For many of us, our hair and how we choose to wear it forms a big part of who we are—our identities, styles and fashion choices. Realizing that you’re losing your hair can therefore be a very worrying moment.
There are many different causes of hair loss. Some people put it down to genes, but one cause that’s becoming more widely reported is vaping.
Though vaping has been touted as a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes, it does come with its own health challenges, as we explore in this guide.
Below, we provide a definitive answer to the question: can vaping cause hair loss? We look at the science, how vapes can affect both women and men and why it can contribute to thinning hair. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions about vaping and hair loss.
Let’s start with the basics.
Do Vapes Contain Harmful Chemicals That Affect Your Hair?
E-cigarettes and vape pens were introduced to help tackle the health problems caused by cigarettes. These devices work by burning liquid and inhaling the vapor produced in the combustion process.
However, vapes contain the same key ingredient found in cigarettes: nicotine. In some cases, vape brands use synthetic nicotine. This substance is the reason why cigarettes and vapes are addictive. It has more than just this effect on the body however, and some of them relate to hair loss.
Nicotine is classed as a vasoconstrictor. This means it narrows our veins and arteries all over the body, including our scalp. This reduction in blood flow can cause damage to our head, specifically, our hair follicles, which can lead to hair thinning and loss.
Another chemical found in vapes is propylene glycol (PG). This compound can cause the body to dehydrate itself, which can lead to dryness of the scalp and damage to your hair.
Some scientific studies have also found a range of harmful metals in vapes that can cause stress to our bodies, which may lead to damage to our hair. In some cases, formaldehyde, lead, and cadmium have all been found in vapes.
Can Vaping Cause Hair Loss? Here’s The Science
The relationship between vaping and hair loss hasn’t always been clear, namely because vaping is such a new phenomenon. There simply hasn’t been time for scientific studies to be conducted, especially ones that examine the impact over a longer period of time.
However, research is emerging which has suggested potential links between vaping and hair loss. These studies have drawn connections specifically with the chemicals found in vapes.
For instance, a 2022 study by Kavdaya et al examined how nicotine constricts blood vessels, which limits blood flow to hair follicles. Deprived of nutrients and oxygen, hair can thin and eventually shed.
The same study also looked at the impact of hormones and how imbalances can lead to conditions like alopecia. It found that smoking can lead to increased androgen levels, which is a potential trigger for hair loss.
In another study by Babadjouni et al (2021), it was found that various chemicals found in vape liquid can induce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This can, in turn, damage hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss.
So the short answer is yes, based on the science available, the chemicals found in vapes can damage your hair.
Nicotine And Hair Loss
One of the biggest culprits of the potential issues described above is nicotine. This chemical is found in both cigarettes and vapes, with some vape products using a synthetic form. While it’s nicotine that gives you that initial buzz when you vape, it also causes a lot of the problems outlined above, like constricting your blood vessels, causing hormone imbalances, and inducing oxidative stress within the body.
While other chemicals found in vapes can potentially cause issues, nicotine is the one compound with these well-known impacts.
Hair Loss In Women
If you’re a woman who like to vape and you’re worried about hair loss, it’s important to be aware of the signs so that you can establish if vaping is the cause.
For example, if you notice a widening of your hair part, increased shedding when brushing or washing your hair, or thinning around your temples, it could all be down to vapes and the chemicals found in them.
However, it could also be a sign of something else. A range of factors, such as a lack of nutrients or stress can cause hair loss in women.
If you’re at all worried, it’s best to stop vaping and speak with a dermatologist or your doctor.
Men And Hair Loss
Men are statistically more like to experience baldness and conditions like androgenetic alopecia. While vaping cannot cause hair loss if you’re predisposed to this already, it can accelerate the process.
This hair loss could come in the form of a receding hairline, a thinning at the crown or top of the head, and a reduction in hair density overall.
Can Vaping Cause Thinning Hair?
Yes, vaping can be a contributor to thinning hair. Chemicals like nicotine have the potential to weaken the strength of hairs, reduce blood flow to hair follicles, and contribute to a general lack of hair density.
The technical phrase for temporary hair shedding is telogen effluvium. It can be caused by a range of factors, such as nutritional deficiencies, as well as exposure to nicotine and oxidative stress which can be triggered by smoking.
While hair loss can be sudden and swift, if the root cause is treated and identified hair usually grows back within 6 months.
Can I Prevent Hair Loss While Still Vaping?
You may wish to continue vaping while keeping your hair. It may not be an option, for example, if you’re trying to quit smoking. So if you want to safeguard against any potential risks, then you’ll be pleased to know there are a few things you can do:
- Improve Your Circulation – Try scalp massages and more regular exercise which can help counteract nicotine’s blood vessel-constricting effects.
- Take Hair Supplements – Vitamins like biotin, vitamin D, zinc, and iron all play crucial roles in hair growth, so supplementing your diet with them can really help.
- Stay Hydrated – Vaping can dehydrate the body so always make sure you’re drinking enough water to counteract the effects
Is Nicotine Hair Loss Reversible?
One question on your mind may be whether you can grow back your hair lost through vaping. The answer is yes, if you cut out the cause early enough.
It all comes down to the damage done to your hair follicles and whether or not that can be reversed. In some cases, however, you may have a genetic predisposition to baldness, meaning your hair loss is inevitable. Vaping may have sped up the process, but it would not have been the cause.
If you’re looking to regrow your hair after vaping, then there are things you can do. Here are some suggestions:
- Try topical treatments like minoxidil
- Try out DHT blockers like finasteride (for men)
- Eat a healthy diet rich in protein and essential vitamins
For more specialist advice, you should consult a dermatologist specializing in hair loss.
Get Help Quitting Vaping
If you’ve suffered the effects of hair loss after vaping, you may be looking for help quitting. You may also be reading this looking for advice for a loved one or friend. Either way, you’ll be pleased to learn that there’s lots of help and support out there.
One of the best places to start is this guide on quitting vaping. This guide from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also very helpful.
You can also learn all about its effects on the body, from acne to tiredness, and different techniques that you can try to stop the habit in these guides.
If you’re looking for more support in helping someone quit, you may need the help of something like a vape detector. If so, head here to learn all about how our devices can help detect vapor so that you can enforce rules which can help encourage smokers to quit for good.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions on vaping and hair loss.
What Happens If I Vape After A Hair Transplant?
After your procedure, your doctor should inform you of what you can and cannot do. Generally speaking, vaping or using any nicotine-based product can slow healing and reduce the chance of the graft surviving due to decreased blood flow. It’s advisable to avoid nicotine for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery.
Do Nicotine-Free Vapes Cause Hair Loss?
It’s true that nicotine is the primary culprit when it comes to vaping and hair loss. Therefore, a nicotine-free vape will help reduce the chance of any impact. However, the presence of propylene glycol and the likes of flavoring chemicals can still contribute to hair thinning.
My Hair Keeps Falling Out After I Stopped Vaping – What Should I Do?
It can be worrying to see your hair still falling out after you stopped vaping. However, it could be a sign that your body is still adjusting. This adjustment period can last up to 6 months. To help in that recovery, you could try eating a nutrient-rich diet, especially foods that complement hair growth, and staying hydrated. If you notice no improvement, it’s important to consult a dermatologist to see if there are any other causes.