Native Americans and Hair Loss
Already famed for their long, straight, jet black hair, Native Americans have become something of a phenomenon in hair loss research circles. Scientific observation has discovered that some tribes are apparently completely immune to the most common form of hair loss - male pattern baldness.
Native American model, Martin Sensmeier, of Yakutat, Alaska is known for his trademark, long-haired look
Whilst surveying men about hair loss, researchers have consistently found that men from tribes with ancestry from the Alaskan Bridge (in the North of the country) are almost completely free of the genetic hair loss condition Androgenic Alopecia. Those most likely to avoid pattern baldness have a strong heritage within their tribe that stretches back generations.
Perhaps because of their hardy follicles and scalps, hair has always played a large part in Native American culture. According to tradition, the Navajo tribe would cut the hair of their children on their first birthday, after which it would be left to grow untouched for the rest of their lives.
Other tribal traditions would see men shave their heads as a sign of mourning. However, most American Indian men grow their hair long, often wearing it in loose braids.
Despite finding a resistance to hair loss, some men from these tribes do still show signs of Androgenic Alopecia. It is thought that in these cases, the men’s ancestors may have partnered with other tribes, leading to the introduction of the genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness.
Male pattern baldness is caused by a genetic anomaly that sees the hormone testosterone converted into a secondary compound an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT for short). DHT then attacks follicles in the scalp, causing them to shrink.
Hairs growing from the affected follicles get thinner and lighter in colour as growth slows. Eventually the follicles shrink to the point that the attached hair falls out and new growth is prevented. This process is repeated in thousands of follicles across the scalp, leading to vertex thinning - the development of a large bald patch on the crown - and a receding hairline at the front of the head.
Despite understanding the genes responsible for causing male pattern baldness, experts still do not properly understand why certain Native Americans do not develop the mutation which causes the condition. More research is required to see whether an effective hair loss treatment can be developed from these observations.
Related stories:
Top 10 Questions About Male Pattern Baldness, Answered
Hair Types and Race Differences
Do Stem Cells Hold the Secret to Hair Regrowth?
The Belgravia Centre is the UK’s leading hair loss clinic, with two locations in Central London. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation or complete our online diagnostic form from anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our extensive photographic hair loss success stories gallery, which is the largest collection of ‘Before & After’ treatment pictures in the world, demonstrating the levels of success that so many of our patients achieve by following our comprehensive hair loss treatment programmes. You can also phone 020 7730 6666 any time for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.
Whilst surveying men about hair loss, researchers have consistently found that men from tribes with ancestry from the Alaskan Bridge (in the North of the country) are almost completely free of the genetic hair loss condition Androgenic Alopecia. Those most likely to avoid pattern baldness have a strong heritage within their tribe that stretches back generations.
Hair plays a large part in Native American culture
Perhaps because of their hardy follicles and scalps, hair has always played a large part in Native American culture. According to tradition, the Navajo tribe would cut the hair of their children on their first birthday, after which it would be left to grow untouched for the rest of their lives.
Other tribal traditions would see men shave their heads as a sign of mourning. However, most American Indian men grow their hair long, often wearing it in loose braids.
No guarantees
Despite finding a resistance to hair loss, some men from these tribes do still show signs of Androgenic Alopecia. It is thought that in these cases, the men’s ancestors may have partnered with other tribes, leading to the introduction of the genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness.
It’s all about the genes
Male pattern baldness is caused by a genetic anomaly that sees the hormone testosterone converted into a secondary compound an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT for short). DHT then attacks follicles in the scalp, causing them to shrink.
Hairs growing from the affected follicles get thinner and lighter in colour as growth slows. Eventually the follicles shrink to the point that the attached hair falls out and new growth is prevented. This process is repeated in thousands of follicles across the scalp, leading to vertex thinning - the development of a large bald patch on the crown - and a receding hairline at the front of the head.
Further research required
Despite understanding the genes responsible for causing male pattern baldness, experts still do not properly understand why certain Native Americans do not develop the mutation which causes the condition. More research is required to see whether an effective hair loss treatment can be developed from these observations.
Related stories:
Top 10 Questions About Male Pattern Baldness, Answered
Hair Types and Race Differences
Do Stem Cells Hold the Secret to Hair Regrowth?
The Belgravia Centre
The Belgravia Centre is the UK’s leading hair loss clinic, with two locations in Central London. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation or complete our online diagnostic form from anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our extensive photographic hair loss success stories gallery, which is the largest collection of ‘Before & After’ treatment pictures in the world, demonstrating the levels of success that so many of our patients achieve by following our comprehensive hair loss treatment programmes. You can also phone 020 7730 6666 any time for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.
The Belgravia Centre
The Belgravia Centre is a world-renowned group of a hair loss clinic in Central London, UK. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert or complete our Online Consultation from anywhere in the world for home-use treatment.
View our Hair Loss Success Stories, which includes the world's largest gallery of hair growth photos and demonstrates the level of success that so many of Belgravia's patients achieve.