To some extent, genes determine how well your skin and hair withstand the test of time. A variety of factors, including genetics, hormones, and the environment, such as sun exposure, play a big role as well, affecting both skin and hair.  Our hair and skin are a window to our hygiene, nutrition, and underlying health issues.

People normally shed around 100 hairs from their heads every day. Alopecia is a medical term for hair loss.  Androgenetic alopecia  (AGA) is a common form of hair loss in both men and women.

In men, hair is lost in a well-defined pattern, beginning above both temples. Over time, the hairline moves back (recedes) to form a characteristic “M” shape.  Smoking affects the health of your hair. Hair loss and premature hair greying are higher in smokers than in nonsmokers. Men who have smoked or currently smoke are significantly more likely to develop androgenic alopecia (AGA) than men who have never smoked, according to a new study.

In women, the hair becomes thinner at the top of the head, and the middle part widens. The hairline does not typically recede. Androgenetic alopecia in women rarely leads to total baldness.

Smoking generally has been accepted as a risk factor for the development and progression of AGA or the most common form of hair loss.

Based on four studies, ever smoking is associated with 1.3 times higher odds of AGA progressing from mild (ie, Norwood-Hamilton stages I-III) to more severe (stages IV-VII) than among those who have never smoked.

Smoking can cause hair loss by:

• Smoking can damage hair by scarring hair follicles, making it more brittle and prone to falling out.
• Smoking can lead to low levels of estrogen, which can negatively impact the health and growth of hair.
• Smoking can cause dry hair, which may lead to hair loss.
• Smoking can narrow blood vessels (vasoconstriction), which may obstruct sufficient blood flow to hair follicles and cause hair loss.
• Smoking may cause hair loss by damaging hair follicles with free radicals.
• Smoking can have negative effects on hormones, which can increase the likelihood of hair loss.

SMOKING AND ALCOHOL FOR HAIR

Chronic heavy drinking and alcohol abuse can negatively impact hair health and various bodily systems.

Alcohol causes dehydration, nutrient deficiency, hormonal imbalance, and negatively affects hair follicles and liver function. Excessive consumption leads to nutritional deficiencies, including vital vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair growth. Limiting or avoiding alcohol is highly recommended for optimal hair health.

A study was conducted on a group of 740 Taiwanese men between the ages of 40 to 91 to establish a connection between smoking habits and hair loss. The results revealed that individuals who smoked had a higher tendency to experience hair loss, which was found to escalate with the increase in the amount of smoking.