Was kann ich bei erblich bedingtem Haarausfall tun?

Ein guter Start ist eine feste Routine: Kopfhautpflege mit Procapil von außen und Nährstoffe wie Zink und Biotin, die zur Erhaltung normaler Haare beitragen, von innen. Lichte Bereiche lassen sich mit einer Haartransplantation auffüllen.

Haben Männer mit viel Testosteron eher Haarausfall?

Nicht automatisch. Ausschlaggebend ist vor allem, wie empfindlich die Haarwurzeln auf DHT reagieren, und das ist zu einem großen Teil erblich.

Von wem erbe ich den Haarausfall?

Die Veranlagung kann von beiden Elternteilen kommen. Ein Blick auf die Familie gibt Hinweise, eine sichere Vorhersage ist aber nicht möglich.

Welches Shampoo passt zu meiner Routine?

Ein mildes Shampoo, das Kopfhaut und Haar sanft reinigt, zum Beispiel unser Sawpoo Shampoo mit Sägepalmextrakt und Biotin. Danach kommt das Kopfhautspray auf die trockene Kopfhaut.

Haarausfall · 4 min read

Hereditary hair loss: cause, progression and options

Hereditary hair loss is the most common form of hair loss. What DHT has to do with it, how it progresses and what options there are.

Black-and-white portrait of a man with a receding hairline at the temples

Hereditary hair loss is the most common type of hair loss, in both men and women. The hair roots are sensitive to the hormone DHT: from cycle to cycle, the hairs become thinner and shorter until thinning areas become visible. The good news: there's quite a lot you can do for your hair, from scalp care and nutrients to a hair transplant.

What is hereditary hair loss?

Its medical name is androgenetic alopecia. "Androgenetic" refers to the combination of male hormones (androgens) and predisposition (genetics). So it's not about having too many hormones, but about hair roots that react more sensitively to them than in other people.

The role of DHT

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is formed from testosterone with the help of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. It's important for the body: among other things, it controls beard growth and body hair. Women also have it in small amounts.

With the corresponding predisposition, the following happens in certain areas of the scalp:

The growth phase of the hair gets shorter with each cycle.
The hair roots shrink, and the hairs become finer and lighter.
Over time, visibly thinning areas appear.

How it progresses in men

In men, hereditary hair loss often starts between 20 and 40, sometimes earlier. Receding temples and a thinning crown are typical. Over the years, both areas can merge. The stage is often classified using the Hamilton-Norwood scale.

How it progresses in women

In women, it usually shows differently: the hair becomes thinner mainly at the parting, while the front hairline often stays intact. Many first notice it from a widening parting or a thinner ponytail. It often becomes more noticeable in the years around the menopause.

Because other causes can look similar in women, for example iron deficiency or the thyroid, it's worth taking a close look at the trigger.

What you can do

With hereditary hair loss, a regular routine pays off. The earlier you look after your hair, the more options you have.

Scalp care from the outside: A scalp spray with Procapil cares for the scalp right at the roots and gives your hair more grip. Add a mild shampoo that cleanses gently without drying out.
Nutrients from the inside: Zinc and biotin contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. For men, saw palmetto is also part of many hair routines.
Routine and patience: Spray and nutrients daily, for several months. You can get both together in our hair routine set for men and the hair routine set for women.
Hair transplant: Your own hair roots are moved from the back of the head to thinning areas. More in FUE hair transplant; you'll find suitable aftercare under Care after a hair transplant. Some clinics also offer PRP – more in PRP treatment for hair loss.

You'll find more sprays and shampoos in our Hair loss category.

When should you see a doctor?

If your hair suddenly falls out heavily or in patches, or you're unsure whether it really is the hereditary type, have it checked. For medical treatments, your dermatologist is the right place to go.

Frequently asked questions

What can I do about hereditary hair loss?

A good start is a regular routine: scalp care with Procapil from the outside and nutrients such as zinc and biotin, which contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, from the inside. Thinning areas can be filled in with a hair transplant.

Are men with a lot of testosterone more likely to lose their hair?

Not automatically. What matters most is how sensitively the hair roots react to DHT – and that's largely hereditary.

Who do I inherit hair loss from?

The predisposition can come from both parents. Looking at your family gives you clues, but a reliable prediction isn't possible.

Which shampoo suits my routine?

A mild shampoo that cleanses scalp and hair gently, for example our Sawpoo Shampoo with saw palmetto extract and biotin. Then apply the scalp spray to the dry scalp.

Summary

Hereditary hair loss is common, well researched and no reason to hide. With a regular routine of scalp care and nutrients, you're actively looking after your hair – and for thinning areas, a hair transplant is a real option. You'll find an overview of all types in Hair loss: causes and types.