Genetic Factor Influencing Hair Growth and Hair Loss

5 min readSep 20, 2024

By Shahara Lum

The growth and loss of hair have been a source of fascination for both scientists and the general public throughout history. Although environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and healthcare practices all contribute to hair health, genetics largely dictates the fundamental traits of one’s hair, such as its growth patterns and susceptibility to loss.

Your family plays a crucial role in shaping who you are. Over the holidays, you likely observe similarities among your relatives. Your genetic makeup, including traits like hair loss, is influenced by your family tree. [1]

Basics of Hair Growth

Hair grows from follicles located in the skin. Each follicle undergoes a cycle consisting of three phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). The anagen phase, where active hair growth occurs, can last between two to seven years, influencing the length of hair. Genetics significantly impact the duration of this phase, hence determining hair length potential. [2]

Does balding mainly effect men?

It’s a common misconception that balding only affects men, but women can experience it as well. Hair loss affects approximately 80% of men and nearly 50% of women. When hair loss is caused by genetic factors, it follows a predictable pattern known as male pattern baldness (MPB) or female pattern baldness (FPB). This hair loss can lead to thinning hair or bald spots in both men and women. In addition to genetic factors, other causes of hair loss can include stress, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and certain medications. [1]

Genetic Influence on Hair Growth

One important gene is the Hairless (HR) gene, which is crucial for the development and cycling of hair follicles. Mutations in this gene can cause congenital atrichia, characterized by the absence of hair due to defective hair follicle cycling. Another significant gene is the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, particularly FGF5. Research indicates that mutations in the FGF5 gene can result in longer hair due to extended anagen phases. On the other hand, normal functioning of the FGF5 gene is linked to shorter hair as it maintains a regular anagen phase duration. [2]

Genetic Factors in Hair Loss

Alopecia, also known as hair loss, can be influenced by a variety of genetic factors. The most prevalent type of hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia (AGA), commonly referred to as male or female pattern baldness. AGA is identified by the gradual thinning of hair, usually starting at the temples and crown in men and a more generalized thinning across the entire scalp in women.

Androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a pivotal role in AGA. DHT is a derivative of testosterone, and its effects on hair follicles are mediated through androgen receptors. The gene encoding the androgen receptor (AR) has been linked to AGA. Variations in the AR gene can increase the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT, leading to miniaturization of the follicles and subsequent hair loss. [3]

AGA is a polygenic condition, meaning it involves multiple genes. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several loci associated with AGA. One of the most notable findings is the association with the 20p11 locus, which contains the PAX1 and FOXA2 genes. Variants in these genes are thought to contribute to the development of AGA. [3]

Other causes of hair loss

Hair loss can be influenced by a variety of factors beyond genetics. In addition to genetic predisposition, stress, diet, and medication can also contribute to this condition. Stress triggers the production of cortisol, a hormone that can damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Poor nutrition, especially a diet low in protein, iron, and essential nutrients, can also cause thinning and hair loss.

Furthermore, certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and medications used for high blood pressure and depression, can hurt hair health by damaging hair follicles. It’s important to recognize that not all cases of hair loss are strictly due to genetic factors, as underlying medical conditions or side effects of medication can also play a role.

Despite these challenges, advancements in understanding the genetics of hair loss are paving the way for new treatments. Researchers are currently exploring ways to target specific genes and proteins involved in hair loss to develop more effective treatments that can potentially slow down or even reverse the process.

Ways to prevent hair loss

Remember, while some types of hair loss are inevitable, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of hair loss. These include:

- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals

- Managing stress through activities like meditation and yoga

- Avoiding hairstyles that place excessive tension on the hair, such as tight braids and ponytails

- Treating any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to hair loss, such as thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases

If you observe signs of hair loss, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause and explore suitable treatment options.

Treatment Options

Hair loss can be addressed through various treatment options, including medications, hair transplant surgery, and scalp micro-pigmentation. Minoxidil and finasteride are commonly used medications for treating hair loss. Minoxidil, a topical solution applied to the scalp, functions by enhancing blood flow to the hair follicles, stimulating hair growth. On the other hand, finasteride, taken orally, works by blocking the production of the hormone DHT, which can lead to hair follicle shrinkage and hair loss. [3]

Another option for treating hair loss is hair transplant surgery, wherein hair follicles are extracted from a donor area, typically the back of the head, and transplanted to the bald or thinning areas of the scalp. While this procedure can be highly effective, it is important to note that it is costly and may be accompanied by complications such as infection and scarring.

Scalp micro-pigmentation, a non-surgical option for hair loss, involves tattooing the scalp to create the appearance of a buzz cut or short hair. Although this method can effectively conceal hair loss, it is not a permanent solution and may require repeating every few years. It’s also worth noting that this approach is suitable for individuals seeking to achieve a specific look to manage their hair loss.

Studying the genetic factors contributing to hair growth and loss is crucial for developing effective treatments. By identifying individuals with a genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia (AGA), we can intervene earlier and potentially slow down the onset of hair loss. Current treatments like finasteride and minoxidil target the androgen pathway, but ongoing genetic research could pave the way for more personalized and efficient therapies. [2]

Works cited

[1] https://www.hairdoc.com/blog/how-your-genetics-influence-hair-loss#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20that%20the%20most,not%20hazardous%20to%20your%20health.

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9710406/

[3] https://medicover-genetics.com/the-genetics-of-hair-loss-alopecia-and-more/

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