In recent times, we have seen the meteoric rise of vapes, with the colourful and fruity smelling electronic cigarettes finding themselves to be one of the best sellers in local convenience shops, as well as falling into the hands of around 3.2 million users in the UK alone, in 2021. It is perceived that e-cigarettes are a “safer” option however, research has shown that vaping could actually pose a bigger risk than people think, especially in the area of men’s hair loss.
Research has found that the main culprit responsible for vaping to potentially cause hair loss, is Nicotine. The highly addictive substance is present in many vaping liquids, in varying percentage quantities. When consumed, Nicotine creates a bodily reaction whereby blood vessels begin to constrict, thus reducing the amount of blood flow to vital areas, such as the scalp and hair follicles. It is theorised that with the lower amount of blood present in these areas, hair follicles can become weakened, with the end result being loss of hair.
Another factor which negatively impacts the risk of hair loss, is stress. Research has found that vaping can cause oxidative stress, which can severely damage hair follicles. This particular type of stress would usually appear in a person who has an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicles. Free radicles are known as an ‘unstable molecule’, which can damage cells. Antioxidants are produced by the body to help fight off these molecules however, when there is an imbalance within the person, this can lead to the free radicles being produced in abundance and begin attacking important cells.
A third factor to consider when talking about the relationship between vaping and hair loss, is the impact that it can have on hormone levels within the body. Nicotine and other chemicals present within electronic cigarettes, can create negative proportions of hormones within a person’s body by interfering with their production levels. A hormone which must remain balanced to maintain healthy hair, is Testosterone. Should these levels becoming too high or too low, it could result in balding for both men and women, through the production of a substance called DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
To conclude, men and women must have a healthy balance of hormones within their body to maintain good hair. It is no secret that any type of smoking can lead to vascular problems, but the negative effects towards hair loss should also be considered. If you find yourself concerned towards any of the points raised above, MHR Clinic are always on hand to provide expert advice and create a pathway towards repairing any damage your hair has already sustained. Feel free to get in touch with us here: https://mhrclinic.co.uk/mhr-hair-restoration-clinic-contact/
We also have a page on our website dedicated to the most common questions surrounding hair loss, take a look!