Can hereditary hair loss be treated?
Published Last updated Content: Swiss Hair Life editorial team
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sabrina Tahery (Medical Lead Oftringen) and Dr. Moustafa Kassar (Medical Lead Zurich) · Medically updated
Can genetic hair loss be cured? It is one of the questions we are asked most often. Hereditary hair loss, known scientifically as androgenetic alopecia, affects men and women. It is a genetic predisposition that changes the hair growth cycle: the growth phase becomes shorter, the hairs become thinner and spend more time in the resting phase before they eventually fall out.
Short answer: Hereditary hair loss cannot be cured; the predisposition remains. It can, however, be treated well: medications such as minoxidil and, in men, finasteride can slow its progression, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatment or micrografting can support existing hair follicles, and a hair transplant permanently brings hair back to where it no longer grows. The earlier you act, the more of your own hair can be preserved.
Key points
- Hereditary hair loss is the most common form of hair loss, in men and women.
- Without treatment, it usually progresses slowly.
- The European S3 guideline names topical minoxidil (women and men) and finasteride (men) as effective medications.
- Medications only work for as long as they are used.
- A hair transplant is the only treatment that brings hair back to bald areas.
What causes genetic hair loss
In men, this characteristic pattern of hair loss usually begins with the temples and hairline receding over time. The receding hairline is often accompanied by thinning at the crown, which creates the typical horseshoe-shaped pattern. The cause lies in the interplay of genetic factors and hormonal activity, in particular the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on susceptible hair follicles. The hair follicles at the back of the head are usually much less sensitive, which is why this fringe of hair is usually preserved.
How hereditary hair loss develops
| Stage | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Early | The temples recede further, the hair at the forehead becomes finer | The parting looks wider, the hair finer overall |
| Middle | An additional thinning area at the crown | The scalp on top of the head shows through more clearly |
| Advanced | Forehead and crown merge into one bald area, the fringe of hair remains | Marked thinning on top of the head, the hairline at the forehead usually remains |
Specialists describe these stages with the Norwood scale in men and the Ludwig scale in women. We assess your stage in the free hair analysis.
The most common causes of hair loss
Not all hair loss is hereditary. Stress, iron deficiency, thyroid conditions, hormonal changes, medication or an autoimmune reaction can also trigger hair loss, and sometimes several causes come together. You will find an overview with typical patterns in the guide Possible causes of hair loss. If hormones such as testosterone play a role, also read Anabolics, testosterone and hair loss.
Why am I losing hair?
Do you really know why you are losing hair? It is important to distinguish between hereditary hair loss and temporary hair loss triggered by factors such as stress or certain medical treatments. Unlike stress-related or temporary hair loss, hereditary hair loss follows a steady and predictable course. Similar patterns often run in the family.
What can I try before a hair transplant?
Before a hair transplant is considered, there are several options. How well they are supported by evidence varies a great deal:
| Treatment | What it can do | How well proven |
|---|---|---|
| Topical minoxidil | Can support hair growth and slow hair loss for as long as it is used | Well proven, recommended by the S3 guideline |
| Finasteride (men only, prescription-only) | Inhibits the formation of DHT and can slow progression | Well proven, recommended by the S3 guideline |
| PRP hair treatment | Can support existing hair follicles | Studies show, on average, an increase in hair density after several treatments |
| Micrografting | Can support existing, weakened hair follicles | Early studies promising, evidence still limited |
| Laser therapy (low-level laser) | Intended to stimulate the hair follicles | Inconsistent results |
| Shampoos, serums, supplements | Care for hair and scalp | Little evidence; supplements mainly help with a proven deficiency |
| Camouflage (hair fibres, styling) | Makes the hair look denser | No effect on hair loss, but visible immediately |
- Medications: Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp. Finasteride is a tablet that inhibits the hormone responsible for hair loss; it is prescription-only, for men only and can have side effects that you should discuss with a doctor. Read more about minoxidil in the article Minoxidil before and after a hair transplant.
- PRP hair treatment: In this therapy, a small amount of blood is taken, processed to concentrate the platelets, and the platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the scalp.
- Hair care practices: Gentle care, avoiding heat treatments and a balanced diet help to keep hair healthy.
- Lifestyle changes: Reducing stress, eating better and exercising have a positive effect on hair health.
The effectiveness of these methods varies from person to person. A consultation with our medical team can help you find the right method.
Hereditary hair loss in women
In women, hereditary hair loss usually shows differently than in men: the hair thins mainly at the parting and on top of the head, while the hairline at the forehead is often preserved. Because several causes more often come together in women, such as iron deficiency, the thyroid or hormones, a thorough medical assessment comes first. Topical minoxidil is a proven option for women too. In women, a hair transplant is mainly considered for clearly defined thinning areas.
Hereditary hair loss: treatment options
When it comes to treating hereditary hair loss, a hair transplant is an important option. It is the only treatment that permanently brings hair to where it no longer grows. In androgenetic alopecia, the hair follicles shrink due to hormonal influences and genetic predisposition, which leads to thinning hair.
The aim of a hair transplant is to restore permanent hair growth by moving healthy hair follicles from the donor area to bald or thinning areas. The transplanted hair usually continues to grow permanently. Your own, non-transplanted hair can, however, continue to thin; this is why it can make sense to complement a hair transplant with medication or PRP hair treatment.
When does a hair transplant make sense?
- When bald areas have developed, for example receding temples or a bald crown.
- When the hair loss has been stable for some time.
- When there is enough donor hair at the back of the head.
- When your expectations match what is possible with your donor hair.
The decision to have a hair transplant should be made with good advice – at Swiss Hair Life in Zurich and Oftringen, we support you along the way with expertise and a personal approach.
Frequently asked questions
Can hereditary hair loss be cured?
No, the predisposition remains. It can, however, be treated well and, in many cases, slowed down. Bald areas can be treated permanently with a hair transplant.
Can hereditary hair loss stop on its own?
It usually continues to progress slowly, at different speeds. How it develops in your case becomes clear from its course over a few months.
Does minoxidil also help women?
Yes. Topical minoxidil is a well-proven option for women too. Which concentration is suitable is best clarified with a doctor.
How early should I act?
As early as possible. It is easier to preserve the hair you still have than to win it back.
References
- Kanti V, Messenger A, Dobos G, et al. Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men – short version. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(1):11–22.
- van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Schoones J. Interventions for female pattern hair loss. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016.
- Orentreich N. Autografts in alopecias and other selected dermatological conditions. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1959;83:463–479.