Learn more about hereditary hair loss

Hereditary hair loss - androgenetic alopecia

What you need to know, causes and treatment

Hereditary hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in both men and women. Genetics plays a significant role, but it's not the only cause. Hormones, age, and blood flow to the scalp also influence this process.

What happens with hereditary hair loss?

With hereditary baldness, hair follicles become more sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a testosterone derivative. This causes hair to thin out and shortens the growth phase. Over time, hair follicles can become so small that they no longer produce new hair.

In addition, other factors also play a role in androgenetic alopecia:

  • Age: As we age, the skin loses elasticity and blood circulation decreases.
  • Location on the head: on top of the skull, blood circulation is often poor, causing hair follicles to deplete more quickly.
  • Heredity: if baldness is common in your family, you are more likely to suffer from it too.

Differences between men and women

  • Men: Hair loss often begins with receding hairlines or thinning hair on the crown. Later, a horseshoe-shaped pattern can develop, with hair remaining only on the sides.
  • Women: The hairline usually remains intact, but the hair on top of the head becomes thinner and less full.

Can you stop hereditary hair loss?

Complete cure is impossible – there's no miracle cure. There are, however, two proven treatments that can slow or partially reverse the process:


  • Minoxidil (for men and women, available without a prescription)
  • Finasteride tablets (for men only, prescription only)

Minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia

Minoxidil is the best-known treatment for hereditary hair loss. In the Netherlands, it is a registered over-the-counter medication, available at pharmacies and drugstores. Minoxidil can help by:

  • to improve blood supply to the hair follicles,
  • to extend the growth phase of the hair,
  • to slow down the decrease in hair thickness,
  • and in some cases stimulate new hair growth.

Results vary from person to person. It's important to use minoxidil consistently and for a long time. You often only see results after 3 to 6 months. The sooner you start, the greater the chance of success.

Beware of “miracle cures”

Be critical of shampoos, lotions, and supplements advertised online as solutions for baldness. There's little to no scientific evidence for these products. Trust treatments that have been proven effective, and if in doubt, consult your doctor, dermatologist, or pharmacist. You can, for example, contact our partner Thuisapotheek directly for professional advice.

Summary

Hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is caused by a combination of factors: genetic predisposition, hormones, aging, and blood flow. The process cannot be stopped completely, but it can be slowed with proven treatments such as minoxidil and, in men, finasteride.

Read more?

Sources
  1. Gezondheidsnet – “Going bald: can you stop it with a pill?” (interview with Rick Waalboer-Spuij, Erasmus MC) https://www.gezondheidsnet.nl/haarverzorging/kaal-worden-kun-je-dat-stoppen-met-een-pilletje
  1. Hair Foundation – “Recessed hairline and visible scalp: can you do anything about hair loss?” (with an explanation by Rick Waalboer-Spuij, Erasmus MC) https://www.haarstichting.nl/actueel/nieuws/inhammen-en-zichtbare-hoofdhuid-kun-je-iets-doen-tegen-kaal-worden