What If HairDX Tells Me I’ll Bald But I Won’t Go Past Norwood 2?

Hi Doc,

posted this on the website as well but I think this is a great question!

With this HairDX test, I understand it detects the gene associated with balding. However, most men experience some hairloss during their lifetime which doesn’t always succumb to full out pattern baldness. They may just have the mature hairline. So my question is, if you’re a NW2 with a mature hairline and have experienced some balding, will you still have this gene? I’m a NW2 and I would like to know if I have the gene, but at the same time, I don’t want to freak myself out if I have the gene but am only going to a NW2 pattern and not further.

Just need some clarification so I know whether or not I want the test.

thanks in advance!

I do not call the Norwood Class 2 pattern balding (see graphic at right), as this is just a mature hairline. Also it is important to realize that the expression of the balding gene is another variable here. You can have the gene(s) for balding, yet still not express it. So on one hand, the HairDX test could be helpful, but on the other hand, if you know you’re just going to freak yourself out about it, maybe you should wait until if/when you see actual hair loss.