effective choice.

Finasteride is a prescription pill that's known as DHT kryptonite. It blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which gives your hair follicles a fighting chance against the progression of male pattern baldness. When taking one or both of these medications, be wary of Minoxidil's side effects and Finasteride's side effects.

Hair Transplant: The Surgical Solution

If medications aren't cutting it or you're scared about the side effects like me, a hair transplant is a permanent solution to restore the strands lost due to male pattern hair loss.

Hair follicles are transferred from the back of your head to thinning areas. It's a surgical procedure with risks and a hefty price tag.

Healthy Diet: Hair Vitamins

Eating the wrong food impacts your hair. While a healthy diet won't magically regrow lost hair, it can help keep existing hair strong and healthy. Here's what you need to add to your diet:

• Protein: Our hair is mainly made up of protein, so make sure you're getting enough from meats, fish, eggs, and legumes.

• Biotin: Biotin is like a multivitamin for hair. Load up on biotin from eggs, nuts, and sweet potatoes.

• Iron: Low levels of iron can lead to hair loss. Increase iron levels in your body from lean red meat, spinach, and lentils.

• Omega-3: These healthy fats help reduce inflammation and promote a healthy scalp. Good Omega-3 sources are chia seeds, salmon, and walnuts.

Read our article on Healthy Scalp Vitamins to learn more about what foods to add to your diet.

Lifestyle Change: Treat Hair with TLC

A healthy diet is not enough to address hair loss. A lifestyle change that includes stress management, exercise, quitting smoking and alcohol, and avoiding tight hairstyles and harsh chemicals can help our overall hair situation.

Shave it All Off

Let's discuss the best solution to genetic hair loss: Shaving it all off!

It sounds drastic, but most baldies who have taken the plunge wish they'd done it sooner.

Going bald by choice means no more stressing about what stage you are on the Norwood scale or why your expensive hair growth product isn't working. It's low maintenance, saves you time and money on barber visits, girls love baldies, and, best of all, can make you look younger!

Isn't it great when you're not worried about who's bald on either side of the family and whether you will go bald, too? 

Not ready? Try a buzz cut first, then transition gradually to head shaving.

If head shaving suits you, check out our Beginner's Guide for Baldies so you can easily navigate your journey with expert advice.

The FlexSeries Pro is the latest offering from Freebird and is one of the best rotary shavers in the market today.

Get one now for only $

Rock Your Bald Head with Confidence

Hair loss can mess you up mentally and make you lose your swag. Many guys hide behind wigs, hats, and embarrassing combovers. Living a double life is exhausting and pointless.

The real win isn't regaining lost hair but being confident even without it. Whether you choose medication, a transplant or head shaving, the goal is to be free from the fear of baldness.

This shift in mindset is the biggest hack of all!

The Bottom Line

Having a bald father increases your chance of inheriting MPB, but it's not guaranteed. Genetics are complex, and contributions from both sides of your family are involved.

So, if your dad is bald, there's no need to fear the future. By understanding genetic factors and taking proactive steps, you can manage what's coming. No more stressing around about who's bald in your family tree.

One final tip: buy a reliable head shaver as your first investment in the shaving game.

FAQs

When Do Men Start Balding?

Male pattern baldness can manifest as early as your late teens or twenties. The American Hair Loss Association reports that 25% of men with male pattern baldness begin losing hair before the age of twenty-one. It starts with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown.

Will I Go Bald if My Dad Isn't?

You can still go bald even if your dad has a full head of hair. The genes that cause hair loss can come from both your mom's and your dad's sides of the family. You might inherit hair loss genes from your mom's, your dad's, or even a mix of both. Plus, other factors like stress, hormones, and health can play a part too. So, your dad's full head of hair isn't a guarantee for your own.

Will I Go Bald if My Mom's Dad is Bald?

If your mom's dad is bald, your chances of going bald go up, especially if you're a guy. That's because the AR gene - one of the big players in hair loss - is on the X chromosome, which you get from your mom. But don't forget, baldness isn't just about one gene or one side of the family. You could also get hair loss genes from your dad's side, and the combination matters.

Can I Stop Genetic Hair Loss?

You can't completely stop genetic hair loss, but you can slow it down and sometimes regrow some hair. Medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) can help keep your hair around longer if you start early. Eating a healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding harsh hair treatments can also make a difference.