Premature hair loss can be a frustrating and distressing experience for many men. This undiagnosed condition affecting men, especially young men, can begin in the late teens or early twenties and often feels like a battle with genetics.

But is it all in your DNA, or may your diet play a bigger role than you think?

a glimpse of the past

Hair fall in men is not a new problem. Historical accounts show that people have struggled with baldness for centuries.

For example, the ancient Egyptians documented various concoctions to prevent hair loss, mixing everything from animal fats to herbal remedies.

The Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the father of modern medicine, experienced baldness himself and even created a famous “cure” from opium and pigeon droppings (which, surprisingly , didn’t work).

In ancient Rome, Julius Caesar was always looking for ways to hide his thinning hair. Enter the laurel wreath!

Caesar is also credited with inventing the first “comb-over” in history (yes, this wasn’t just a modern trend). He grew his hair long at the back and combed it forward to cover his bald spot.

However, while ancient cultures attributed hair loss to everything from bad luck to excessive thinking, modern science tells a different story. And it starts with genetics.

role of genetics

In the 1940s, anatomist Dr. James Hamilton discovered the connection between testosterone and male pattern baldness during his studies in a mental health hospital. They found that men’s hair remained intact due to lower testosterone levels.

The discovery that dihydrotestosterone (a byproduct of testosterone) causes hair loss led to treatments such as finasteride and minoxidil, which help slow or stop hair loss in men.

It also touches on insulin resistance as a possible factor in baldness, while humorously acknowledging the limitations of current treatments, wrote Dr. Joe Schwarz of McGill University.

The most common type of premature hair loss in men is called androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness (MPB). This form of hair loss affects 50% of men by the age of 50, but for some, it starts much earlier.

Genetic culprit? Sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), derived from testosterone. Over time, DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, leading to thinning hair and eventually bald spots.

Research shows that this genetic predisposition often runs in families. If your father or grandfather had early hair fall, chances are that you too may have started losing hair.

Dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr Deepali Bhardwaj confirms that there is a strong link between genetics and hair loss.

Dr. Bhardwaj said, “If parents lose hair at age 50, children are losing their hair at age 25. This suggests that it may be due to genetics. But today, children Unhealthy lifestyles are increasing, increasing the chances of the condition developing in the first place.”

A study published in PLOS Genetics highlights more than 250 genetic regions associated with male pattern baldness, proving that hair loss can indeed be inherited.

Interestingly, these genes do not just come from the father. There is evidence that maternal genetics also play an important role in determining whether a man will experience premature baldness.

Can your diet and water affect hair loss?

Although genetics play an important role, it is not the only factor at work.

Emerging research suggests that diet is a major cause of premature hair loss. Hair requires essential nutrients to remain healthy and their deficiency can lead to increased hair fall.

For example, take biotin (vitamin B7), zinc, and iron. Deficiency of these nutrients has been linked to hair thinning.

A study in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual found that iron deficiency may contribute to hair loss in men, while zinc deficiency may impair the healthy growth of hair follicles.

Another player is protein. Hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin, so if you’re not getting enough protein in your diet, your body may prioritize hair growth over other important functions.

Dr. Bhardwaj highlighted that many gym goers may also experience hair loss due to excessive protein supplements. Apart from this, use of hair gels, hair products containing harsh chemicals can also hamper proper hair growth.

Bengaluru-based Dr Divya Sharma said that hair fall is mostly influenced by internal factors such as nutrition, metabolism and hormones.

“Washing hair with hard water may not have a direct effect on hair growth or fall. Hard water may make it difficult to clean the scalp. It may not directly affect hair growth or hair loss. Moving to new cities People with diabetes undergo changes in their food patterns and diet. So there is no evidence that hard water can affect hair loss,” said Dr. Sharma.

a balanced perspective

So, is it genetics or food or lifestyle that is responsible for premature hair fall? Like many things related to health, the answer is a little bit of both. Genetics set the stage for your hair loss tendency.

However, experts suggest that lifestyle choices, including diet, stress management, and general health, can impact how quickly that stage occurs.

In other words, although you can’t change your genes, you can definitely take steps to take care of your hair. Eating nutrient-rich foods, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy scalp can’t prevent baldness completely, but they can help delay it.