Do you consume nicotine? If yes, do you know that you can experience hair loss? If you already know this, then this is a must-read. You will discover, as we go on, and if you don’t know all of this already, you can also come to understand the implications of nicotine on the growth and stability of hair in man.
In this post, read as we debunk the myth and establish the fact surrounding the loss of hair from nicotine consumption. While it is true that hair loss can occur due to the consumption of nicotine, it is false to equate all hair losses to nicotine, even in smokers. Here are some other major causes of hair loss in human
- Age: This is one of the leading causes of hair loss, as averagely older people tend to experience hair loss than younger people
- Haircare: Care of the body should include the hair as an inadequacy can lead to hair loss of different form
- Hormonal imbalance: It is hereditary in some to experience hair loss as the gene and hormone responsible for hair growth in people vary.
- Alopecia areata: This condition occurs when the body immune system attacks some parts of the body it’s meant to protect, like your hair follicles
- Childbirth: Childbirth is preceded and followed by the secretion of hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, oxytocin. The cycle of this hormonal level might deplete the required material for the growth of hair.
- Stress: Stress reduces the immune system required for bodily protection and metabolism. A stress level of high magnitude can result in improper bodily functions like falling off of hair, bald patches on various corners of the scalp.
- Hairstyles: Styling of the hair, especially in patterns that are too tight or pull too hard on the scalp, can result in frontal hair damage. Products also like relaxers can result in hair loss.
- Vitamin D and Iron deficiency: These nutrients are required for proper body function and hair growth. Therefore, a lack of Vitamin D and Iron will deteriorate the quality-color, fineness, and quantity of hair.
Nicotine is a psychoactive drug that stimulates brain activity, is found in tobacco, and is used in the production of Cigar, Cigarettes, tobacco gum, etc.
10 Facts on Hair Loss and Nicotine Consumption
A Quick Change in Hair Color
It is a fact that the consumption of nicotine would result in the change of color of the hair. This is because smoking depletes the collagen level of the hair, leaving the hair with little or no oil. This will cause dehydration of the hair and degradation. Hence, a color change.
Nicotine Causes Hair Brittleness
Due to decreased blood flow to the hair follicles, the hair starts getting brittle, making it fall or thin. Blood flow is very important to the hair follicle for healthy growth, and nicotine has been shown to reduce blood flow and increase blood pressure which constricts the blood vessels required to supply nutrients.
Poor hair transplant results
According to research by a group of medical scientists, it was concluded that the consumption of nicotine causes complications during the process of hair transplant as a result of hair loss.
Dryness and roughness of hair texture
As earlier stated, nicotine favors dehydration of the hair, and this invariably further cause roughness and dryness of hair texture
E-cigarette and Vaping
It is true that unlike advertised, Vaping and E-cigarette do contain some form of nicotine. Therefore, more attention should be paid to other damaging consequences aside from hair loss if consumed habitually.
It lowers the body’s immunity level
Consuming nicotine, especially in high quantities, lowers its immune response, making you more vulnerable to disease and infection, which the body can naturally wade off.
Increase in DHT Production
Dihydrotestosterone, which is prevalent in men, can be produced if one over exercises. Its production in the body is accompanied by hair loss. However, the use of nicotine increases its secretion. In line with this observation; a body builder should never be a serial user of nicotine
Environmental pollution
One can suffer from hair loss due to environmental pollution. Nicotine, which contributes to environmental pollution, deprives your hair of its protein that fuels hair growth in the follicle. The presence of pollutants like nicotine in the environment further aggravates genetic hair loss in someone of that particular condition.
Decreases Oxygen supply
Your follicles need an abundant supply of minerals, nutrients, and oxygen to produce healthy hair. The toxins present in a cigarette can affect your circulation
Aging of the skin
Hair loss from nicotine consumption truly aids age-related scalp conditions that make the appearance of the skin worn out
3 Myths on Hair Loss and Nicotine Consumption
Consumption, of any amount: Dr. Vinay of Papillon hair world attributes smoking about 12 cigarettes a day can result in significant hair loss, as a bare minimum of around 5-6 cigarettes is not enough to cause hair loss among nicotine consumers
It is an irreversible condition: Hair loss due to nicotine consumption is not likely to result in permanent baldness if hair loss of any kind is likely to reverse itself once you stop smoking.
There are no advantages to nicotine consumption: Nicotine has been found to improve memory and concentration, reduce anxiety and even boost the body of adrenaline.
Conclusion
While quitting nicotine consumption to prevent hair cannot be advocated for since its consequence is only in the degree and frequency. It is important to have strategies to help control the use of nicotine. Thanks to innovations, there are now apps that assist in controlling nicotine usage. Since nicotine is addictive, a tool like this to curtail excess use is a good strategy. Other strategies like Nicotine Replacement Therapy, eating healthy, daily walks, and meditation can also be helpful. However, it would be better to consult a medical practitioner on the best model to adopt to be on the safe side when you still desire to consume nicotine.