Will I Go Bald Calculator – Hair Loss Risk Assessment
Estimate baldness risk based on genetic and lifestyle factors
How to Use
- Enter your age
- Select your gender
- Answer whether your maternal grandfather experienced baldness
- Answer whether your paternal father experienced baldness
- Select your current hair loss pattern
- Rate your stress level
- Indicate if you have health conditions affecting hair
- Click calculate to see your baldness risk assessment
What Causes Baldness?
Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss, affecting about 50% of men by age 50. It's primarily genetic and related to hormones called androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT causes hair follicles to shrink over time, producing thinner, shorter hairs until follicles eventually stop producing hair altogether. The pattern typically starts with a receding hairline and thinning crown.
Genetic Inheritance
The primary baldness gene is carried on the X chromosome, which men inherit from their mothers. This is why your maternal grandfather's hair loss pattern is the strongest predictor of your own risk.
However, baldness is polygenic (multiple genes involved), and you can inherit additional risk factors from your father's side. If both sides of your family show baldness, your risk increases significantly.
Norwood Scale
The Norwood Scale classifies male pattern baldness into seven stages, from minimal hair loss (Type I) to complete baldness on top (Type VII).
| Stage | Description | Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| Type I | Minimal or no recession | Not noticeable |
| Type II | Triangular recession | Slightly noticeable |
| Type III | Deep frontal recession | Noticeable |
| Type IV | Crown thinning begins | Moderate baldness |
| Type V-VII | Progressive crown loss | Advanced baldness |
Prevention and Treatment
While you cannot change your genetics, several FDA-approved treatments can slow or prevent hair loss if started early:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Topical treatment that stimulates hair growth, available over-the-counter
- Finasteride (Propecia): Prescription pill that blocks DHT production
- Low-level laser therapy: Light therapy devices that may stimulate follicles
- Hair transplant surgery: Surgical relocation of hair follicles
- Lifestyle: Reduce stress, maintain healthy diet, avoid harsh hair treatments
- Early intervention is key: Treatments work best when started at first signs of thinning
Lifestyle Impact
While genetics is the primary driver, lifestyle factors can accelerate or exacerbate hair loss:
- Chronic stress can trigger telogen effluvium (temporary shedding)
- Poor nutrition (iron, protein, vitamin D deficiency) affects hair health
- Smoking reduces blood flow to scalp and accelerates hair loss
- Thyroid disorders and hormonal imbalances affect hair growth
- Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect
- Harsh hairstyles (tight ponytails) can cause traction alopecia
Frequently Asked Questions
- How accurate is this baldness calculator?
- This calculator provides risk estimates based on established genetic and lifestyle factors. Maternal grandfather's baldness is the strongest predictor (due to X-chromosome inheritance), but many genes are involved. Individual results vary. For accurate diagnosis, consult a dermatologist.
- Can I prevent baldness if I'm genetically predisposed?
- While you can't change your genes, early intervention with FDA-approved treatments like minoxidil and finasteride can significantly slow or prevent hair loss. Starting treatment at the first signs of thinning is most effective.
- At what age does male pattern baldness typically start?
- Male pattern baldness can begin as early as late teens or early 20s, but most commonly becomes noticeable in the 30s and 40s. About 50% of men experience some hair loss by age 50, and 70% by age 70.
- Does stress cause permanent baldness?
- Chronic stress can cause temporary hair loss (telogen effluvium) that typically reverses when stress is reduced. However, stress may accelerate genetic male pattern baldness in those predisposed to it. Managing stress is important for overall hair health.