More than 10 Puffs a Day... Double the Risk of Hair Loss

Smoking More Than 10 Cigarettes a Day Doubles the Risk of Hair Loss
Lifestyle Habits Like Smoking Affect Male Pattern Baldness

'Hair loss,' the biggest concern among middle-aged men. A study has found that men who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day are more than twice as likely to experience hair loss compared to non-smoking men.

Photo by Asia Economy DB

On the 15th, the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, an international academic journal, reported that a research team led by Aditya K Gupta from MediProbe Research in Ontario, Canada, analyzed eight papers studying the causal relationship between hair loss and smoking, arriving at this conclusion.

According to the study, men with a history of smoking were 1.8 times more likely to experience hair loss than men without such a history. The amount of smoking affecting hair loss was identified as 10 cigarettes per day; men who smoke 10 or more cigarettes daily were found to have twice the risk of developing hair loss compared to those who smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes.

The researchers explained, "Nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to constrict during smoking," adding, "This reduces blood flow to the scalp, leading to hair loss. The cigarette smoke itself can also induce hair loss." They further noted, "Although male pattern baldness is known to have strong genetic factors, lifestyle habits such as smoking also have a significant impact," advising, "Patients with male pattern baldness should be educated about the negative effects of smoking on hair loss during treatment."

Meanwhile, hair loss excluding alopecia areata and diffuse hair loss affecting the entire body is classified as male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is closely related to the male hormone androgen. It occurs due to various effects during the production and action of androgen. However, with this study adding environmental factors as causes of hair loss, awareness is increasing that establishing proper lifestyle habits is essential for possible hair loss prevention.