Smoking and Hair Loss in Men: Is There a Connection?

Cigarette smoking is not good for your lungs or heart, but it may be harmful to your hair as well, particularly for men who smoke a pack or more a day.

Circulation

• According to Hairlossexpert.co.uk, a study conducted on male smokers found they have a greater likelihood of going bald. Smoking impedes circulation, which may be one reason that male smokers suffer hair loss more than their non-smoking counterparts. Smoking affects circulation to the extent that the degree of oxygen that gets to the hair follicles is significantly reduced. Optimal oxygen levels are needed for a hair follicle to stay healthy and function properly.

Damage

• Medicalnewstoday.com reports that early-onset androgenetic alopecia (going bald) may be caused by damage to the hair papilla. Papilla causes hormones and blood to stimulate hair growth and results in increased production of estrogen, which is good for hair. When the papilla is damaged, estrogen is not produced. When not enough estrogen is present, androgens take the lead and cause hair loss. According to Eurealert.org, smoking damages the papilla that circulate hormones and blood, which stimulate hair growth.

Aging

• When you smoke, you speed up the aging process. Older men tend to lose their hair more rapidly than younger men. Smoking is also believed to accelerate the onset of gray hair and facial wrinkles, as well as hair loss.