Men can find out how likely they are to go bald by the length of their ring finger, scientists claim

Balding is six times more likely for men who have shorter index fingers than ring fingers, it has been claimed.

Male pattern baldness – which typically affects two-thirds of men – could be determined by the length of fingers, according to The Sun.

In a study of almost 250 men aged above 37,  experts found that those with a longer ring finger than index on their right hand were far more likely to go bald.

Pattern hair loss commonly occurs when excessive amounts of the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone are produced, interfering with the hair’s growth cycle.

Researchers in Taiwan believe the extra finger length could be a sign of having more of this testosterone – reducing the size of hair follicles. 

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Balding is six times more likely for men who have shorter index fingers than ring fingers, it has been claimed (file image)

Dr Ching-Ying Wu of Kaohsiung Medical University, told the newspaper: ‘Our study found that the lower the right-hand second digit to fourth digit ratio, the greater the risk of developing alopecia.’ 

Baldness in men typically begins with a receding hairline or bald spot on the top of the head.

Women can also experience hair loss, but this is more common among older age groups, with just 3 per cent of under-35s suffering from alopecia.

Losing hair in both men and women can also come as a result of stress or due to treatments such as chemotherapy.

Researchers in Taiwan believe the extra finger length could be a sign of having more of this testosterone – reducing the size of hair follicles (file photo)

Although very common, male hair loss can have a devastating effect on men’s mental health, according to a 2015 survey for the Brandwood Clinic in the West Midlands. 

Dr Sohom Das, an NHS psychiatrist in London previously said: ‘It can lead to a range of psychological and psychiatric symptoms.

‘But the issue is often dismissed or ignored by others because it’s so common.’