Smoking And Hair Loss Are Related

I have a receding hairline and I was told it was cause by smoking, can this be true? Well it’s a well-known fact that smoking tobacco or any tobacco product can cause adverse health effects that can  include hair loss.  

Clinical studies prove that cigarette smoking is a leading cause of cancer for sure and the numerous health problems and diseases, such as blood clots, heart disease, that can come with it and it’s just not worth it. You can stop smoking...I did.

Now, recent medical research from the University of Toronto Canada have shown a link between smoking and an increase of instances of hair loss or thinning hair. This concludes the question, “Can Smoking Cause Hair Loss”. Yes it can and here is why...

The exact relationship between cigarette smoking and hair loss is found to be a disruption in circulation as a potential cause because the hair follicle needs blood to bring it oxygen and nutrients. The nicotine found in tobacco products is known to constrict blood vessels therefore restricting the nutrients to the follicle, starving it resulting in thinner and thinner hair until the follicle dies or becomes so weak the thinning hair becomes noticeable to your friends.

What actually happens is the carbon monoxide in smoke decreases the oxygen carrying capacity in the blood and also causes a restriction in the blood vessel itself. This combination decreases the body’s ability to get nutrients to your hair follicle and growth cells. To see this effect of poor circulation squeeze your nail bed until it turns white and see how quickly it returns to its natural pink color (it should be under 2 seconds). Compare the time difference after smoking a cigarette and you will see that the blood takes allot more time proving that smoking can cause hair loss due to poor circulation.

Hair cells have to receive adequate amounts of oxygen, nutrients, and minerals for the hair follicle to function properly and produce hair. With proof that cigarette smoking has a negative affected on blood circulation by reducing the blood flow through the scalp, this shows that your hair follicles, just like the rest of the cells in your body, are being deprived of the building blocks they need to grow.

Testosterone levels increase with smoking and 5-alpha reductase converted into more DHT , which is the hormone responsible for hair loss in men mainly, but can still affect women because they have a smaller amount of testosterone and see thinning hair as a result.

Harvard School of Public Health investigated 1241 men of medium age and compared hormone levels between smokers and non-smokers. The findings showed that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels were 13% higher in smokers than in non-smokers mainly because testosterone was 9% higher in the smokers.

The creation of DHT is formed by the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase on male testosterone which is the hormone that causes the sex characteristics in men. Most doctors agree that DHT causes Androgenetic Alopecia, also referred to as “male pattern” or “common” baldness, by shortening the growth phase of the hair cycle on genetically susceptible scalp hair follicles. This causes a decrease in size (miniaturization) of the follicles, and produces progressively shorter, finer hairs. Over time these hairs will totally disappear and never grow back.

As men with thinning hair and hair loss will agree this sensitivity to DHT is present mainly in hair follicles that reside in the receding hairline or the vertex (crown of the scalp) rather than the back and sides producing a characteristic that is easily described by Norwood scale or Hair loss severity chart .

The Archives of Dermatology state that smoking can cause hair loss in older Asian men specifically because they have lower rates of hereditary baldness. The clinical trial was conducted in 2005 on a group of 740 men in Taiwan, aged 40 to 91 years.  The study showed that Androgenetic alopecia, which is the most common type of hair loss and is largely genetic, could be caused by some environmental factors also which include second hand smoke.

Taking into consideration both age and family histories, the clinical studies found a greater rate of hair loss among the smokers in the group. This association of smoking and hair loss could be caused by several mechanisms including the smoke damaging the hair follicle specifically the derma papilla and causing poor circulation of blood to stimulate hair growth.  Also smoking increases the production of the hormone estrogen, which may counter the effects of androgen or hair growth in women.

We all know that cigarettes are filled with many different chemicals including tar, nicotine, and will cause many illnesses and diseases, all of which can impair the functioning of the body.  When the body is not healthy the organs do not function properly which can allow poisons, infections, bacteria, and other disease-causing substances to circulate throughout the body.  These unwanted substances could further inhibit the hair follicle’s ability to maintain a normal hair growth pattern.

Let’s ask the question again, “Can Smoking Cause Hair Loss” Yes it can! And the clinical trials prove it. Everyone says they want to quit smoking but not many will. You should give Smoke deter a try and see how well it works for you. It’s popular for a reason and this can be your first step in getting your

So if you have hair loss is causing you anxiety and you are a smoker, you owe it to yourself to take definite steps to stop smoking as soon as possible


Can Smoking Cause Hair Loss, Aging and Grey Hair?

Not only will smoking cause hair loss but studies show that it can accelerate the aging process and hair loss is often a symptom of aging. Smokers already know that they face an increased risk of developing wrinkles, facial discolorations, and grey hair at the least.

Recent medical findings suggest that premature hair loss could also be added to the list of accelerated aging symptoms seen primarily in smokers. A researcher at the Leigh Infirmary in Lancashire, England, found a significant increase in hair loss and greying among smokers, reporting that they are twice as likely to lose their hair or be grey at a certain age. British Medical Journal, December 21, 1996.

Bear in mind that smoking will not cause the loss of hair in those who are not genetically predisposed to it. Quitting smoking will also not make your hair stay on your head if baldness runs in your family. But smoking can worsen baldness in men when already present, so if you stop smoking this may prevent further hair loss.

How to Prevent Hair Loss Caused By Smoking

I know this sounds obvious but the first step in preventing hair loss caused by smoking is to stop smoking and stop second hand smoke. If you’re having trouble quitting you should consider a proven solution like Smoke Deter to help you kick the habit. 

Many oral medications, patches, gum, and creams are available to help some smokers beat their nicotine addiction and stay smoke free but no all work as effective as Smoke Deter .

Once you have stopped smoking, or even while you are in the processes of quitting, you can help fight the effects of smoking on hair loss by making positive changes in your life. This includes eating better and exercising more. For hair to grow it requires hair vitamins and eating the right foods will help. Cardiovascular exercise increases the heart rate and helps boost poor circulation at the scalp bringing with it nutrients to the hair follicles.

Strive to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five times a week in order to strengthen your heart and increase blood circulation. You should also consider a hair loss vitamin such as Provillus , Procerin or Advecia , which are specifically engineered to stop hair loss. 

Also see the main 9 herbs that stop hair loss.

Hair is an excellent indicator of the bodies well-being overall and healthy habits and daily exercise will go a long way towards increasing the number and quality of hairs on your head and help you keep them there. Smoking can cause hair loss and now you know how to stop it.

See a complete list of proven hair loss products .