Could your bad habits be causing your hair loss? Stress – smoking and baldness

Could your bad habits be causing your hair loss? Stress – smoking and baldness

With the advent of new technologies and topical medications that do wonders for hair loss, it is important to take a step back and identify the causes of hair loss. More specifically, we understand that androgenetic alopecia is the main cause of hair loss. In addition, external and physical factors play a role that involve our habits and emotions. Smoking and stress are known to have negative effects on our health and can also contribute to baldness.

Let’s start with smoking – How smoking affects hair growth or hair loss

Smoking has been shown to have a profound impact on hair loss by altering the dynamics of hair growth and hair restoration in the scalp. Essentially, it works by promoting DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels in the hair follicles. According to a clinical study from the Harvard School of Public Health, in randomly selected smokers, DHT levels were 13% higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Additionally, testosterone levels were about 9% higher in smokers than in non-smokers, meaning the enzyme alpha-5-reductase can function at more levels in the production of DHT. Working together, testosterone and DHT increase the amount and rate of hair loss.

Is smoking the only culprit?

Remember that smoking alone will not cause someone without strong androgenetic alopecia genes to suddenly lose hair. If you quit smoking, your hair won't stay on your head even if hair loss runs in your family. However, it is important to know that smoking accelerates hair loss. It causes the blood vessels in the scalp to constrict, which is responsible for less blood flow. Additionally, chemicals in smoke, such as carbon monoxide, limit the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Smoking can even cause your hair transplant situation to worsen as it is known to cause infection and scarring, along with poor growth of the already transplanted hair. As we all know, blood circulation is key when it comes to preventing the cause of baldness.

Stress and Baldness – What is your hair trying to tell you?

A solid mindset contributes to vibrant and dynamic hair that is easy to manage. Too much regret and physical discomfort dulls hair, leading to more maintenance that could include abusing shampoos and conditioners. Waxy hair is also normal because stress can contribute to overactive sebaceous glands that produce oil. The lack of balance in the body can lead to telogen effluvim, a condition that affects people who have had a sudden stress in their systems. Hair loss can be induced by stressful situations that have an all-suddenness for them, such as: B. Crash diets for weight loss and post-surgery recovery.

Stress causes hair follicles to return to a resting phase, causing them to temporarily stop growing. It is estimated that the number of hairs that go into a resting phase ranges from 10 percent of a normal head to 30 percent of your hair. The good thing about this form of stress-related hair loss is that it is not a permanent situation and does not lead to baldness. Remember that telogen effluvim is a temporary condition as a result of shocking events. Clumps of hair may fall from the head, but they eventually grow back.

Hair is an excellent indicator of our well-being. Proper nutrition, a relaxed lifestyle and good general health care can dramatically increase the number and quality of hair on our head. Asking your doctor for more information about your personal condition will help you understand and begin a better lifestyle for your overall health and also your hair.

Inspired by Dave Niss