The tendency can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side of the family. Women with this trait develop thinning hair, but do not become completely bald. The condition is called androgenetic alopecia and it can start in the teens, twenties or thirties. There is no cure, although medical treatments have recently become available that may help some people. One treatment involves applying a lotion, Minoxidil, to the scalp twice a day.
Hairstyles can often hide the thinning effectively.
Hair transplants can redistribute the remaining hair. Hair transplantation is discussed at the end of this pamphlet. This contagious disease is most common in children and oral medication will cure it. Many men and women use chemical treatments on their hair, including dyes, tints, bleaches, straighteners and permanent waves. These treatments rarely damage hair if they are done correctly.