If you have noticed your hair beginning to get a little thin, you might put the blame on ageing or genetics. However, experts say there is a very common habit that millions of people are guilty of which could be leading you to lose your hair.
Smoking is widely known to cause serious health issues including cancer, lung disease and heart issues – but it could also be making you go bald. Although male-pattern baldness often runs in families, experts say smoking may be linked to faster thinning and even premature greying. Hair experts at UK Hair Transplants say that smoking is linked to problems such as increased shedding and early greying, as it can interfere with the hair growth cycle and natural pigment.
Smoking can also lead to premature greying, according to another study in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal.
It found that “smokers were 2.5 times more likely to get early grey hair”. This is because hair follicles rely on a healthy supply of oxygen and nutrients, delivered through the bloodstream.
When you smoke, your circulation is affected and your body may not be able to deliver what your scalp needs.
Over time, it also reduces blood flow which can leave your hair looking dull and more prone to dryness, breakages and split ends.
A spokesperson for UK Hair Transplants said: “Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and it can make a real difference to your hair too.
“When you stop, you give your scalp a better chance to stay healthy, which can help slow down thinning and support fuller-looking hair in the long run. That said, if you notice hair loss that’s sudden, patchy, or getting worse quickly, it’s important to speak to a GP, as it could be linked to an underlying health issue.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
