We’ve all heard it: “You get your baldness from your mum’s side.” But is that actually true—or just one of those things people say when your hairline starts creeping back?
Let’s break it down.
🧬 Blame Mum’s Genes? Sort of.
There is some science behind the claim. One of the key genes linked to male-pattern baldness lives on the X chromosome—and since we get our X chromosome from our mum, that gene comes from her.
It’s called the androgen receptor (AR) gene, and it affects how sensitive your hair follicles are to male hormones. Some studies reckon this gene could account for up to 70% of baldness risk. So yes, our mums’ genes play a big part—but that’s not the full story.
Dad’s Not Off the Hook
Baldness isn’t decided by just one gene. It’s what scientists call a polygenic trait—meaning lots of genes are involved, and they come from both parents. So if your dad’s got a shiny dome and your grandad on your mum’s side did too… well, you might want to invest in a good hat.
It’s Not Just About Genes
Even if you’ve hit the genetic hair-loss jackpot (or disaster), there are other things at play:
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Hormones: Testosterone gets turned into something called DHT, which can shrink hair follicles over time.
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Stress & Lifestyle: Ongoing stress, crash diets, or even intense workouts can throw hormones off balance.
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Health conditions: Thyroid problems or low vitamin levels can also trigger hair loss.
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Steroids: Taking anabolic steroids? Say goodbye to your locks.
So, What Can You Do?
If you’re noticing hair thinning, don’t panic. Start with the basics:
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Get a blood test to rule out any deficiencies (like vitamin D, iron, zinc, etc.)
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Talk to your GP or a dermatologist about options—whether that’s lifestyle tweaks or treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.
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Look after yourself: Eating well, sleeping enough, and managing stress can all make a difference.
Quick Myth-Buster for Dads:
| The Myth | The Truth |
|---|---|
| “It’s all from your mum’s side.” | Her genes are important—but dad’s matter too. |
| “Baldness is genetic, so nothing can help.” | Hormones, stress, and diet also play a role. |
| “If you’re losing hair, that’s it.” | Not true—there are ways to slow it down or treat it. |
Final Word
Yes, our mums’ genes can influence how likely we are to lose our hair—but it’s only part of the story. Blame both parents equally (fair’s fair), and remember: understanding the causes is the first step to doing something about it.
So before you go blaming mum, maybe book that check-up instead.
