Good news is in store for all the guys out there who bear a stronger resemblance to George Costanza than George Clooney: Scientists have finally managed to identify the gene responsible for hair loss.

Researchers at the Institute of Human Genetics recently conducted a study on a Saudi Arabian family who all have a genetic disorder called Hypotrichosis simplex, which causes them to start shedding their hair during childhood. The researchers discovered that the rare disorder was caused by a mutation to the P2Y5 gene, and released their findings in the most recent issue of the scientific journal, Nature Genetics.

Though most of us at least make it through middle school before we start losing our hair, their research provides great potential for all those guys out there who might otherwise be reduced to trying Rogaine, a toupee, or, horror of horrors, a comb-over to maintain the illusion of a full head of luscious locks.

Of course, there's no denying that bald can be beautiful – but for those who'd prefer to fight their fate, this new research could pave the path for a more hirsute future.

"There is a very good chance of developing a therapy to treat hair loss based on this finding," the study's lead author, Regina Beltz, told Reuters.

Unlike Rogaine or Propecia, which simply slow the inevitable shedding, new drugs based on their findings could work to actually reverse hair loss – which means that plenty of now-bald men might just be giving Clooney a little more competition than he bargained for.