My Family Tree Shows No Signs of Hair Loss Anywhere, But My Hairline Changed At 20 Years Old

Hey doctor, thanks for keeping this blog.

I was just curious about genetics and hair loss… I’ve read multiple blog posts, but still confused.

About seven months ago I realized that my hairline had changed some. Since then, it hasn’t changed at all. Looking at a picture when I just turned 18 (I’m a 20 y/o male), my hairline looks similar in the front but not quite as high on the sides (I also have a naturally large forehead). However, as I said, for at least seven months my hairline has not changed at all.

My question for you is this: My father, mother, grandparents, great grandparents, uncles, cousins… all have full heads of hair. I’ve even asked my parents about their great grandparents, their cousins and uncles and aunts, and they all had full heads of hair as well. So, basically, in my entire family tree–both vertically across 4+ generations and laterally along each generation–there was no hair loss. I still have very thick hair on both the hairline and all around the scalp…people just tell me that I’m paranoid. Can I safely presume that my hairline is just maturing with my large forehead, and that I am not genetically predisposed? (Many in my mother’s family have large foreheads).

Thanks for your continued assistance.

I haven’t seen what you’re talking about, so I couldn’t tell you whether anything is safe to assume about your hair loss (or lack thereof). As you are in Beverly Hills, you could come by my office (no charge) and let me determine if you are really balding or just developing a mature male hairline. I will also perform a miniaturization mapping of your scalp hair to determine any possibility of early balding behind that frontal hairline.

Even if you were across the country… or across the planet, I would still suggest that you get such an opinion. If not from me, then from any competent doctor that is willing to examine your scalp.