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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Grace Hoffman

Doctor explains 'baldness gene' and outlines non-genetic causes of hair loss

There's several myths around the causes behind hair loss, and one particularly common fear is that thinning and balding hair follows your mother's side of the family.

Setting the record straight about the common misconception around inheriting baldness from your mum's side, a doctor has put minds at ease by explaining that the rumour is indeed fake.

Taking to popular social media app Instagram, Doctor Pat Carroll explained on account @hims, that there's no definite link that either side of the family increases your likeliness to bald.

While the interviewer admitted he was "almost positive" that the myth was true, he questioned whether you're more likely to become bald if your grandad on your mum's side is suffering from hair loss.

Putting an end to the tale, Pat said: "That is fake - you know I have three children with four grandchildren and they all look at me and say, 'dad our kids are doomed - they're going to end up bald because it goes through your side'.

He advised further: "There's been no link to mum's side, dad's side, in terms of a genetic link to hair loss."

This isn't the only rumour to fool concerned men as Pat explained that "widow's peak" also doesn't indicate that you're more likely to become bald.

Instead, he says that it's simply a "dominant and genetic trait".

Questioning whether an "itchy scalp" increased your chances of balding, the interviewer asked whether the theory was "fact or fake?"

Pat responded: "Fake. More than likely it's just dandruff, which can be treated with shampoos. You want to keep dandruff off your scalp. That will help provoke hair growth."

Do you have a story? We want to hear it! Get in touch at grace.hoffman@reachplc.com

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