Is Hair Loss From Smoking Permanent?'

Theresa

Question: I quit smoking a few months ago. Will I see any difference in my hair or Does smoking cause permanent damage?

Answer: Hi, Theresa. For the purposes of answering your question we're assuming that you are experiencing hair loss and believe it may be linked to smoking.

Various studies and theories have linked smoking to hair fall, mostly due to the negative effects it is believed to have on the hair growth cycle by worsening circulation and leeching nutrients from the blood.

When it comes to smoking and hair loss, we would need to examine you before confirming what precisely was causing your shedding. Giving up smoking is a great step for both your hair and your general health, however, so is certainly beneficial.

Smoking cigarettes has been linked to both temporary hair loss from Telogen Effluvium, and the permanent hair loss conditions male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss. The easiest way to tell which you may be experiencing is to note the location of the hair thinning.

Telogen Effluvium causes hair fall from all over the scalp. This is a temporary hair loss condition that generally clears up naturally within around six months though telogen effluvium treatment can help to speed this process along. It is often caused by underlying lifestyle issues, such as dietary imbalances or stress, and illness.

Female pattern hair loss is a permanent, genetic condition which is inherited. It causes thinning hair around the top of the scalp in women, which is often most noticeable along the parting and at the temples. If this condition is already present, then smoking is believed to be able to worsen it by increasing the level and rate of shedding. If it is not already active but there is an existing genetic predisposition to this type of female hair loss, it can be triggered by a bout of Telogen Effluvium. Female Pattern Hair Loss Treatment can help to prevent further hair fall and regrow hair in these cases.

It is also possible for both hair loss conditions to present simultaneously. In this instance it is likely that you would notice thinning hair all over your scalp which is worse along the vertex, crown and hairline. A Belgravia hair loss specialist can tailor a bespoke treatment course featuring recommended formulations of high strength minoxidil and boosters such as the exclusive Hair Vitalics for Women hair growth supplement, to treat both complaints at once.

In order to know which approach to take, we recommend you have a consultation in order to receive a professional diagnosis. Once the cause of your hair loss has been pinned down, personalised treatment recommendations can be made and any further queries you have can be answered. In the meantime, congratulations on giving up smoking and we wish you the very best of luck in keeping it up.