Hair transplantation is a popular method for combating baldness, especially in men affected by androgenetic alopecia. However, many people wonder whether, if someone undergoes a hair transplant, their children will inherit a tendency to baldness. In this article, we’ll take a look at how hair transplantation works, what are the causes of baldness, and does a hair transplant change genetics?
How does a hair transplant work?
A hair transplant is a procedure in which a doctor transfers hair follicles from areas with denser hair (usually the back of the head) to areas affected by baldness. There are two main methods of transplantation:
1. FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) – involves taking a strip of skin with hair and dividing it into individual follicular units.
2. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) – hair follicles are taken individually and transplanted to a new location.
In both cases, the hair follicles are transferred surgically and no genetic changes are made.
Causes of baldness – is it a matter of genes?
The most common cause of baldness is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male (or female) pattern baldness. It is a genetically inherited condition and is related to the action of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which weakens hair follicles, leading to their atrophy.
The genes responsible for baldness are passed on from both the mother and father’s side. There is no single gene for baldness – many different genetic factors influence it. If both parents are prone to baldness, it is more likely that their children will also have this problem.
Does a hair transplant change genetics?
No, a hair transplant does not affect a person’s genetics. It is a purely cosmetic procedure that does not modify DNA. This means that if someone with a tendency to baldness undergoes a hair transplant, their children will still inherit the same genes that predispose them to baldness.
In other words, transplanted hair does not eliminate the problem of hereditary baldness – it simply improves the patient’s appearance, but does not change what he passes on to his offspring.
Will the children of a hair transplant recipient be at risk of baldness?
Yes, if a parent has the genes responsible for androgenetic alopecia, there is a good chance that he or she will pass them on to his or her children. Even if he or she has undergone a hair transplant, his or her DNA remains the same, so children may inherit a tendency to baldness.
The same goes for other genetic traits, such as eye color, height or hair texture – these cannot be changed by cosmetic surgery.
Can hereditary baldness be prevented?
Although genes cannot be changed, there are ways to delay or reduce the effects of baldness:
1. Drug treatment – preparations such as minoxidil and finasteride can slow down the balding process.
2. A healthy diet – the right amount of vitamins and minerals promote hair health.
3. Avoiding stress – chronic stress can accelerate hair loss.
4. Trichological treatments – platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or mesotherapy can improve the condition of the scalp.
Summary
A hair transplant is an effective method for restoring hair in areas affected by baldness, but it has no effect on genetics. This means that if a person is susceptible to baldness for genetic reasons, his or her children may also inherit this tendency, regardless of whether the parent underwent a hair transplant. If we are concerned about combating baldness in future generations, it is crucial to develop treatments that will inhibit or reverse the process at the biological level.
You can read more about hair transplantation HERE. If the problem concerns you, we invite you to CONTACT US. You can also schedule a visit ON-LINE. Visit us on Instagram and TikTok.
The book 101 questions about hair transplantation
Hair transplantation is a procedure that raises a lot of questions – from preparation, to the process, to the results and care. For those considering transplantation or wanting to better understand the subject, the book “101 Questions About Hair Transplantation” by Artur Kierach, a respected hair transplant specialist, is a real treasure trove of knowledge.
Here is an excerpt from the book on transplantation vs. genetics:
If I transplant my hair will my children be at risk of baldness?
Yes, because hair transplantation is not affected by genetics. Your children may be at risk of baldness if a genetic tendency to baldness runs in the family. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that changes your physical appearance, but does not affect your DNA or the genes you pass on to your children. Androgenetic alopecia is hereditary and depends on the genes passed down from your parents. If you have genes that predispose you to baldness, it is likely that you will pass them on to your children, whether you have had a hair transplant or not.
A hair transplant involves transferring hair follicles from donor areas to balding areas. While these follicles retain their characteristics, such as greater resistance to DHT, the procedure does not change the genes. Therefore, even if you look like you don’t have a hair loss problem after a hair transplant, the genes responsible for hair loss can still be passed on to your children. At the current stage of knowledge, it is not possible to prevent the transmission of genes responsible for baldness.
Genes are inherited from parents and are part of a natural biological process. In case your children inherit a propensity to baldness, they can benefit in the future from available baldness prevention and treatment methods, such as minoxidil, finasteride or hair transplantation procedures. Prevention and early response to the first signs of baldness are important.
Here is the result of a hair transplant at Kierach Medical Clinic:
