Is Hair Loss Genetic? Here’s What Actually Gets Passed Down

April 22, 2025

Most guys hear one thing growing up: "If your mom’s dad was bald, you’re screwed."

That’s become the go-to explanation for hair loss — blame your grandfather, shrug your shoulders, and wait for the inevitable.

But how true is it? Is hair loss actually genetic? And if it is, are you locked into it? Or can you fight your way out?

Here’s the real answer, and why even bad genetics don’t mean game over.

Yes, Hair Loss Is Largely Genetic

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, is a genetically inherited condition. It determines:

But the myth is that it only comes from your mother’s side. That’s false.

You inherit hair loss risk from both parents — not just your mom. And it’s influenced by multiple genes, not just one.

Some men go bald in their 20s. Some keep a full head into their 60s. Genetics set the stage. But they don’t write the ending.

The key factor isn’t how much DHT your body produces. It’s how sensitive your follicles are to it.

A man with high testosterone and high DHT can keep all his hair if his follicles aren’t sensitive.

Another man with average levels can go bald early if his follicles overreact to even small amounts of DHT.

That sensitivity is genetic — but how you manage it is a choice.

Genetics load the gun. These are the triggers that often pull the trigger:

If you have the gene and ignore these triggers, loss happens faster and deeper.

If you take care of your system early, you can delay or even freeze the process for years.

Absolutely.

You can’t change your DNA. But you can control the environment your DNA operates in.

That means:

Blocking DHT at the scalp level (RU58841)
Improving blood flow to support weak follicles (caffeine, peppermint, microneedling)
Cleaning up your lifestyle so your internal environment doesn’t speed up loss
Getting ahead of it before recession or thinning becomes visible

Your genes are a roadmap — not a death sentence.

Start when:

If you wait for visible bald spots, you’ve already lost ground.

Act when it’s subtle, and your chances of full recovery are dramatically higher.

Yes, hair loss is genetic. But no, you’re not doomed.

You can block the signal, boost the response, and build a scalp environment where strong hair still thrives.

The guys who keep their hair aren’t always the lucky ones. They’re the ones who treated it early — and refused to roll over for their genetics.