Can smoking contribute to hair loss? Recent reports have suggested there is evidence to support this. Studies conducted in 2007 by Taiwan scientists are now being taken very seriously.
There are a number of reasons why – including the theory that smoking damages the circulatory system. And restricts blood flow to the hair follicles. Resulting in premature hair fall.
Cigarette smoking is known to be unhealthy, causing cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. As overall health levels are affected these biological deficiencies may also be the cause of thinning hair.
Does smoking electronic cigarettes cause hair loss? New evidence suggests that this could also be the case. Read more about smoking and hair loss here…
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an e-cigarette?
Electronic atomisation cigarettes were invented by a Chinese pharmacist in 2002. As a substitute for cigarettes and to aid with stopping smoking. The device atomises a nicotinated propylene glycol solution known as e-liquid. And can have additional additives including minute amounts of nicotine.
Are e-cigarettes safer?
Evidence is actually quite limited in this area. Older studies reported that there was no substantial risk from inhaling propylene glycol apart from throat irritation and other minor effects. Such as stinging of the nose. However, anything that’s inhaled into the lungs has the potential to cause lung damage or irritation.
What is propylene glycol?
Propylene glycol is defined as a liquid alcohol which is used as a solvent. And is prevalent in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It’s colourless, clear, and almost odourless. It attracts water, has a low viscosity, and low vapour pressure making it a great choice for e-cigarettes.
More recent surveys have indicated that Propylene glycol is a chemical widely used in cosmetics and hair products as a conditioner. But it can cause skin irritation and organ toxicity. Allergic contact dermatitis and other sensitisation effects can also occur.
Can propylene glycol cause hair loss?
Smoking e-cigarettes containing propylene glycol can cause issues in the upper airways in fighting off disease-causing micro-organisms. Epithelial cells that are essential for normal immune defences can be suppressed. And these play an important role in the hair growth cycle.
Hair grows in stages which are physically distinctive. The growing phase is followed by the transitional stage, and finally the resting phase. These hair growth cycle links can be worsened or even triggered by smoking e-cigarettes. And hair thinning and hair fall can result.
Lifestyle Choices
It’s widely understood that poor health and a bad diet alongside a stressful lifestyle can all have an impact on healthy hair. And hair loss. Smoking has been linked to baldness due to tobacco smoke and its toxins making their way into the skin, bloodstream, and then the hair follicle.
As a result, hair growth begins to slow, leading to thinning hair, and eventually hair loss. By cutting back and eventually stopping smoking you can help to save your hair.
If you need help with your hair loss issues you should make an appointment at Cochrane & Co where a trusted specialist can advise you on a number of proven treatments.
