Effects of vaping on hair loss

Hair loss is a condition that affects a large section of the population as it can have roots in other conditions and can appear as a result of other health complications including but not limited to nutritional deficiencies, genetics, hormonal problems and stress. So even though other factors can be at play, health is a major contributor to one’s hair vitality. Smoking and vaping, which affect our bodies negatively, are also related to hair loss. 

 

Vaping has been trending as an alternative to smoking cigarettes. Many people can be seen opting for vaping and electronic cigarettes nowadays in the hopes of lowering the negative effects of nicotine on their bodies. However this is actually not the case, not only is vaping not a healthier alternative of smoking but it may even be a more dangerous and unhealthier one. Studies show that vaping can be more dangerous as the coating is plastic and the amount of nicotine inhaled can be dangerously high per puff. 

 

You might be thinking what is the relationship between vaping and hair loss? Well it all has to do with blood vessels and how nicotine is known to shrink and block them. This in turn disallows oxygen and nutrients to be brought to cells including the hair follicles and the scalp tissue effectively rendering the tissues there useless. If you are worried about your hair health as an avid vaper you need to know how vaping is affecting your hair vitality. In this article we will delve deeper into how vaping is affecting hair health, how vaping could be leading to your hair loss and ultimately what you can do to support your health if you do vape. Continue reading to find out all about vaping and hair loss.

Understanding Vaping and Its Effects

Vaping is the term coined from the word vapor which is used in reference to the liquid that turns into “gas” when being “smoked”. Unlike a traditional cigarette where the tobacco is combusted to be smoked these devices made of plastic or aluminum contain smoke in the liquid form which the device helps to turn to smoke.This electronic nicotine device has taken the world by a storm as they do not trigger smoke detectors and can be consumed indoors. Most users say they prefer vapes over cigarettes as they can customize the device, choose between flavors, do not have to deal with the hassle of cigarette buds and believe that they are “healthier” than smoking regular cigarettes. 

 

The assumption that vaping is “healthier” than a regular cigarette is a mislead one because not only is not healthier, it is supposedly worse than smoking a regular cigarette as the amount of nicotine consumed is usually higher than when someone smokes a cigarette as the device contains the vape liquid which can be the equivalent of packs of cigarettes anywhere between 3 to 20 depending on the number of “puffs” available in the vape device. So not only can the liquid be composed of harmful chemicals and vapor but it gives users the opportunity to consume more nicotine in a single sitting. 

 

Seeing how vapes are as, if not more, dangerous as cigarettes, the effects on our health is that much conspicuous. Vaping is known to cause blood flow problems, exposure to high volumes of chemicals and impact our hormones thus vaping is bound to cause multiple health problems on different levels.

How Vaping Could Potentially Lead to Hair Loss

Vaping is just another form of smoking and unlike popular belief it is not healthier than smoking a cigarette. It is as bad as cigarettes and can be even more harmful in some cases. Just like how regular smoking leads to a lot of health complications vaping could also potentially lead to hair loss with lasting outcomes. Even though more research needs to be done on the lasting effects of vaping on human health, there is enough evidence to see the harmful effects of smoking on our bodies to make valid deductions. Studies show that smoking harms nearly all of the organs in the body and regular consumption can cause serious illness not just in the respiratory system but also cellular damage throughout the body. Based on the research thus far it is vaping has been known to lead to problems in flow of blood, damaging levels of exposure to harmful chemicals, change in hormones, scalp and hair tissue damage and weakened immune system. Here is a rundown of all potential ways vaping can lead to hair loss:

Nicotine’s Effect on Blood Flow

In order to survive and grow, hair follicles need fresh supplies of nutrients and oxygen delivered by our vessel system. If the hair follicle is not able to get enough sustenance in order to thrive and grow then it will fall our break making our hair brittle and perceptible to damage. The high amount of nicotine one consumes by vaping endangers this system. Nicotine is known to shrink blood vessels which ultimately restricts blood flow and thus disables the hair follicle to get the nutrients it needs. This process, often referred to as a vasoconstriction, gets in the way of a hair follicle’s cycle of growth. If the patient is exposed to regular overconsumption of nicotine not only will the vessels be permanently damaged  but also make room for further complications like inflammation. 

Oxidative Stress from Chemical Exposure

In simple terms oxidative stress is when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants which often results in damage on the cellular level. Since hair follicles have a lighty faster cellular turnover they are more perceptible to damage caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is triggered when one is exposed to harmful chemicals for a prolonged amount of time. The harmful chemicals in the vaping liquid are concerning triggers for oxidative stress. Such high levels of exposure can permanently damage the hair in terms of weakening the follicle by disrupting the growth cycle and even lead the way to cause inflammation in the area. As the cells become defective they also tend to damage cells around them and may accelerate the deteriorating process.

Impact on Hormone Levels

Chemicals in the vaping liquid are so harmful to our bodies that it can severely impact our hormone levels. Starting with high doses of nicotine, chemicals like acrolein and formaldehyde will affect hormone levels in our body’s hormone balance. Particularly cortisol which is responsible for keeping the body alert is significantly affected when exposed to high levels of chemicals which puts the body under a lot of stress that will not only cause a rapid succession of hair loss but other health problems. These chemicals are also known to change testosterone levels or alter testosterone hormone to dihydrotestosterone which is one of the causes of alopecia. Other hormonal systems in the body can be negatively affected by vaping’s impact on hormone levels like the thyroid system or conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). You can read more on PCOS and how it affects our hair cycle here.

