No family history of hair loss. Is it common for people to experience MPB when none of their close relatives have it?

Question

I was wondering, is it common for people to experience MPB when non of their close relatives has it? If so, what is the frequency of this occurring? Thanks very much.

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

northgunman,It is possible to experience hair loss from male pattern alopecia without having close relatives with the condition. That is, because hair loss can be inherited from either side of the family, and it may skip a generation. But are you sure that it is MPB? The hallmark of AGA is miniaturization in a pattern distribution.Sincerely,Bernardino A. Arocha, MD

Benjamin C. Paul, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, MPB can appear without a direct family history. There are many genes for hair loss, and it is possible for generations to be skipped. Best of luck with your hair.

Brian Goertz, MD (retired) · Answer

MPB is inherited from both parents and is not just one gene. Your story is not uncommon, you may have inherited a lot of balding genes from both sides rather than getting the good genes for hair.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Sometimes, the genes that cause hair loss skip generations. In my 25 years in practice, I hear this history with great frequency.

No family history of hair loss. Is it common for people to experience MPB when none of their close relatives have it?

Answers (4)