Will i go bald if my mother's father was bald?

Question

I've read a lot that if my mother's father is bald i will be too. The thing is, my father isn't bald and he has thick hair at 50. My mother's father had very thin hair and went bald at an early age. If my hair is thick like my father's does this mean i have his characteristics of hair and wont go bald or could i still have thick hair and go bald like my mothers father. I'm 19 by the way.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon for an in-person examination. They will take your genetics and other health profile into consideration. Keep in mind that you have many options for hair loss treatment, including the permanent and natural-looking hair transplant via NeoGraft. Best wishes,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest a formal consultation to determine if you have hair loss and what preventative treatments you can start now given your family history.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Genetic male pattern balding does not always follow a predictable trait.  There is no absolute guarantee you will be bald because your relative is bald.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

For the most part, the gene for hair loss resides on the X chromosome. This means that you inherit baldness from your mother. In reality, there are multiple influences from both the mother and the father. Therefore, if your mother's father is bald there is a good chance that you will have a similar picture, however it is not certain. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Brian Goertz, MD (retired) · Answer

There is no one gene that is inherited that leads to male pattern balding. Pattern balding is inherited from both parents not just the mother's side of family (that is an old wives tale, not medical science). It's good that you still have thick hair. Many individuals that progress to Norwood Class 6 or 7 have lost hair at your age.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You can inherit balding from either your mothers or fathers side. There is no one-to-one relationship between the grandparents balding pattern and what might happen to you. You will know when you get into your 20s if you followed your mother's fathers pattern.

Will i go bald if my mother's father was bald?

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