Does Smoking Cause Hair Loss: Role of Smoking in Hair Loss

16 January, 2024 | Hair Loss | Author : Shveta Virmani

Investigating the causes of hair loss has led researchers to numerous considerations. Hair loss has been attributed to genetics and hormonal imbalance for a long time. However, recent studies indicate that smokers’ lifestyles may contribute considerably to this problem.

It’s important to first understand how hair growth works and what interferes with this complex process in the context of smoking and hair loss. Hair growth progresses through the stages of anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (relaxation).

The duration and health of each phase are determined by different factors such as genetics, hormones and environmental factors. So, does smoking cause hair loss? Let’s discuss the complex relationship between cigarette smoking and hair loss.

Role of Genetics and Hormones

To date, genetic predisposition is the main cause of hair loss. Hair growth is regulated by hormones such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). If there is a disbalance in the hormonal levels, the hair follicles may get smaller and produce finer and shorten strands gradually.

Does Smoking Cause Hair Loss?

Although the negative aspects of tobacco use are well recognised, the effect of smoking on hair health is new. Research studies that have examined this relationship between smoking and hair loss have highlighted how smoking can cause hair loss. Smoking has severe repercussions on hair growth because of the following reasons.

Negatively Affects Blood Circulation and Oxygen Supply

Smoking has been associated with many cardiovascular diseases. Nicotine in cigarettes narrows blood vessels, thus limiting the blood vessels’ capacity to supply blood and oxygen to the scalp. Inadequate blood supply may adversely affect the health of hair follicles, reducing their nutrients and oxygen. This results in weaker hair strands, causing thinning and even total hair loss.

Oxidative Stress and Free Radicals

The cigarette smoke is a powerful oxidant and the free radicals produced by it will damage the cellular structures. Hair follicles undergo oxidation that contributes to premature baldness. The free radicals take time and cause the failure of the necessary growth cycle and bring about early baldness.

Inflammation and Damage to Hair Follicles

Your body gets chronically inflamed upon smoking. Subsequently, inflammation can adversely affect the functioning of hair follicles. Such a chronic inflammatory state may predispose individuals to problems such as alopecia areata. It is a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss.

Hormonal Imbalances

This includes changes in the reduction of hormonal levels following smoking. Hair loss may be triggered due to hormonal imbalances that disrupt the delicate balance needed for normal hair growth. Thinning hair may be caused by hormonal changes that occur mostly among male and female smokers.

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Cigarette smoke contains a combination of poisonous chemicals which are also carcinogenic substances. The chemicals can diffuse into the bloodstream causing damage to the follicles and hindering the production of strong and healthy hair.

Quitting Smoking – Is it a Ray of Hope for Countering Hair Loss?

There is a ray of hope amidst the worrying evidence connecting smoking to hair loss. It has been reported that quitting smoking may reverse the negative impact on hair growth. In a study in the “National Institutes of Health”, hair density and thickness improved in participants who successfully stopped smoking within one year.

The fact that quitting smoking could stop hair loss goes to show how much power the human body has. It indicates that hair growth is possible once it is not subjected to the harmful effects of smoking.

Smoking Cigarettes can Damage Your Existing Hair

Do you know that smoking can damage the existing hairline of your scalp? It can cause excruciating hair loss and affect your self-confidence. Smoking promotes the production of cytokines that can increase inflammation and cause scarring of the hair follicles. Cytokines can make your hair strands brittle. Smoking tobacco is also the primary reason behind the premature greying of your hair.

Smoking Makes Your Hair Drier

The harmful chemicals present in cigarette smoke can cause hair loss by affecting the hair strand’s stability. Your hair will be a lot drier when you are approaching the 50-year mark. Oxidative stress from smoking could potentially make your hair age faster. Eventually, your hair will become drier at a younger age.

Smoking-Induced Hair Loss is Reversible

Note that smoking-induced hair loss is reversible only when you are able to quit cigarettes. The moment you quit smoking, the total number of free radicals in your body will subside. In other words, these free radicals won’t cause hair loss.

However, things look bleak for those who have alopecia areata and are chain smokers. Even if they quit smoking, it would be tough to stop hair loss. The best solution for alopecia areata is to undergo a hair transplant at a reputed clinic.

To summarise, the link between smoking and baldness is an intricate interaction of multiple physical processes. According to scientific studies, smoking can have adverse effects on hair health. It includes reduced blood supply, oxidative stress, inflammation, hormonal disruption, and exposure to harmful chemicals.

Although genetic predisposition and hormones play a major role in hair loss, it is important that we consider other modifiable factors such as smoking. If you have stopped smoking and are still experiencing hair loss, consulting with a reputed dermatologist is the best option.

FAQs:

Which Hair Transplant Method is Suitable for Hair Loss due to Smoking?

The Perfect-i hair transplant method is the most suitable option for smokers. It is a unique hair transplant procedure that treats each hair root carefully. Moreover, during the procedure, the surgeon ensures that there is minimal follicular damage to your hair.

How Damaging is Cigarette Smoke to Healthy Hair?

Smoking tobacco is considered dangerous for the overall health of your hair. The smoke generated from tobacco contains a wide variety of harmful chemicals. Once these chemicals enter your bloodstream through the lungs, they can produce free radicals and cause inflammation.

Does Quitting Smoking Help with Hair Growth?

By quitting smoking, you can counter the ill effects of free radicals. However, it is important to be patient while waiting for hair to grow back. Consulting with a reputed hair transplant clinic can help you get insights into the stages of hair growth.