Dehydration of Hair and Scalp

Even though the main ingredient in the vape is a liquid it is still a potential cause to dry out your hair and scalp. This is due to the composition of the vaping liquid which contains hygroscopic ingredients like glycerin or glycol. Due to the nature of these ingredients the vaping liquid may have the effect of retaining moisture out of the cells thus disrupting the flow of nutritions and the overall moisture level of the tissue in the area in question. If the scalp becomes dry the hair becomes dry and brittle too. Furthermore when a skin loses its moisture then it can cause itching and even inflammation in the area as it becomes prone to rashes or other skin conditions. A hair that loses its vibrancy and elasticity is prone to breakage and loss. Dehydration of hair and scalp can lead to skin problems like rashes and even inflammation due to potential scratching in the area. This not only will cause hair loss but also will risk the integrity of the skin health in the area. 

Weakened Immune System

The vaping liquid users inhale, consists of harsh chemicals consisting mainly of nicotine and formaldehyde. These chemicals weaken the immune system by making it vulnerable and susceptible.  If the immune system is compromised not only can it not protect the integrity of the hair follicles and the vitality of the hair but it can’t protect our bodies from any threat. A weakened immune system means bodily functions can not be successfully administered and regenerative functions can not work properly. This includes the hair growth cycle which means overtime this can lead to shedding, thinning of hair and loss of viable hair follicles. 

Tips for Supporting Hair Health if You Vape

Even though it is regarded by the general public as a healthier alternative to smoking, vaping is a concern due to the potential health implications of regular consumption. Either directly or indirectly vaping can cause problems in your blood flow, nutrient absorption capacity of the body and hormone regulation which affect the viability of your hair directly or indirectly. If you are an avid vaper you might be concerned about the impact it has on your health including your hair health. In order to make sure that you are protecting your hair health, understand what you can do to minimize the damage regular vaping can do to your body and thus hair. In order to support your hair health if you vape you can make sure to optimize your nutrition intake, limit consumption of nicotine, have a solid hydration routine, monitor the health of your hair and scalp and use hair care products that are not full of harsh chemicals. Wanna know how to achieve these goals? Here is a detailed rundown of which steps you can take!

Tip1: Optimize Nutrition

Our bodies are fueled by nutrition. If we want to strengthen our bodies we need to give it high quality and consistent “fuel”. There are certain nutrients we can take that will not only elevate our overall health but support our hair health as well. Regular consumption foods that are dense with Biotin, Vitamin D and Zinc can go wonders for your hair health. In order to optimize your nutrition you can eat foods that are rich in these nutrients but also make sure to supplement where necessary. Consult a certified dietician in order to make sure your diet is rich with foods your body needs. If you want to learn more about malnutrition and hair loss you can check out how nutrient deficiency can affect your hair health here.

Tip2: Limit Nicotine Intake

This may be the most obvious point to be made yet it retains its importance: If you want to decrease the potential outcomes of vaping on your hair health, you need to limit your nicotine intake. It is easier said than done but the logic is simple: lower the amount of nicotine lower is the consequences one needs to battle. In order to limit their intake of nicotine some users opt for lower-nicotine vapes and even nicotine patches to diminish the urge behind vaping. Assigning specific time periods for vaping can also help with limiting the time period of consumption thus reducing nicotine intake. Some vaping devices even coe with a built-in time frame where the device itself gives the opportunity of limiting the time frame of consumption. There are many alternatives in the vaping industry that can allow you to slowly reduce and thus limit your nicotine intake. Vapes with flavored-low nicotine varieties can be a good start to slowly reduce your vaping habit.

Tip3: Make Sure to Hydrate

Regular vaping is known to cause dehydration as vapes usually contain ingredients in the form of harsh chemicals that are hygroscopic meaning they disable the cell’s ability to hydrate and retain water. In order to not suffer from dehydration caused by vaping users need to make sure they hydrate and increase their water intake. Dehydration often causes other skin problems like dehydration of the scalp and skin. Make sure that you consult a dermatologist to make sure you support your skin with moisture. In order to maintain hydration increase your daily intake of water and make sure to stick to a daily routine in order to prolong the benefits of hydration. 

Tip4: Monitor Your Hair and Scalp

Sometimes we do not pay attention to what is right in front of us. If you are worried about your hair health due to regular consumption of vape, you need to monitor your hair and scalp for potential visible damage. Noticing small changes can help with taking steps that will help you in the long run. Make sure to observe your hair and scalp and monitor if you experience hair loss symptoms. Early diagnosis can help you take steps in the right direction. Does your hair seem dry? Are there rash-like redness on your scalp? Do you notice hair loss in patches? Then you can take the next step in reaching out to a hair clinic or a dermatologist to learn the underlying causes of your symptoms. 

Tip5: Using Quality Hair Care Products

There are countless options when it comes to hair-care products. Rows after rows of products claiming that they will help your hair when in fact most of them are full of harsh chemicals that will eventually hurt your hair. If you are looking to improve your hair health due to potential damage by vaping then you need to be sure of the quality of the hair care products you are using. Make sure that the hair care or styling products you use are stripped of harsh chemicals like sulfate or parabens and consist of organic products like vitamin and moisture rich oils. Alternatively you can consult a hair clinic to find out your hair type and thus learn about the best products you can use to take care of your hair.

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