According to Nature Genetics, one in seven men have both genetic variants. Genes that may increase the risk of early baldness among men and have been uncovered by the international researchers team.

The analysis of the DNA among the 5,000 volunteers with and without male pattern baldness found 2 stretches of the genome with the condition. The researchers said to predict hair loss early could boost development of preventive treatments.

The initial study in more than almost 500 men with early on set losing hair and 500 men without the condition highlighted the 2 genetic regions which are substantially increased the risk of baldness.

Male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia was already known to be partly and hereditary caused by male sex hormones.

Inheritance

X Chromosome which is inherited from the mother that androgen gene which now had been the only gene identified with baldness. According to German researchers that chromosome 20 is inherited in both mother and father and may explained more for similarities in hair loss between father and sons.

Dr Tim Spector, from Kings College London said they found around 14% of men carry both genetic variants. He said “At the moment we have a fairly good diagnostic tool for people who might want to know whether they will lose their hair before they are 50. There probably won’t be many people who want to use that at the moment because there aren’t any preventive treatments.”

Pharmaceutical companies to develop creams, pills or gels to prevent hair loss before it start, he hope it would.

Professor Val Randall, from the Centre for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford said the work was very exciting, although it was debatable whether men would benefit from finding out about their hair loss risk. He added that it is easy to prevent than replace hair growth.

Male pattern baldness has strong inherited aspect and understanding that will lead to better treatments and novel approaches.