Yes, alopecia can be genetic. Androgenetic alopecia, or hair loss mediated by the presence of the androgen dihydrotestosterone, is the most common form of alopecia in men and women. Almost all persons have some degree of androgenetic alopecia, and the hair loss usually begins between the ages of 12 and 40 years and is frequently insufficient to be noticed. However, visible hair loss occurs in approximately one half of all persons by the age of 50 years. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease with an underlying immuno-inflammatory pathogenesis. It develops when the immune system attacks the body’s hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. Hair loss can occur on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body. Alopecia areata can also cause considerable burden beyond hair loss. The disease impacts approximately 147 million people globally and can affect people of any age, gender, race, or ethnicity.