Most people know that smoking isn’t good for you. And between increasing the risk of developing cancer and respiratory diseases, it may be harming your hairline as well. Studies show that smokers could be twice as likely to experience significant hair loss than non-smokers.
We take a closer look at whether smoking causes hair loss and explain what you can do to improve the health of your hair.
So, does smoking cause hair loss?
Smoking cigarettes isn’t just harmful to your lungs – it can also affect the health of your hair follicles. A 2020 study on men aged 20-35 found that 85% of smokers showed signs of hair loss, compared with 40% of non-smokers. Researchers suggested that nicotine and other toxins within cigarettes may damage hair follicles and contribute to higher rates of hair loss in the smokers’ group, but they noted further study is needed to confirm a direct causal link.
A recent 2024 review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that men who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day had higher odds of experiencing male pattern baldness than men who smoked fewer than 10 a day. This suggests a link between smoking intensity and the likelihood of hair loss.
How smoking damages your hair
There are a few theories about how smoking might be hurting your hair.
One theory is that smoking increases free radicals in your body, which causes oxidative stress. This stress restricts blood flow to your scalp and damages the cells responsible for hair growth. A 2018 review of existing research found that cells within the hair follicles of people with male pattern hair loss are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress.
While scientists don’t yet fully understand how smoking causes hair loss, it’s believed to work through similar biological processes that make smoking age the skin faster. Nicotine can reduce blood flow to the scalp, cause DNA damage in follicle cells which disrupts normal hair growth, trigger inflammation, and upset the balance of natural enzymes that regulate the hair growth cycle.
The bottom line is that while smoking might not directly cause hair loss, studies suggest it can accelerate or worsen it. Male pattern hair loss is primarily a genetic condition, but the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, and the oxidative stress they create, can damage hair follicles and contribute to faster or more severe hair thinning.
How to combat male pattern hair loss
Naturally, your first step should be to stop smoking. Although this is easier said than done, there are many products that can help you, such as nicotine patches. You can also join support groups that are specifically set up to help people kick cigarettes. As well as quitting cigarettes, you should consider your diet and ensure that you’re eating wholesome, nutritious foods like nuts, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and legumes. The nutrients in your diet contribute to your hair growth, so it’s important that your diet is balanced. You should also make sure that you exercise regularly, as there’s a positive relationship between exercise and hair growth.
If you’re worried about the structure and strength of your hair, you might also consider a Biotin supplement. Biotin - also known as vitamin B7 - is integral in the development of keratin, which is a protein that contributes to the strength of your nails, skin, and hair. Also, if you’re suffering from male pattern hair loss, there are a range of treatments available that you can turn to. Finasteride and Minoxidil are clinically-proven medications that can treat male pattern hair loss in the long term and can help you achieve a thriving head of hair once more.
At the end of the day, smoking is bad for all aspects of your health, and your hair is no exception. So, we recommend quitting your habit and taking a free consultation for personalised recommendations of the best treatment plan for your hair loss.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
