Can Smoking & Drinking Cause Hair Loss?

Can Smoking & Drinking Cause Hair Loss

There are many common habits that people maintain which are bad for their health. Smoking and drinking alcohol are certainly two of them. These are prevalent in most parts of the world. Recently, it has been found that smoking and drinking of alcohol can actually damage the follicular health and can aid in hair loss. This is truly a big find and one that warrants a deeper look into.

Findings in the study

The study took place with a total of 188 sets of identical twins participating in it of which there were 90 males and 98 females. Since identical twins should have the same number of hair follicles naturally, the effects of environment and habits were studies in relationship with hair loss. Follicles were observed by experts to look for any differences amongst the twins. It was found that smoking and heavy alcohol drinking were amongst the main factors that caused hair loss. Divorce in women too was found to be an unexpected factor that came to the fore.

Effects of smoking on follicular health

Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen blood can carry. Over the longer run, along with other bodily harms, smoking deprives the scalp of much needed oxygen as well. The hair follicles start getting weak and eventually hair loss gets accelerated as a result.

Effects of drinking on follicular health

Consumption of alcohol causes dehydration in the body. The hair on the scalp get dehydrated as well and eventually start breaking away. Long term consumption of alcohol finally starts aiding permanent hair loss.

Dealing with these issues

The best way to go about this problem is to abstain from these habits. It is easier said than done but a sincere effort can go a long way in getting rid of these issues. To quit smoking, use of e-cigarettes seems to be a useful step. Nicotine patches too can help. To stop binge drinking, professional help is often required. Getting yourself checked into rehab is a major step towards success. To continue to avoid drinking, support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are generally a good option.

By quitting these habits, not only will you help your hair follicles but will also help your health in general. It is a small price to pay for a healthier, longer life.

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Written By: Dr. Cagatay Sezgin

Dr. Cagatay Sezgin is a celebrity hair transplant surgeon with over 20 years of experience in hair transplantation and restoration. He is the First Turkish Board Surgeon to become a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and the Asian Association of Hair Transplant Surgeons (AAHRS). Moreover, he has the honor of becoming the first hair transplant surgeon in the world to perform hair, eyebrow, and beard transplantation all in one case and that too in a single session.

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