Can Smoking Lead to Hair Loss?
About 20% of adults smoke in the United Kingdom - that amounts to just under 10 million people. Although numbers for smokers has decreased over the past few years, smoking is still a strong addiction for many British people.
Although the most well-known concern about smoking is the high-risks of lung-cancer, as well any other forms, there seems to be a deep concern with how smoking relates to hair loss, leading to the common question constantly asked:
Does smoking cause hair loss?
In short, yes, smoking can contribute to hair loss. While it's not the sole cause of hair loss, smoking can exacerbate several factors that lead to hair thinning and hair loss, particularly in men and women who are genetically predisposed to hair loss.
Here's how smoking can impact your hair:
Reduced Blood Circulation
Smoking constricts blood vessels, including those that supply blood to the hair follicles. This reduced blood circulation can deprive hair follicles of essential nutrients, leading to weaker and thinner hair.
Reduced Oxygen Supply
Nicotine in cigarettes decreases the amount of oxygen that reaches hair follicles. Hair follicles require oxygen for healthy hair growth, so a lack of oxygen can weaken hair and lead to hair loss.
Hormonal Imbalances
Smoking can disrupt hormone levels in the body, particularly the balance of sex hormones. Hormonal imbalances are linked to hair loss, especially in women.
Increased Production of Free Radicals
Smoking generates free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can damage cells throughout the body, including hair follicles. This oxidative stress can contribute to hair loss.
Premature Aging
Smoking is known to accelerate the aging process, and premature aging can affect the health and appearance of hair. Premature greying of hair is also associated with smoking.
Weakened Immune System
Smoking weakens the immune system, which can make the scalp more susceptible to infections and conditions that can lead to hair loss.
It's important to note that genetics plays a significant role in hair loss, and some individuals may be more genetically predisposed to hair thinning and baldness. Smoking can exacerbate these genetic factors and accelerate the process of hair loss.
If you're concerned about hair loss and you smoke, quitting smoking is a positive step you can take to improve your overall health and potentially slow down or reduce hair loss.
It's important to note that genetics plays a significant role in hair loss, and some individuals may be more genetically predisposed to hair thinning and baldness. Smoking can exacerbate these genetic factors and accelerate the process of hair loss.
If you're concerned about hair loss and you smoke, quitting smoking is a positive step you can take to improve your overall health and potentially slow down or reduce hair loss.
Article by Emma Tindal
I smoked for over 15 years and my hair was always thin during that time. When I quite, I noticed my hair got much thicker and shinier. I'm sure the cigarettes played their part in ruining my hair.
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