When we consider the effects of smoking, we often think about its impact on our lungs, hearts, and health in general. But, did you know that smoking can also affect your hair? Yes! Smoking can damage your hair, making it weak and even causing hair loss. In this blog, we reveal how smoking affects your hair health, from roots to tips. We look into whether smoking can cause hair loss, if so, how does it happen? and how you can recover your hair health.

Are smoking and hair loss correlated?

Smoking can actually cause hair loss. Several studies have shown a strong link between hair loss and smoking. A study found that smoking is a serious factor in developing androgenetic alopecia. It is a common type of hair loss in both men and women (also known as pattern baldness). Another study stated that the toxic chemicals in cigarettes can damage hair follicles. This leads to hair loss and can slow your hair growth.

Smoking affects the hair follicles and can adversely impact the scalp’s blood flow. Nicotine and other injurious substances in cigarettes can induce vasoconstriction. It narrows your blood vessels which can reduce blood flow. This impacts the blood supply to your scalps and eliminates the vital nutrients and oxygen to your hair follicles.

Understand how smoking causes hair loss

1. Reduced blood flow to the scalp

Smoking constricts the blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow throughout the body, including your scalp. Reduced blood flow means your hair follicles receive less oxygen and fewer nutrients. Hair follicles require a continuous supply of nutrients for them to produce strong and healthy hair. When they don’t get enough of these vital elements, your hair can become weak and fall out.

2. DNA damage and follicle destruction

The harmful chemicals in cigarettes not only affect your lungs but also impact your hair follicles. Smoking triggers free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules. This can damage the DNA in your hair follicles by making those molecules unstable. It results in hair follicle miniaturization (shrinking of hair follicles). This results in producing thinner and shorter hairs, causing hair loss.

3. Hormonal imbalance

Smoking can also cause hormonal imbalances, which can contribute to hair loss. Smoking increases cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and decreases the estrogen level. These hormonal changes can trigger hair thinning and loss, mostly in women.

4. Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress happens when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. Smoking increases oxidative stress, leading to inflammation (the body’s response to healing infections). But, when there is increased inflammation, your hair becomes weak, resulting in hair fall.

5. Environmental damage

If you are exposed to cigarette smoke, unsafe chemicals can settle on your hair and scalp. These chemicals can damage the hair shaft by making your hair dry and more prone to breakage. Additionally, the smell of cigarette smoke can stick to your hair. So, it might be unpleasant for you and others around you. This makes you less appealing and can damage your self-esteem.

What can you do to recover your hair health?

Smoking is bad news for your hair. It reduces blood flow to your scalp and your DNA can be damaged. Oxidative stress can brutally impact your hair health. So, if you are a smoker and you’re noticing hair loss, it’s time for you to quit smoking. Your entire body will benefit from your decision and your hair will thank you. Remember, it’s never too late to take healthier steps. Your journey to better hair health starts with putting out that cigarette for good. Reach out to healthcare professionals who can guide you on your path to quitting smoking. It can restore your hair’s life.

You can make informed choices to protect and nurture your hair. Your hair’s journey from roots to tips deserves the best care, free from your smoking habits.