What Is Your Hair Destiny? The Hairy Truth About Balding.

From full hair to farewell hair. Do you embrace fate or fight back? Unlock the secrets to your hair’s (possible) demise.

Living With Genes Newsletter | Issue #18 — What Is Your Hair Destiny? The Hairy Truth About Balding.

Destiny may have given Julius Caesar the birthright to the Roman Empire, but it has also given him a receding hairline.

Historians have confirmed the Julius Caesar was indeed balding, and he often used the laurel wreath to hide his receding hairline. Photo source from by Peter Paul Rubens, 1619, via the Brandenburg Museum

Throughout history, from emperors to everyday men, hair loss has been a source of both insecurity and, for some, a badge of honor.

So what causes hair loss, and can you fight back against your genetic destiny?

The Genetic Drama Over Hair Growth and Loss

“Pull my hair the wrong way, and I would be on my knees begging for mercy. I have very sensitive follicles.” — Benedict Cumberbatch

Your hair follicles have a fascinating story written in your genes.

Research by scientists like Dr. Angela Christiano [1] has revealed that there are 139 genetic markers linked to hair loss, with many other genes playing a role from hair density to growth cycle.

The scientific term for common hair loss is androgenic alopecia, but it is better known as male pattern baldness (or MPB).

When people lose their crowning glory, they often lose their confidence. But interestingly enough, bald men are often perceived to be more masculine. Source from Cranial Prosthesis Center

If you have it, you’re not alone.

Roughly half of all adults (including women) [2] will start to lose some hair by the time they hit 40.

This phenomenon has been linked to high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone that has been broken down for use by the body.

DHT wreaks havoc on hair follicles, shrinking them and shortening the hair growth cycle, leading to that dreaded pattern baldness.

The regulation of DHT is influenced by the androgen receptor (AR), a gene located in the X chromosome.

This explains why there is a strong family link to baldness, as the AR gene can be passed down from parents to child.

Hollywood Actor Jason Statham and his dad; Barry Statham proves that lack of hair can run in the family. Photo credit from the very manly Jason Statham.

However, the story doesn’t end there. Non-genetic factors can also be at play too.

In a 2013 study, more than 3,100 Korean patients [3] found that smoking and drinking does have an impact on whether people lose their hair early.

Furthermore, research have also suggested that diet deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, and certain B vitamins [4] can contribute to hair loss as well.

So what can we do about it?

Live and Eat Right, To Grow Hair Right

“A healthy diet can help your hair stay strong and shiny. What you eat can also keep you from losing your locks.” — WebMD

The good news — understanding your genes can be a game-changer.

At-home DNA tests can give valuable insights into your hair-loss risk. This empowers you to take a personalized approach.

A simple consumer DNA test can reveal your risk for baldness and help you manage the threat of hair loss earlier in life. Photo credit from Depositphotos. DNA sample report from Imagene Labs

For instance, if your genes indicate a higher likelihood for premature balding, you might consider hair therapies from healthcare and wellness professionals to manage that risk.

Research also suggests that targeting specific nutritional deficiencies based on your DNA can promote hair growth [4] — after all, every strand of healthy hair also needs the right building blocks.

Here’s a glimpse into some potential hair management solutions that you can consider based on your genetic profile:

1. Personalized Diet Plan

Genes might indicate a need for specific nutrients. Protein, the building block of hair, can be found in poultry, beans, and fish. Iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids may also be beneficial.

2. Prevent Sun Damage

Our genes influence UV resistance. Too much sun damages hair protein and its protective outer layer [5]. Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen to prevent hair loss, discoloration, and dryness.

3. Stress-busting activities

Chronic stress can trigger hair loss, especially for those genetically predisposed. Combat stress with exercise, meditation, breathing exercises, and good sleep habits.

Conclusion

“Anyone can be confident with a full head of hair, but a confident bald man is your diamond in the rough.” — Larry David

While genetics play a role in hair loss, they don’t dictate your destiny.

By unlocking the secrets held within your DNA, you can take a proactive approach to maintaining a healthy head of hair, and unlock a treasure trove of personalized solutions that can slow down balding, even potentially regrow hair.

But if all else fails, remember this — even celebrities like Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson can rock the bald look with confidence.

Anyone can look great as long as they are healthy and fit, regardless of they have hair (or not). Photo credits to the various Hollywood celebrities listed.

Regardless of your current or future hair situation, embracing your unique identity is key to looking good as you grow older.

After all, true potential comes from understanding your genes and taking charge of your well-being.

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Disclaimer: The content in this article is intended solely for informational purposes and may contain outdated information after the date of publishing that doesn’t reflect the latest scientific advancements. The content is presented “as is” and is not guaranteed to be complete or up-to-date.

Sources :

[1] 2023, Wikipedia, Angela Christiano (link)

[2] 2018, The only things that actually cure baldness, according to science (link)

[3] 2014, An epidemiological study of androgenic alopecia in 3114 Korean patients (link)

[4] 2017, Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use (link)

[5] 2008, UV damage of the hair (link)