Smoking causes hair loss: Myth or fact?

Smoking cigarettes is not good as they can be at risk for health problems such as lung disease and cancer. One of its side effects can also be attached to the hair. If you are a smoker and notice that your hair volume is decreasing, it may be linked to your smoking habits. Aging often affects the quality and quantity of your hair, but unhealthy habits like regular cigarette use can also bring bad news to your hair. But does smoking cause hair loss? Please read to find out.

Does smoking cause hair loss?

Smoking can affect not only the lungs but also the health of your hair. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that smoking up to 10 cigarettes every day could increase the likelihood that hair loss will be experienced. Another study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2020 showed that 425 of the 500 smokers ages 20 to 35 had some degree of hair loss. So does smoking cause hair loss? Yes, scientific research says it can.

Here’s how it affects your hair:

• “It limits blood flow to the hair follicles by causing vasoconstriction or stenosis,” says hairdresser Dr. Pratiksha Jain. Just like other parts of your body, hair follicles need to grow oxygen and nutrients as well. However, when blood circulation is impaired, they become weaker. When the follicles lose strength, the hair becomes thinner and eventually experiences hair loss.
• Still looking for the answer to your question, “Does smoking cause hair loss?” answer is simple yes, as it increases oxidative stress by releasing harmful free radicals. “They damage the follicular cells and disrupt the natural cycle of hair growth,” says Dr. Jain.
• It also accelerates the production of dihydrotestosterone or DHT, a hormone associated with androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss in men or women).
• Toxins in cigarettes can be bad for hair follicle cells. During a study published in dermatology in 2003, researchers discovered that toxic chemicals in tobacco can cause damage to the deoxyribonucleic acid in hair follicles or the DNA of cells. According to them, this damage can have a negative effect on hair growth.

Does smoking cause hair loss and will your hair grow?

Stopping smoking can significantly improve your hair health, but there is no evidence that it is possible to fully regenerate. “If hair loss was primarily due to smoking-related vasoconstriction and oxidative stress, stopping can allow for blood flow and follicle recovery,” says Jain. However, regeneration may be limited if hair follicle contraction occurs due to long-term exposure to cigarettes.

“As inflammation decreases and oxygen supply improves, hair loss reductions can occur within months of the ban,” says Dr. Jain. Giving up this bad habit will lead to better absorption of nutrients, leading to stronger and healthier chains. “Using supportive treatments such as minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma, PRP therapy, and nutrient-rich diets can improve your chances of regrowth,” experts say.

Other harmful effects of smoking

Now that we know the answer to the question “Does smoking cause hair loss?”, it may be time to know what else it will lead to.

• It is well known for causing damage to the lungs, leading to conditions such as chronic bronchitis and lung cancer.
• “It also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by narrowing the arteries and increasing blood pressure,” says Dr. Irfan KJ, an internal medicine specialist.
• This unhealthy habit affects the immune system in a negative way, making the body more vulnerable to infections like pneumonia.
• Smoking exacerbates acid reflux, which also causes a hit in the digestive system. “It also increases the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancer,” says Dr. KJ.

How do I stop smoking?

Does smoking cause hair loss? Yes, that’s right. Therefore, following these tips may come at a time to abandon this harmful habit.

• Being free from things like smoking is a process that requires preparation and sustainability. “So we’ll set a ‘end date’ and gradually reduce the number of cigarettes we smoke, making the transition smoother,” suggests Dr. KJ.
• Understand the smoking triggers, including stress, daily habits, and social events.
• Replace cigarettes with something like chewing sugar-free gums and deep breathing that helps you manage your cravings. “Medications like Varenicline and Bupropion can also help stop reaching for cigarettes and adapt the brain to be nicotine free,” experts say.
• Nicotine exchange options with patches can provide relief from withdrawal symptoms such as calming and sleep disorders.
• Staying active and engage in stress-relieving activities can help you on this long journey.

Now that you know the answer to the question “Does smoking cause hair loss?”, you must absolutely give up on this bad habit. It can affect your hair follicles and growth outside your lungs, your heart, and other parts of your body.