Most everyone knows that smoking is not good for their health. But did you know it may also cause hair loss and premature balding? There are at least five ways that smoking can lead to thinning hair or even substantial hair loss.
1. Smoking Releases Harmful Chemicals
Cigarette smoke contains approximately 4,000 chemicals. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), at least 70 of these chemicals may cause cancer. One of those chemicals — nicotine — can cause damage to blood vessels along the scalp and prevent a healthy head of hair. Other toxins in cigarette smoke may cause blood vessels to shrink and can contribute to hair loss.
2. Smoking Causes Poor Circulation
Your circulatory system does not perform as well when you smoke. According to Wake Forest Baptist Health, this poor circulation increases the risk of vascular disease, which includes symptoms like blood vessel constriction and plaque buildup. Poor circulation from smoking can even lead to hair loss. This is because poor circulation in the scalp results in hair roots not receiving adequate nutrients for growth.
3. Smoking Reduces Collagen
The amino acid collagen is necessary for healthy hair growth, and it also helps add elasticity to your hair. Smoking, however, depletes the body of vitamins like C and A that make collagen, so it contributes to reduced collagen production. Besides smoking, other unhealthy behaviors that can reduce collagen production include sun damage, excessive sugar consumption, and too much alcohol.
4. Smoking Damages the Immune System
Cigarette smoking also weakens your immune system. A weakened immune system can lead to various diseases and conditions that ultimately lead to hair loss. For example, bacterial infections or fungal infections like Tinea capitis can occur on the scalp from a weak immune system and cause hair loss.
5. Smoking Causes Environmental Pollution
The smoke you breathe into your lungs isn’t the only way that cigarettes can cause hair loss. This is especially true when you’re sitting in a confined space like a small office or your car. Smoke from cigarettes fills the air with chemicals and carcinogens that damage hair in a variety of ways and makes that air toxic. These chemicals can even affect the protein that grows your hair.
If you want to improve your hair and reduce hair loss or thinning, quit smoking. Not only will your health improve, but you’ll likely have a fuller head of hair and more confidence in each day. If you’re looking for a hair loss solution the specialists at Genesis II can help. To schedule a free consultation call us at. (315) 458-1074 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: realworkhard Via Pixabay
Sources:
https://www.wakehealth.edu/Stories/The-Untold-Story-of-Smoking-and-Vascular-Disease
