Hair Loss is Not Only Due to Genetics: It Can Be Prevented or Delayed

"I think my hair loss is genetic, is there nothing I can do?"

This is one of the most common and heartbreaking things I hear in the consultation room. Many people resign themselves as if they are facing an inescapable fate upon realizing they have inherited hair loss genes. But is that really the case? Modern science is telling us a different story: genetics do not determine our destiny 100%.

1. The Truth Told by Identical Twin Studies

If hair loss were determined entirely by genes, identical twins—who possess 100% identical genetic information—should be exactly the same in terms of the onset, progression rate, and pattern of hair loss. However, reality is different. Various twin studies have revealed crucial facts about hair loss.

• Discordant Hair Loss Patterns: Studies have observed many cases where one identical twin suffers from severe hair loss while the other has none or only very mild symptoms. This is powerful evidence that even if genes are identical, the environment and lifestyle habits of each individual have a decisive impact on the manifestation of hair loss.
• Effectiveness of Treatment: When one identical twin with hair loss received proactive treatment while the other did not, their progress differed significantly. The treated twin showed improved or maintained hair condition, whereas the untreated twin's condition continued to worsen. This shows that even with a genetic predisposition, the course can be significantly changed through proactive intervention.

These twin studies send us a clear message: genes are merely a 'blueprint.' Whether the building is built according to that blueprint, and when and how it is constructed, can vary greatly depending on other factors.

2. 'Epigenetics': Switching Your Genes On and Off

How, then, do these 'other factors' influence hair loss? The answer lies in 'Epigenetics.' Epigenetics is the study of how certain genes can be 'switched on' (expressed) or 'switched off' (suppressed) depending on what we eat, how we live, and what environments we are exposed to, even though our DNA sequence itself remains unchanged.

Even if you were born with hair loss genes, those genes could stay dormant for a lifetime. However, if the following acquired factors are continuously applied, the 'switch' of the sleeping hair loss genes can be turned 'ON.'

• Chronic scalp inflammation: Seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, etc.
• Nutritional imbalance: Deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamin D, etc.
• Excessive or persistent stress: Impact of the stress hormone 'cortisol'
• Lack of sleep: Decreased growth hormone secretion and reduced body recovery capacity
• Smoking and alcohol: Decreased blood circulation and increased oxidative stress

Conversely, this means that if we actively manage and improve these negative factors, we can turn down the 'volume' of a switch that is already on, or delay the activation of a switch that hasn't turned on yet as much as possible.

3. You are the 'Conductor' of Your Genes

There is a saying: "Genetics loads the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger." The same applies to hair loss. There is no need to feel frustrated or give up just because you inherited hair loss genes. It only means you are standing at a slightly less advantageous starting line than others; it is by no means a race with a predetermined finish line.

By making efforts to keep your scalp clean, eat a balanced diet, manage stress, and get enough sleep, you can become the 'conductor' who directs the orchestra of your genes. And if you combine these efforts with proactive treatment from a specialist, you can change the direction of the genetic performance, prevent or delay the progression of hair loss, and even reclaim the health of the hair you once lost. Hair loss is not 'only' due to genetics. It is a manageable condition that you can sufficiently change with your own effort.