My Genetics Suck — I Am Losing Scalp Hair and Can’t Grow a Beard!

Dear Dr. Rassman.

I am 24 years of age and have been losing my hair since I was 17. However it has been a very slow process and I am now a NW II moving to a III but with no frontal receeding. However I can not for the life of me grow a full beard or moustache, infact my cheeks except by my jawline are pretty much bare of facial hair with a couple odd ones here and there. ( I have black hair and many of my facial hairs are red and transparent). I thought DHT was responsible for facial hair growth and thus if I was losing my hair, I would at least be able to grow a beard. I feel totally ripped off by my genetics. I can’t keep all my hair AND I can’t even grow a beard to frame my face a bit better as I deal with my rounded out hairline. What gives?

If you have scalp hair loss with good donor hair in the back of your head, you might be a good candidate for hair transplantation (which can work on the beard as well). Look on the bright side — having less facial hair may not be such a bad thing. Personally, I would trade with you and give you my beard if I could. I’m tired of shaving every day. Ha!