Cigarette smoking can lead to hair loss by disrupting blood circulation to the hair follicles. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing oxygen delivery to the follicles and weakening them. Several studies have found a link between smoking and decreased blood flow to the scalp, as healthy hair growth requires nutrients transported in oxygenated blood. Quitting smoking may help reduce hair loss by improving circulation.

1. Hair Loss: Smoke Gets in Your
Head
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2. • Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of
numerous health problems and diseases, such as
blood clots, heart disease, and cancer. Now,
recent medical research has discovered a link
between smoking and increased instances of hair
loss.
• Seeing a healthy scalp and healthy hair follicles
are so dependent on a rich supply of oxygenated
blood which can deliver all the proteins and
nutrients needed for new hair growth, it is only
reasonable to conclude smoking and hair loss or
alopecia can be connected.

3. • Although an exact relationship between cigarette
smoking and hair loss is yet to be found, evidence points
to a disruption in circulation as a potential cause. For the
hair follicle to function at optimal levels and produce
hair growth at the normal rate, the cells must receive
adequate amounts of oxygen, nutrients, and minerals.
Cigarette smoking has been shown to cause poor total
body circulation, which can affect the amount of blood
flow available to the hair follicles of the scalp.
• Nicotine, the drug in tobacco that makes people
addicted, causes an increase in adrenaline which in turn
increases blood pressure and suddenly makes the heart
beat faster. Aside from that, it causes blood vessels to
constrict which makes it harder for the heart to pump
blood through the circulatory system; it also produces
carbon monoxide which inhibits the blood’s capacity to
carry oxygen. With a decreased blood flow, hair follicles
are made weak and make the head susceptible to
baldness.

4. • Nicotine continues to compromise the circulation, albeit, the
dermal papilla is dependent on a healthy blood supply in
order to keep up the production of new cells. The hair follicle
is fed by a network of tiny blood vessels which provide the
needed oxygen and nutrients necessary for hair growth.
Scientists believe that smoking may actually disrupt or
damage the circulation system that is responsible for
delivering blood to the actual cells of the hair follicle.
• Smoking has also been pointed out to
hasten the aging process. Smokers are
well aware that they face an increased
risk of developing wrinkles, facial
discolorations, and grey hair. Recent
medical findings suggest that
premature hair loss or thinning hair
could also be added to the list of
accelerated aging symptoms seen
primarily in smokers.

5. • In view of the impact smoking has on the body’s
circulatory system, smoking is discouraged.
Instead, deep breathing is encouraged while
doing rudimentary exercises because it can make
a huge difference, not only to one’s general sense
of well-being, but especially to the health and
condition of the scalp and hair follicles.
• So if loss of hair is your major concern and you
are a smoker, you owe it to yourself to take
specific steps to stop smoking anytime soon.