The Balding Gene

[LePaul]

I think Rip is still calling Dr's offices and asking the secretaries how big the Dr's finger is  

[Ripsnort]

After considering Drifter and Myelos posts, I can safely assume that my wife is relieved that I am bald.  Had I still hair, she may not even be able to walk....

[Sandman]

Originally posted by miko2d

 Don't listen to dummies like Sandman () who says "I don't really worry about the look so much...". Unless you have an exceptionally misshapen head or do idiotic things like comb-over with a dozen hairs one feet long or such, the neatly-trimmed balding man does not have any reasons to worry about his looks.

Ahem... I think we agree with each other. Fortunately, I don't worry about the looks because my head is not misshapen and it looks pretty good shaved.

[Capt. Pork]

Originally posted by myelo
Short answer:  Yes.

Long answer:


Two factors are involved in this type of baldness (androgenic alopecia): genetics and sex hormones.

The predisposition to baldness is thought to be inherited as a polygenic trait, meaning more than one gene is involved. For example, if 3 genes were involved it would work like this: If you inherit one gene you would be predisposed to some hair loss later in life. If you get two genes, you start loosing hair in middle age. With 3 genes you start going bald at a young age. (This is an example only, how many genes are involved is not clear).

And a recent study indicates that the genes are more likely inherited from the father, although maternal genes also contribute.*

In addition to the genetic predisposition, androgens (male sex hormones) are also important. That’s what actually triggers the hair loss in susceptible individuals. If you don’t inherit the gene, you won’t go bald regardless of androgens. Similarly, men that are castrated before puberty don’t develop baldness regardless of their genetics.

Women can also develop this type of baldness because they normally produce some androgens, but at much lower levels than men so the baldness is usually not as sever.

*Ellis, J.A, Stebbing, M. and Harrap, S.B. (1998) Genetic analysis of male pattern baldness and the 5alpha-reductase genes. J Invest Dermatol 110, 849-853,

Thanks Myelo. That actually puts me a bit at ease.

IN regards to the whole not worrying about how the hair on my head looks, it's not so much as a fear or death that I have with losing it, but rather a preemtive sadness that it may be in my future. I've shaven it Bic style twice in my life, and wasn't totally put off by being completely bald. However, having something I've gotten so used to over the course of my twenty-six years just up and start vanishing is something I can't say I'm eager to deal with. I hope it sticks around. I fit starts to go, I'll deal with it in ways excluding wigs or comb-overs. Taking medication also freaks me out, mainly due to the unknown side-effects.

Anyway, thanks for the words of wisdom guys.

[FUNKED1]

Originally posted by LePaul
I think Rip is still calling Dr's offices and asking the secretaries how big the Dr's finger is  

To quote Dave Attell, if it feels like more than 2 fingers, it's probably a ****.

[FUNKED1]

Hair is overrated.

[midnight Target]

Mom's dad was a cue ball head... My dad still has thick curly hair...the bastage!

I look like Rip only cuter,



 and better legs.

[Samiam]

The best home remedy for male pattern baldness

Go with a Size 1 once a week or Size 000 every other week.

It's damn liberating even if you aren't losing your hair. Better yet if you have a kind woman around to do it for you - in a sensual manner, of course.

It'll pay for itself in six months or less and think of all the extra time you'll have on your hands.

[AKS\/\/ulfe]

I use clippers on my head every 2 weeks using the second setting/length attachment.

Quickly getting a very nice widow's peak as my hair is beginning to retreat to the back of my head at the sides.

I figure I'll just shave my dog and glue it's hair to my head when I go bald, atleast when people point and laugh I know its because I have a shoddy hair piece and not some lame bellybutton tupee.
-SW

[cpxxx]

I'm smug enough to say this is all an academic discussion to me. Haven't lost a hair now into to my forties. My Father had a full head of hair when he died aged 66 and his brother still has all of his.

I was told that as you get older hair grows slower so that hair you lose normally is never replaced. Mine still grows too fast. I'm the hairdresser's best damm customer. Never mind they are all cute girls working  there

I guess it's genetic really. I haven't any grey hairs either. I almost feel guilty I'm so lucky