Can Hereditary Hair Loss Be Stopped or Reversed?'

Name: Himanshu

Question: I am having the hair loss through due to heridity because my grand parents and parents having, I am at the age of 18, can my hair loss be stopped or also it can be reversible.


Answer: Hi, Himanshu. If your hair loss is genetic then there are steps you can take to stabilise the shedding and promote regrowth. The earlier treatment is sought, the better so your age is definitely in your favour.

There are two clinically-proven treatments, licensed by the MHRA and approved by the FDA, which can be extremely effective in dealing with male pattern baldness. These are finasteride 1mg and minoxidil and can be used individually or in tandem as part of a two-pronged approach to male hair loss treatment in those who are medically-suitable and whose follicles are still capable of producing hair.

The reason for hair thinning in cases of hereditary hairloss is something called the follicular miniaturisation process. This occurs when an enzyme in the body - dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - binds to the hair follicles around the top of the scalp - anywhere from crown to hairline and temples - in people with the active 'balding gene' (which is actually an inherited predisposition made up of more than one gene). The DHT gradually weakens and destroys follicles, causing them to produce increasingly thinning hair and can lead to baldness in these areas.

Finasteride 1mg is a daily oral tablet which blocks the formation of DHT, leaving hair to grow unhindered. It can be used alone or alongside formulations of high strength minoxidil, a vasodilator which is applied directly to the scalp to accelerate hair growth.

These elements can be further supplemented by the use of various hair growth supporting products which range from follicle-stimulating low level laser therapy delivered via FDA-cleared devices, to highly targeted food supplements containing key vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanicals, including biotin, zinc and selenium for the maintenance of normal healthy hair growth.

Having a consultation with a hair specialist can help to determine which products are best for your specific situation.