Hair's the Scoop

Source: Polka Dot Images/Jupiter

With all of the advancements in genetic research, scientists have been able to tell us more about our health, personalities and appearance than ever before. And now, for $149, you can find out whether you’re likely to lose all your hair or age with enviable tresses — all through a simple swab test.

Who’s behind this new technology? HairDX. They’re a pharmagenomics company that specializes in genetic analysis and hair therapies, and they’ve developed an at-home, noninvasive test (which you then mail in) for both men and women to determine if hair loss should be a concern.

Some of their stats:

- Female pattern hair loss affects about 50% of women, with most experiencing some degree of hair loss by the age of 60.

- The most common form of hair loss in women (androgenetic alopecia) occurs in women who are genetically predisposed.

- Unlike male pattern hair loss, “pattern distribution” is not typical for most women with androgenetic alopecia. In most cases, for women thinning occurs diffusely without a pattern, so it’s more difficult to diagnose.

- Because of this lack of a defined pattern, one cannot distinguish female pattern hair loss from other causes of hair loss just by looking at it.

If this product were available in my state (it’s not yet in NY or CA), I’d definitely give it a try. The results may not be 100% spot-on, but any information would be priceless as prevention is key.

Will you be ordering a tube of HairDx, or do you think it's a waste of time/money?