Does Smoking Cause Hair Loss: Breaking Down the Truth
Smoking is a common habit of many people causing numerous health problems.
It can cause problems like lung cancer, heart disease, and various respiratory problems.
However, some recent studies suggest smoking may also cause hair loss in both women and men.
A study conducted in 2020 compared the number of young male smokers and non-smokers with early-onset androgenetic alopecia.
They also found that 47% of male smokers had severe hair loss, categorized as grade 3, and 24% had severe hair loss, classified as grade 4.
The classification of hair loss is done on the basis of the Hamilton-Norwood scale.
In contrast, only 10% of non-smokers had severe or very severe hair loss.
In this article, we will know the possible answer to the question of many people “Does smoking cause hair loss?
How does smoking cause hair loss?
Tobacco smoking can damage the hair follicles and may increase the risk of hair loss.
According to a 2018 study, the smoke coming from tobacco contains 7000 chemicals.
Of these chemicals, 69 are Carcinogenic, which means they cause cancer.
When you breathe the smoke, it travels from your lungs to the bloodstream.
From the blood, it travels to various body parts and causes adverse impacts, including hair loss.
The study also concluded that Nicotine and other chemicals might accelerate hair loss.
Smoking can cause oxidative stress and reduced blood flow to the hair follicles, possibly leading to hair loss.
Oxidative stress
Smoking increases the body’s production of free radicals.
These molecules react with other molecules in the body and may damage the DNA of cells.
Oxidative stress occurs when the body produces excessive amounts of free radicals.
Tobacco smoking is one of the potential causes of oxidative stress.
In a 2003 study, researchers found that tobacco smoke can damage hair follicles’ DNA.
Other reasons contributing to oxidative stress are:
- Pollution
- Radiation
- Ultraviolet rays
Reduced blood flow
Chemicals of tobacco smoke can impact blood circulation and cardiovascular health.
As per Food and Drug Association, smoking can cause plaque buildup and may develop the risk of the following:
- Heart attacks
- Blood clots
- Stroke
Healthy blood vessels nourish the hair follicles and help transport nutrients.
But, disrupted blood flow to the scalp can lead to hair loss and damage.
Weakened immune system
Smoking can weaken your immune system. It increases your chance of getting diseases or conditions that cause hair loss.
The risk of developing a bacterial or fungal infection on the scalp increases.
This can stop your hair follicles from creating healthy hair.
Hair loss may also increase if you have a weak immune system.
Harmful effects of smoking on hair
Other than hair loss, smoking can damage your hair in many ways.
Some noticeable effects of smoking are as follows:
- Makes hair brittle: reduced blood flow to hair flow can disrupt collagen production and lead to brittle hair.
- Gray hair: According to a 2013 study, people smoking cigarettes have gray hair before turning 30.
- Dry hairs: Oxidative stress from smoking can speed up aging and lead to dry hair at a younger age.
Does vaping cause hair loss?
Vaping has not yet been studied thoroughly, but some studies have suggested it can have the same effect as cigarettes.
Vaping exposes the individual to various chemicals as smoking.
Both vapes and cigarettes contain nicotine, and both are addictive.
The repetitive use of vapes can worsen hair loss symptoms and cause irreversible baldness.
Conclusion
Smoking can lead to hair loss by damaging hair follicles and restricting blood flow to the scalp.
Quitting smoking is an important step toward promoting healthy hair growth and overall health.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider.
They can determine the underlying cause and explore potential treatment options.
By quitting smoking, you can reduce the risk of further damage to your hair and improve your overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my hair grow back if I quit smoking?
Once you quit smoking, your body will function properly and starts to heal. As all the contaminants get removed from the body, your hair will start growing normally.
How can I stop my hair from falling out from smoking?
The best way to stop hair from falling out from smoking is to quit smoking. This helps reverse your hair loss. Consult your doctor if excessive hair is falling out from the scalp.
Does quitting smoking reduce hair loss?
Yes, you can prevent hair loss associated with smoking by quitting smoking. Moreover, you may also prevent premature aging of your scalp.
Does smoking affect beard growth?
Smoking reduces the blood flow to various parts of the body. Due to this, hair follicles don’t get enough blood supply for hair growth. This affects the growth of hair cells and decreases hair growth.
