Investigating the Relationship Between Androgenetic Alopecia and Hair Shape, Color, and Thickness: A Case-Control Study Publisher



Bazargan AS^{1, 2} ; Jafarzadeh A¹ ; Ayoubi A³ ; Roohaninasab M^{1, 2} ; Dilmaghani S^{1, 2} ; Salehi S⁴ ; Goodarzi A^{1, 2} Show Affiliations
Source: Health Science Reports Published:2025

Abstract

Background and Aims: Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the role of phenotype (hair shape, thickness, and color) and demographic characteristics, including smoking history, in the development of androgenetic alopecia. Methods: In this case-control study, participants were divided into two groups: patients diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia (case group) and individuals without hair loss (control group). Data on demographic characteristics (age, gender), hair phenotype (shape, thickness, and color), and smoking history were collected. The case group consisted of individuals diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia at a skin and hair clinic, while the control group included patients visiting the clinic for other skin conditions. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The study compared data from 50 patients with androgenetic alopecia and 50 control participants. Smoking was found to increase susceptibility to alopecia, and a significant association was observed between lighter hair color and androgenetic alopecia. No significant relationship was found between hair thickness or shape and alopecia. Additionally, women had a higher prevalence of alopecia than men. Individuals with alopecia were significantly older, with a higher frequency of alopecia observed in those over the age of 25 (p-value = 0.002). Conclusion: Age, hair color, smoking, and gender were found to significantly influence the development of androgenetic alopecia. These findings suggest the importance of considering demographic and phenotypic factors in understanding the pathogenesis of this condition. © 2025 The Author(s). Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.