Email
Share this segment

The theory that baldness is inherited through a single dominant gene passed down on the mother's side of the family, is based on a relatively small study of 22 families conducted in 1916. Current research suggests a much more complex explanation.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology reported that male-pattern baldness was caused by a complicated situation involving multiple genes, not necessarily passed through the maternal line. No single gene was identified as the cause.

The author of the study did note that while there was no pattern of direct inheritance, if the father was bald, the greater the chances of the son being bald. In fact, any male-pattern baldness on the mother's or father's side leads to an increased risk of losing hair.

Additional Resources:

• Baldness doen't just affect men. Women can lose their hair as well.
• Learn more about baldness from WebMD.
• Read an abstract of the article in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

Comments

No comments yet