The causes of hair loss are many, but a recent study into androgenetic alopecia in men, more commonly known as male pattern baldness has led to experts concluding that smoking cigarettes has a significant impact on the severity of male hair loss. The study was carried out using 740 men from Taiwan between the ages of 40 and 91, all of whom were experiencing androgenetic alopecia. The study took many genetic and environmental factors into account in an effort to establish the causes of hair loss.

Age, height, weight and blood sugar levels were recorded, as were hormones present in the blood as well as intensity of any smoking habit. These were then compared to the severity of hair loss according to two major classification systems known as Norwood and Ludwig hair loss classification systems. It transpired that there was a significant correlation between smoking habits and extent of balding in the men tested to a degree of 95 per cent confidence.

Some experts however are warning that the results cannot be taken and applied to all smokers. There have been three similar studies of this type, each of which proved inconclusive, although no reason was given. In addition to that it has been pointed out that hair loss varies depending on the ethnic background of the individual and the sex, therefore these results may only be representative of Taiwanese men.

It has been suggested that further studies are carried out to determine the effect of smoking on hair growth and loss as the science behind the latest results could provide a firm foundation for a hypothesis. It is well known that smoking not only impedes circulation, but it also a common cause of general ill health. Both these factors put together could explain how smoking affects hair growth.

It is thought that smoking restricts blood flow to the scalp, and thereby causing the follicles to be starved of much needed hormones, oxygen and nutrients that are essential for healthy hair growth. This could explain the increase in rate of pattern baldness or premature balding in males. The other hypothesis that pivots on the fact that smoking causes the vital organs to take priority could also explain hair loss as growth of hair on the scalp would not be deemed as important to survival, therefore the body does not prioritise sending nutrients to this area.

Despite the inconclusive results of the study, it cannot be denied that smoking is bad for the health generally and therefore men worrying about hair loss have nothing more to lose by giving up smoking