|  | Conditions Treatments | Hair Loss

Evolutionary Reason for Hair Loss

Male-pattern baldness results from genetics, hormones and age. Hair thinning affects both male and females; however, scientists believe there is an evolutionary basis to balding in men.

  1. Androgenic Alopecia

    • The most common form of hair loss among the general population, androgenic alopecia, results from follicles' adverse reaction to androgens (testosterone-like hormones). The progressive thinning of hair on the scalp also occurs in other primate species.

    Characteristics

    • In men, hair thins in a symmetrical horseshoe pattern on the crown of the head, beginning in the front and central part of the scalp and progressively receding. It begins usually in the 30s. In women, hair thinning begins later in life and in a less obvious manner.

    Gorillas

    • In gorilla society, an enlarged forehead conveys virility, maturity, nurturing and increased status to potential mates. The Silverback gorilla can develop a receding hairline right after puberty, according to TimesOnline.com.

    Research

    • Decreased cranial hair in human society also signals social maturity, age, nurturing and decreased attractiveness and aggressiveness, according to a study by Frank Muscarella and Michael R. Cunningham. The bald men portrayed a "non-threatening form of dominance associated with wisdom."

    Fun Facts

    • The perception of the bald male, according to the studies on humans and gorillas, is less likely to participate in life-threatening activity and more likely to nurture offspring.

Hair Loss - Related Articles