Smoking and Hair Loss

Before discussing smoking and hair loss you should have some knowledge of hair follicles.

These are the tiny factories that are responsible for hair growth. Dermal papilla which is bulb-shaped and located right at the bottom of hair follicles creates new cells from whose pressure causes the older cells to move upwards.

This dermal papilla is dependent on a healthy blood supply to keep producing new cells. Hair follicles are surrounded by blood capillaries that supply the necessary nutrients and oxygen for hair growth.

Now coming to the bottom line we will discuss smoking and hair loss. Are they connected in any way? Is there any effect on the blood supply and circulatory system of the body? These are the questions that need to be answered.

smoking and hair loss

Smoking puts a decent amount of nicotine in our body causing an increase in the hormone adrenaline which makes the heart beat faster and increase blood pressure. On the other hand the nicotine tightens the blood vessels which make it harder for the blood to pass through the veins and arteries.

This whole process impacts the circulatory system of the whole body. Smoking also creates a small but decent amount of carbon monoxide which attaches itself to the hemoglobin and restrains the red blood cells from carrying oxygen which is required by the hair follicles.

Healthy scalp and hair follicles are very much dependant on the fresh and decent supply of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. This is all possible if the person is a non-smoker. Blood’s oxygen, proteins and nutrients carrying capacity is severely damaged by smoking. If you want to have a healthy scalp and healthy hair follicles then you are advised to quit smoking.

Every person in the world is different and responds differently to medications, foods, and drugs. But in general, smoking can be seen to have a negative impact on hair growth.

Smoking is one of the drugs that cause hair loss.

If you are experiencing hair loss and also smoke then you should take precautions and try to quit smoking as soon as possible. Although smoking is just one part of the whole story and there are several other causes of hair loss, you still owe it to yourself to quit smoking. Quitting smoking will have no negative impact on your health. It will just be good for you.

There will always be those who will challenge that smoking does not damage hair follicles despite the research that proves this fact. However, aren’t you glad to know that smoking and hair loss are surely related. Lastly, this matter needs to be taken seriously.

Disclaimer: This article is not be taken as medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor.