Previous studies found a genetic association between male pattern baldness, the most common form of the condition where hair is lost in a well-defined pattern beginning above both temples, and the maternal side of the family only.

Now, an international team claims to have discovered a gene mutation which, when combined with a previously uncovered genetic abnormality, is linked to a seven-fold increase in the risk of developing male pattern baldness.

The team, led by King's College London, analysed more than 1,100 men and found a genetic variation on chromosome 20 that increased the risk of male pattern baldness in them, the British media reported.

"It's been long recognised that that there must be several genes causing male pattern baldness. Until now, no one could identify those other genes.

"If you have both the risk variants we discovered on chromosome 20 and the unrelated known variant on X-chromosome, your risk of becoming bald increases sevenfold," co-researcher Brent Richards of McGill University said.

Though the researchers consider their discovery to be a scientific breakthrough, they have warned that the findings do not yet represent a treatment or a cure for the condition.

"We've only identified a cause. Treating male pattern baldness will require more research. But, of course, the first step in finding a way to treat most conditions it is to first identify the cause," said Richards.

Added team leader Dr Tim Spector of King's College: "Early prediction before hair loss starts may lead to some interesting therapies that are more effective than treating later stage hair loss."