Role of Smoking in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

March 2022 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

Venkataram Mysore, Yatra Kavadya

androgenetic alopecia AGA vasoconstriction DNA damage oxidative stress hormonal changes smoking cessation hair loss smoking

TLDR Smoking may worsen hair loss, but more research is needed.

This systematic review investigates the link between smoking and androgenetic alopecia (AGA), analyzing 15 trials and one review. It suggests that smoking may contribute to hair loss through mechanisms like vasoconstriction, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and hormonal changes. While several studies show a positive correlation between smoking and increased AGA severity, some do not find a significant association. The review emphasizes the need for larger, controlled studies to confirm these findings and to determine if smoking cessation can improve hair loss. Dermatologists are advised to recommend smoking cessation to AGA patients, even though evidence of hair regrowth after quitting is lacking.

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