Does Smoking Cause Hair Loss? Hair Loss Treatments For Smokers

Most of us are aware of the side effects of tobacco smoking, which can lead to many life-threatening diseases. But are you aware of the link between smoking and hair loss? This is one lesser-known side effect of smoking. Some scientific studies have even proved this claim, and people with hereditary or genetic hair loss are at a higher risk.

Here, we explore the link between smoking and hair loss and the possible treatment options available. Keep reading.

Smoking And Hair Loss: What Is The Link?

Studies are limited regarding the effects of smoking on hair loss. However, a few studies found some possible connections between the two. Here is how smoking may trigger hair loss:

1. It May Cause DNA Damage

Animal studies have found that tobacco contains genotoxic components that can damage the hair follicle’s DNA (1). This can trigger hair loss. However, this study is not conclusive and needs further research.

2. It May Cause Heavy Metal Toxicity

Smoking may cause cadmium toxicity and interrupt the hair cycle. Cadmium can cause oxidative stress to the hair and trigger hair loss. It may also disrupt the formation of the hair shaft and cause telogen effluvium (2).

3. It May Aggravate Alopecia

Although smoking and alopecia’s link needs further research, a study found that smoking status and intensity were among the key factors responsible for aggravating androgenic alopecia and considered potential risk factors (3). However, further studies are needed to establish an association.

4. It May Affect The Immune System

Research suggests that cigarette smoke may affect your body’s defenses. It can either increase the risk of developing allergies, cancer, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases or make your immune system attack our own body (4). In the context of hair loss, this may lead to a condition like alopecia areata. This is a severe condition where the immune system targets the hair follicles. This process interferes with the normal growth cycle of hair, which may increase the risk of hair loss (5). However, the specific mechanism behind this matter is still not entirely clear and requires further detailed clinical research.

Did You Know?

Smoking is thought to have originated in 5000–3000 BC in the regions of Mesoamerica and South America.

This explains the question “How does smoking cause hair loss?” However, other than smoking, several other factors may also trigger hair loss.

Other Factors Triggering Hair Loss

Smoking, along with other underlying factors, may contribute to hair loss. They include:

• Psychological stress (6)
• Pregnancy (7)
• Hormonal imbalances (thyroid issues) (8)
• Nutritional deficiencies (9)

If you smoke and are experiencing hair loss, these factors too might be contributing. Often, smoking, along with some underlying factors, may trigger hair loss. Smoking also increases free radicals in the body and can deplete the body of nutrients, thus leading to hair loss. Consult a doctor to find out the exact reason behind your hair loss. Meanwhile, you may quit smoking and try to improve your hair health.

Can My Hair Grow Back If I Quit Smoking?

It depends on a lot of factors.

If you quit smoking, your hair fall may improve as your hair and body will not be exposed to the toxins released by tobacco. It may also improve your overall health. However, if an underlying condition is responsible for your hair loss, it may not improve unless you treat it.

A systematic review of 32 studies on the relation between smoking and hair health involving a total of 23,685 patients revealed that smoking is associated with a higher prevalence of alopecia and premature hair graying (PHG). Adults with alopecia areata consisted of 56.5% smokers compared to 42.6% nonsmokers.

Quick Tip

If you wish to quit smoking, talk to your healthcare professional and consider nicotine replacement options like patches, gum, or nasal spray to help manage withdrawal symptoms.

Hence, it is better to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis. Let us explore the possible treatments to repair the hair damage caused by smoking in the next section.

Possible Hair Loss Treatments For Smokers And Ex-Smokers

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT):

Low-level laser therapy

(LLLT) is a popular method for stimulating hair growth. This non-invasive treatment is performed under the supervision of a doctor and has no side effects. However, the long-term consequences of LLLT still need more empirical backing (10).

• Hair Transplant Surgery 

Hair transplant surgery has become a highly sought-after way of achieving a natural appearance. However, the doctor needs to evaluate your scalp and determine whether you are a good candidate for a hair transplant or not. Consult a dermatologist for a detailed analysis.

• Prescription Medications 

Smokers looking to stop hair fall may consult a doctor who may prescribe medications like topical minoxidil and finasteride or a combined dose of both for treating hair loss. These medications block DHT (a type of androgen) that triggers hair loss (11).

These are some treatment options you may try to manage hair loss. However, if you are considering hair transplant surgery and wondering if you can restart smoking after that, here is what you need to keep in mind.

How Soon Can I Restart Smoking After A Hair Transplant Surgery?

Wait for at least two weeks before you start smoking.

Hair transplant surgeries can yield a high success rate, provided you adhere to certain precautions. As smoking can expose your body to an influx of toxins, give your scalp some time to heal. Otherwise, you may be more susceptible to infections on the open wound. Besides, it may lead to scar tissue formation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hair loss from smoking reversible?

In some cases, hair loss from smoking may be irreversible if there is any blood vessel damage underneath the scalp. However, if hair loss due to smoking is diagnosed early, it may be reversible with professional intervention.

How long after quitting smoking does hair grow back?

The hair generally takes 6 to 8 months to grow back after quitting smoking. However, this period varies from person to person and is dependent on the extent of damage caused by smoking.

Will quitting smoking stop gray hair?

Yes, smoking, in a few, may trigger premature graying of hair and hair thinning. Quitting smoking slows down this premature graying and stops hair graying after 6 – 8 months.

Does smoking dry your hair?

Yes, smoking makes hair dry and brittle. This is because of the various toxins in cigarettes that negatively affect hair health.

How can I protect my hair from cigarette smoke?

Headwraps and covers are the best ways to protect your hair from cigarette smoke.

Does cigarette smoke stick to hair?

Yes, the smoke from cigarettes sticks to the hair and causes hair damage.