TLDR Smoking may contribute to hair loss in men.
The document from 2003 discusses the potential link between smoking and hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia. It suggests that smoking may contribute to hair loss through various mechanisms such as damage to the microvasculature of the dermal hair papilla, DNA damage in hair follicle cells, imbalance in protease/antiprotease systems, oxidative stress causing micro-inflammation and fibrosis, and a hypo-oestrogenic state. The author proposes that public awareness of this link could serve as a strong health education tool, potentially more effective than the association of smoking with facial wrinkles or grey hair, since treatments for hair loss are limited. An observational study is mentioned, showing a significant relationship between smoking and baldness in men, but the data was insufficient to draw conclusions for women.
229 citations,
August 2002 in “Experimental Gerontology” AGA causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles due to DHT binding, and can be treated with finasteride and minoxidil.
370 citations,
September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.
January 2021 in “Journal of Allergy and Therapy” Electric Follicle Stimulation may promote hair growth and density with no known side effects.
1 citations,
October 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Using minoxidil and tofacitinib together can effectively treat severe hair loss.
16 citations,
May 2017 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” The document concludes that more research is needed to understand and treat Beard Alopecia Areata due to limited current knowledge and evidence.
109 citations,
May 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that can lead to complete baldness, often associated with other autoimmune conditions, and half of the cases may see hair return within a year.
Minoxidil and a solvent mixture can prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy in mice.
2 citations,
July 2009 in “Medical hypotheses” Identifying specific hair follicle parts could lead to better hair loss treatments.
30 citations,
November 2008 in “Facial Plastic Surgery” The conclusion is that the best approach for treating Female Pattern Hair Loss is a combination of different treatments.
100 citations,
June 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Hair loss severity relates to increased miniaturization in female pattern hair loss.
