Various research studies have linked smoking to hair fall, mostly due to the adverse effects of it is believed to have on the hair growth cycle. Smoking is thought to worsen blood circulation and leech essential nutrients from the blood. Let’s have a closer look at the side effects of smoking.

We know that cigarette smoking causes a whole lot of health issues including poor oral health, yellowing of nails and a host of other physical problems. Smoking can be one of the major causes of a lot of health problems, but can it cause you to lose hair on top of anything else? Let’s look at some facts to see if nicotine is one of the causes of hair loss or is it just another myth.

Can smoking triggers hair loss

Hair loss is a common problem that affects men all over the world, affecting 40% of men by the time they are 35 and up to 60% by the time when they are 60 years of age. These data results are related to male pattern baldness which is associated with genetics and sometimes lifestyle factors. Hair growth depends on the hair growth cycle, which consists of four phases, anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding) phase. Disruption of any phase may lead to hair fall. We bring you the best expert to advice on how smoking causes hair loss and how you can avoid further damaging your hair. Let’s start to see how smoking triggers causes of hair loss.

Hair loss can happen for a vast range of reasons, let’s have a look at the ones that fasten the side effects of smoking. 

• Inadequate blood flow- Hair follicles require oxygen, minerals, and other essential nutrients to produce healthy hair. Cigarette smoke contains toxic chemicals that can affect blood circulation, shrink blood vessels and reduce blood flow. The hair growth cycle is interrupted when the hair follicle doesn’t receive an adequate amount of blood for nourishment. As mentioned above the hair growth cycles ha four phases, any interruption to this cycle can result in significant hair loss.  When hair follicles are devoid of the require blood flow, they are unable to produce hair at the same pace as it used to earlier. If by chance new hair appears, they will have weakened roots and tend to breakage.

• Bacteria and infections can easily penetrate the weakened immune system- A weakened immune system. Smoking can damage your immune system, which can give rise to infections, diseases, or illness that cause thinning of hair or even hair loss. Weakened ability to fight against diseases will attract foreign bodies to host over your scalp, develop bacterial or fungal infections which prevent them from producing healthy hair.

• Environmental factors- Besides from inhaling cigarettes smoke, smoking at home or in a car with the windows rolled can be creating environmental pollution, which can harm your hair follicles. Many research has also linked thinning of hair with environmental factors. Pollution can worsen genetic hair loss and the presence of carcinogens in cigarette smoke can affect the working mechanism that produces the hair protein.

• Genetic triggers- Studies have found that smoking can exacerbate genetic hair loss.  There is evidence that shows that polluted air can trigger irreversible hair loss in some men and women. You might be thinking that everyone is exposed to pollution equally, but why only you are affected by hair loss.  Harmful toxins released in the form of smoke and ash of cigarettes contribute to pollutants in one or other way affecting the lives of other people too.

The best way to reverse this side effect of smoking is to quit the bad habit. Once you stop exposing your hair to the harmful toxins in cigarettes, your hair should start growing again. However, quitting smoking can be a difficult task as its highly addictive. It can take several tries to give up the bad habit. Fortunately, there are hair loss solutions that can help prevent thinning of hair restore your hair growth. Explore your option at alldaychemist.com. It is a chance for you to explore your options safely.

Also Read: Medications that can help you Quit Smoking

Quit smoking to recover hair loss

Overcoming smoking addiction is not easy, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible. According to experts, smokers are most successful at kicking the bad habit when they have support. Here are some tips that can help you quit smoking and prevent further hair loss.

• Counselling– A counsellor can help when you decide to quit smoking. He/she support you during your fight against nicotine addiction and help you show you the right path towards leading a healthy life.

• Nicotine replacement therapy (NRTs) – Nicotine replacement therapy, including nicotine tablets, gums, and body patches are good treatment options for those who smoke and struggle with quitting? This treatment approach helps control cravings and increase your chances of quitting.

• Prescription medicines- Many people approach for medical help, which is fine. One should choose a treatment option that suits their condition. Several medications are available in the market that helps recover from smoking.

• Family support- Family and friends can provide the support mechanism required to quit smoking. With their support, you can quit smoking and prevent hair damage.

Fight smoking that triggers hair loss. Maintaining good health and diet is also very important when it comes to restoring hair health. Eat healthily, include eggs, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and fibre rich foods to your diet. Stay hydrated throughout the day, by drinking at least 7 to 8 glasses of water. A healthy scalp will produce healthy hair, make sure the scalp receives an adequate amount of nutrients and minerals to support hair growth. Don’t let smoking take away your precious strands. Switch to nicotine-free life, avoid consumption via cigarettes or tobacco. Make a healthy start by quitting smoking today.