Smoking and Hair Loss: Myth or Fact?

1 month ago | 5 Views

Cigarette smoking offers no benefits and can increase the likelihood of developing serious health issues, including lung disease and cancer. Additionally, one of the adverse effects may relate to your hair. If you smoke and observe a reduction in hair volume, this could be associated with your smoking behaviour. Although ageing typically impacts hair quality and density, detrimental habits such as regular tobacco use may also negatively affect your hair. The question remains: does smoking lead to hair loss? Continue reading to discover more.

Does smoking cause hair loss?

Smoking can adversely affect the health of your hair, in addition to its well-known effects on lung health. A study conducted in 2024 and published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology indicated that smoking as few as 10 cigarettes daily may elevate the risk of hair loss. Furthermore, a 2020 study in the same journal revealed that among 500 smokers aged 20 to 35, 425 individuals exhibited varying degrees of hair loss. Therefore, does smoking lead to hair loss? Indeed, scientific evidence supports this assertion.

Smoking has been associated with hair loss. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Here is how it may impact your hair:

According to cosmetologist Dr Pratiksha Jain, smoking restricts blood flow to hair follicles through vasoconstriction, which narrows blood vessels. Similar to other bodily tissues, hair follicles require oxygen and nutrients for proper growth. When blood circulation is impaired, these follicles become weakened. As a result, individuals may experience thinning hair and, ultimately, hair loss.

If you are still questioning whether smoking leads to hair loss, the answer is affirmative. Smoking heightens oxidative stress by releasing detrimental free radicals. Dr Jain explains that these free radicals harm follicular cells and disrupt the natural hair growth cycle.

Additionally, smoking accelerates the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness.

The harmful substances found in cigarettes can adversely affect hair follicle cells. A study published in Dermatology in 2003 revealed that the toxic chemicals present in tobacco may damage the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of hair follicle cells. This damage, according to the researchers, could hurt hair growth.

Does smoking cause hair loss and will your tresses grow back?

Ceasing smoking can greatly enhance the health of hair; however, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that complete regrowth is achievable. Dr. Jain states, "If hair loss primarily resulted from smoking-induced vascular constriction and oxidative stress, quitting can facilitate the restoration of blood flow and enable follicles to recuperate." Nevertheless, if there has been shrinkage of hair follicles due to prolonged tobacco exposure, the potential for regrowth may be restricted.

Dr Jain further notes that a decrease in hair shedding may occur within a few months after quitting, as inflammation subsides and oxygen supply improves. Additionally, nutrient absorption tends to improve once this detrimental habit is abandoned, resulting in stronger and healthier hair strands. The expert advises that utilizing supportive treatments such as minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and maintaining a nutrient-rich diet can enhance the likelihood of regrowth.

Other harmful effects of smoking

Having established the answer to the inquiry, "Does smoking cause hair loss?", it may be prudent to explore the additional consequences associated with this habit.

Smoking is widely recognized for its detrimental effects on lung health, contributing to ailments such as chronic bronchitis and lung cancer.

Furthermore, it heightens the likelihood of developing heart disease and stroke by constricting arteries and increasing blood pressure, as noted by internal medicine specialist Dr. Irfan KJ.

This detrimental practice adversely affects the immune system, rendering the body more susceptible to infections, including pneumonia.

Additionally, the digestive system suffers, as smoking exacerbates acid reflux. "It also elevates the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancer," Dr. KJ adds.

Quit smoking for better health. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

How to quit smoking?

Smoking is indeed a contributing factor to hair loss. Therefore, it may be prudent to consider quitting this detrimental habit by implementing the following strategies:

Overcoming an addiction such as smoking necessitates both preparation and determination. "Establish a 'quit date' and gradually reduce your cigarette consumption to facilitate a smoother transition," advises Dr. KJ.

Identify your smoking triggers, which may include stress, habitual routines, or social situations.

Substitute cigarettes with alternatives like sugar-free gum and practice deep breathing techniques to help manage cravings. "Medications such as varenicline and bupropion can assist in curbing the urge to smoke and aid your brain in adjusting to a nicotine-free state," the expert notes.

Nicotine replacement therapies, including patches, can alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness and sleep disturbances.

Maintaining an active lifestyle and participating in stress-relief activities can support you throughout this challenging journey. With the understanding that smoking contributes to hair loss, it is imperative to abandon this harmful habit, as it can adversely affect not only your hair follicles and growth but also your lungs, heart, and other vital organs.

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!