Most people know of male pattern hair loss – the familiar look of a receding hairline, followed by eventual loss across the top of the head. One thing we don’t exactly know is what causes some men to lose their hair in this pattern.
Previous studies and research have begun to point out some of the reasons why some men experience this. For instance, the X chromosome includes the AR gene. It’s been discovered that men with this gene are twice as likely as those who do not have the gene to develop male pattern hair loss.
While that’s easy enough to understand – even without a degree or three in genetics – it’s far from the whole picture. This gene alone is not the sole cause of baldness in men. A recent study has identified other genes and variants that also have roles to play.
How Common Is Male Pattern Baldness?
Would it surprise you to know that around 80% of men experience this to some degree by the time they reach the age of 80?
Some adjust without much issue, perhaps seeing older men in their family with a receding hairline and assuming their hair will recede in the same way. One study found that genetics were responsible for 80% of this type of hair loss (there’s that 80% again), but this does mean there are 20% of cases that don’t pan out this way.
Is Pattern Hair Loss Genetic?
We know that it is largely hereditary. Men can look at their father and grandfather and have an idea of how their hair might recede, for instance. However, research taken on by the University Hospital of Bonn (UKB) has now identified specific genes that are responsible for causing male pattern baldness. We won’t list them here because unless you’re a geneticist, they’re each simply a jumble of letters and numbers. However, the fact these genetic variants have been found does point to a specific cause for this type of hair loss.
The study examined the genetic sequences of 72,469 males who had been involved in the UK Biobank project. The five genetic variants discovered during the study were associated with male pattern hair loss. Some have already been linked by prior studies, but this study confirmed that association. Other gene variants were also identified as having a potential link with this type of hair loss.
It’s worth noting that research is ongoing into this topic. While researchers have identified certain genes that are linked to hair loss, this doesn’t present us with the full picture. These are rare variants, so they’re not going to be present in every man who develops male pattern hair loss. They could well contribute to certain cases though.
While researching this article, we read about past studies that have identified over 350 genes that have links to hair loss in men. So, while this recent study has found links to five genetic variants, we can see this is only a small part of the picture.
How Might This Research Help Us Better Understand Male Hair Loss?
If we further understand how male pattern hair loss and baldness occurs, we may be able to identify those who are at greater risk of hair loss. Would we be able to stop hair loss? Possibly not, but those in the industry might be able to further develop products or treatments that aim for hair loss prevention, at least in part.
According to research, the global marketplace for hair loss products and treatments aimed at all types of alopecia could hit $9.48 billion this year (2024). While that’s not all focused on male hair loss, a sizable chunk is. The greater the level of understanding surrounding the genes responsible for causing this type of hair loss could potentially lead to new treatments in the future.
Clearly, there’s plenty of research yet to be done into this subject. While some men will lose their hair gracefully and not be too concerned about it, others do want to do everything they can to prevent this male pattern hair loss, or at least keep it at bay.
To learn more, contact the team at Unique Hair Concepts for a complimentary, private consultation.
