Role of Smoking in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

    Venkataram Mysore, Yatra Kavadya
    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.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    16 / 16 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Quit vaping/smoking = 80% less loss

      in Research/Science  235 upvotes 8 months ago
      Quitting vaping significantly reduced hair loss for a user who was a heavy vaper and also taking finasteride. Some participants suggest nicotine's vasoconstrictive properties may worsen hair loss, while others share personal anecdotes of hair improvement after quitting smoking or vaping.

      community I feel like people here shrug off nutritional issues too quickly. Particularly for Retrograde Alopecia.

      in Chat  8 upvotes 1 year ago
      The user believes Retrograde Alopecia may be linked to vitamin imbalances, specifically from taking too much Vitamin E, A, Zinc, and Selenium, and suggests it could be a middle ground between Androgenic Alopecia and Telogen Effluvium. Treatments for hair loss mentioned include Androgen inhibitors and improving lifestyle factors like nutrition and sleep, with topical melatonin also recommended for Retrograde Alopecia.

      community A hill on which I will die: The DHT itch absolutely exists

      in Research/Science  206 upvotes 7 months ago
      The DHT itch is linked to hair loss and persists despite finasteride use; switching to dutasteride helped alleviate the itch and promoted regrowth. Some users suggest seborrheic dermatitis as a cause and recommend treatments like medicated shampoos, vitamin D, and minoxidil.

      community HMI 115 Phase 2 - Leaked pics from Discord

      in Research/Science  366 upvotes 7 months ago
      The conversation discusses HMI 115, a new hair loss treatment with promising results, showing a significant increase in hair density after two months. Some users are skeptical, while others are hopeful for its release and potential affordability.

      community One+ year 1mg Fin, Ketoconazole, and 3.75 Oral Min. I have DUPA. Switched from Topical to Oral Min.

      in Progress Pictures  142 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user's experience with hair loss treatments such as finasteride, ketoconazole, and oral minoxidil that have not yielded any results; other users suggest shaving the head or getting a wig, while others offer additional advice such as seeing a dermatologist, checking thyroid levels, switching to dutasteride and adding needling, and trying stemoxydine.

    Related Research

    7 / 7 results