Losing Hair? Stop Smoking!




A new study conducted by researchers of the University of London and published at the Journal of Investigative Dermatology has linked smoking to hair loss in men. While previous trials suggested that cigarette smoking could indirectly be involved in causing baldness, the new findings have confirmed that tobacco smoke is a possible trigger of male-pattern alopecia.


Until now, it was believed that tobacco smoke could play some role in causing baldness, but no solid research had confirmed that suggestion. A known scientific fact, though, stated that smoking is linked to a reduced scalp circulation, which may instigate vasoconstriction of the scalp capillaries and affect the flow of oxygen and nutrients into the hair roots. As a result, nicotine-damaged hair cells can suffer from a reduced supply of building and repairing substances, which damages hair follicles, impairs the blood and hormonal circulation, increases the secretion of estrogens, triggers hair shedding, and contributes to alopecia. Besides, tobacco smoke is associated with a damaging effect on the DNA and dermal papilla of the hair follicles, which can lead to a local inflammation and further accelerate hair loss and premature greying of hair.

A previously conducted animal study revealed that laboratory mice developed bald patches and greying hair after a prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke. The new research has shown that smoking can activate the hereditary mechanisms leading to the development of male-pattern alopecia.

The British scientists have found that numerous pollutants and carcinogenic chemicals found in tobacco smoke, as well as in polluted environment, have an additional harmful effect on the hair follicles of men predisposed to hereditary baldness. The researchers also suggested that second-hand smoke could induce further hair damage.

Cigarette toxins seem to injure the structure of healthy hair cells, making them weak and inhibiting the hair growth cycle, which inevitably leads to a compromised hair growth and eventual baldness. This process is especially pronounced in middle-aged men. By-products of tobacco smoke penetrate the bloodstream and easily reach hair roots, causing additional stress and inhibiting the ability of hair follicles to repair themselves and produce thick, healthy hair.

Numerous toxins that a male smoker inhales on a regular basis can therefore exacerbate the process of genetic balding.

The researchers suggested that quitting smoking and avoiding both second-hand smoke and environmental pollutants could be a useful prevention measure against contracting male pattern alopecia.

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Richard Dunn

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Posted on May 7, 2008 
Filed Under Facts on Smoking, Smoking and Health, Stop Smoking, Stop Smoking News, Tobacco Research

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