Smoking cigarettes does no good, as it may put you at risk for health problems such as lung disease and cancer. One of its side effects may also be connected to your hair. If you are a smoker and notice a decrease in the volume of your hair then it may be linked to your smoking habit. While ageing often affects the quality and volume of hair, unhealthy habits like using tobacco regularly may also bring bad news for your tresses. But does smoking cause hair loss? Read on to find out.
Smoking may impact your hair health, and not just your lungs. A 2024 study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, showed that smoking up to 10 cigarettes every day may increase the likelihood of experiencing hair loss. Another study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2020, showed that 425 out of 500 smokers, aged between 20 and 35, had some degree of hair loss. So, does smoking cause hair loss? Yes, scientific research says that it can.
Here’s how it may affect your hair:
Quitting smoking can significantly improve hair health, but there is no evidence that shows that full regrowth is possible. “If hair loss was mostly due to smoking-related vascular constriction and oxidative stress, stopping can help restore blood flow and allow follicles to recover,” says Dr Jain. However, if there is hair follicle shrinkage due to long-term exposure to tobacco, regrowth may be limited.
“A reduction in hair shedding may happen within a few months of quitting, as inflammation decreases and oxygen supply improves,” says Dr Jain. Nutrient absorption also gets better once you give up this bad habit, leading to stronger, healthier strands. “Using supportive treatments like minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma or PRP therapy, and a nutrient-rich diet can improve your chances of regrowth,” says the expert.
Now that you know the answer to the question, “Does smoking cause hair loss?”, it might be time to find out what else it can lead to.
Does smoking cause hair loss? Yes it does. So, it might be time to give up this harmful habit by following these tips:
Now that you know the answer to the question, “Does smoking cause hair loss?”, you know that you absolutely must give up this bad habit. It may affect your hair follicles and growth other than your lungs, heart and other parts of your body.
There is no safe number of cigarettes when it comes to hair health. Even one cigarette can constrict blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrient supply to your hair follicles. The more you smoke, the greater the damage.
Yes, quitting smoking can make you look significantly younger over time. Smoking accelerates ageing by breaking down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. Once you quit smoking, your skin will begin to repair itself, leading to improved hydration, reduced wrinkles, and a healthier complexion.
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