How to know if you're prone to hair loss

Hair loss can be distressing, especially when it occurs earlier than expected. While there are various causes of hair loss, genetic factors play a major role. If you have a family history of premature hair loss, you may be at an increased risk yourself. Here are some signs that you may be genetically predisposed to losing your hair prematurely:

Look at your family members - If your father, grandfather, uncles or brothers experienced early onset hair loss, you likely inherited the susceptibility. Male pattern baldness is passed down on the X chromosome from mothers, while hair loss gene variants can be inherited from either parent.

Examine your hairline - Early receding or thinning at the temples or crown before age 30 indicates a genetic predisposition, as does a "mature" hairline before adolescence. Widening of the central part can also signal future hair loss.

Check hair density - Do you shed more than 100 hairs per day? Greater shedding often precedes genetic balding. Take note if your ponytail feels thinner or if your scalp is more visible through the top.

Analyze your hair type - Curly or fine hair is more vulnerable to genetic balding, due to a higher sensitivity to DHT levels. Coarse, thick hair better resists dihydrotestosterone-related loss.

Consider your hormones - Higher testosterone or lower estrogen in men can trigger male pattern baldness. Metabolic conditions like insulin resistance are also linked to hormonal hair loss.

Know when it started - Gradual thinning that begins for men in the early 20s or late teens means you have an inherited sensitivity. Women notice thinning in their 30s-40s.

The earlier hair loss begins and the more it resembles male or female pattern balding, the greater the chance it's genetically influenced. If you notice these clues, see your doctor or dermatologist.

They can test your hormones, evaluate your family history, and help you take action before excessive shedding occurs. Medications, supplements, and treatments like PRP may help curb genetic hair loss. Being proactive gives you the best chance of retaining a full head of hair.

I recommend everyone buy a shower catcher for your shower. The baseline is 100 hairs a day if you are suffering from hair loss.

If you can mitigate the shedding and get this number as low as possible you have excellent odds of fine tuning the products that work for you and having a good healthy hairline well into your 40's and 50's.

This is the goal.

Shedding can occur for a multitude of reasons, and i will write more posts about his in the future on how to tell if you are losing your hair from androgenic alopecia ( male pattern baldness), or just experience temporary shedding from stress.

I hope this helps and my email and socials are available if you have questions.