Pankaj Kapur, an acclaimed actor with a career spanning over four decades, has turned 70 today, May 29. As we celebrate his remarkable journey in the entertainment industry, it's delightful to revisit a humorous anecdote shared by his son, Shahid Kapoor. The story not only highlights a touching father-son moment but also brings attention to a common concern: genetic hair loss.
Shahid Kapoor on His Father's Teasing
In a candid interview with Film Companion, Shahid Kapoor shared a memorable instance when his father, Pankaj Kapur, playfully teased him about the inevitability of genetic hair loss. Shahid, who has made a name for himself as a leading actor in Bollywood, recounted his worries about following in his father’s footsteps in more ways than one.
"When I saw my dad (getting bald), I was like, ‘Dad, this better not happen to me,’” Shahid recalled. Pankaj Kapur, known for his wit, would often jest, “You've become a hero now. What will happen to you when you don't have any hair?”. Shahid humorously noted that perhaps this teasing motivated him to hone his acting skills further.
Understanding Genetic Hair Loss
Hair loss is a universal issue, affecting both men and women, often due to genetic factors. While it can't be entirely reversed, understanding the genetics behind it can help manage and potentially slow down the process.
The Genetic Basis of Hair Loss
As per Dr Smriti Naswa Singh, Consultant Dermatologist & Cosmetic Dermatologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, genetic hair loss, scientifically known as androgenetic alopecia, manifests differently in men and women. Men typically experience male pattern baldness (MPB), characterized by a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, often starting in their 20s or 30s. By the age of 80, approximately 80% of men show some signs of MPB. Women, on the other hand, tend to experience female pattern baldness (FPB), which generally occurs post-menopause and is marked by a gradual thinning along the parting line. About 50% of women are affected by FPB by the age of 80.
The Role of Genetics
The myth that baldness is inherited solely from the mother’s side has some basis but isn't entirely accurate. While the AR gene on the X chromosome, inherited from the mother, is a significant factor, male pattern baldness is polygenic, involving multiple genes. Research has identified at least 63 genes associated with MPB, of which only six are on the X chromosome. This means both maternal and paternal genes contribute to the likelihood of hair loss.
Studies on twins suggest that genetics account for about 80% of MPB cases. Additionally, more than 80% of individuals with noticeable hair loss have a father who also experienced balding, highlighting the hereditary nature of this condition.
Female Pattern Baldness
The genetic components of FPB are less understood but are believed to involve multiple genes as well. One gene of interest is responsible for the production of aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to estradiol, potentially explaining why many women lose hair after
Strategies to Slow Genetic Hair Loss
While genetic hair loss is permanent, several methods can help slow its progression and maintain hair health:
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, managing stress, and engaging in regular exercise can support overall health and, by extension, hair health.
Topical and Oral Medications
Topical treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) and oral medications such as finasteride (Propecia) are commonly prescribed to combat hair loss. Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp, while finasteride helps by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, a hormone linked to hair loss.
Surgical and Advanced Treatments
Hair transplantation surgeries, including follicular unit transplantation and follicular unit extraction, offer permanent solutions by relocating hair follicles from dense to sparse areas. Additionally, laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are emerging treatments that may improve hair density and stimulate growth, although more research is needed to confirm their efficacy.
Bottomline
Shahid Kapoor’s lighthearted reminiscence about his father’s teasing provides a personal glimpse into the reality of genetic hair loss. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of this common condition can empower individuals to seek effective treatments and manage expectations. While hair loss may be an inevitable part of ageing for many, advancements in medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments offer hope for maintaining hair health longer.