Smoking Harms Your Hair

Smokers are 4 times more likely to have these problems with their hair.

* The chemicals in cigarettes starve your hair of oxygen and make it dull, lifeless, thinner and brittle.
* Smoking can cause your hair to break off.
* It can cause dull, lank and smelly hair.
* It contributes to hair loss, graying and balding.

Experts think the toxic chemicals in smoke can damage the DNA in hair follicles and generate cell-damaging free radicals as well.
Men who smoke are about twice as likely to lose their hair as nonsmokers, after taking into account factors that increase the risk of baldness, such as aging and genetics, according to a 2007 study in Taiwan.

How Smoking Cigarettes May Increase Baldness

Although an exact relationship between cigarette smoking and hair loss is yet to be found, evidence points to a disruption in circulation as a potential cause. For the hair follicle to function at optimal levels and produce hair growth at the normal rate the cells must receive adequate amounts of oxygen, nutrients, and minerals. Cigarette smoking has been shown to cause poor total body circulation, which can affect the amount of blood flow available to the hair follicles of the scalp. More specifically, scientists believe that smoking may actually disrupt or damage the circulation system that is responsible for delivering blood to the actual cells of the hair follicle.

Another theory as to why smoking may increase the occurrence of hair loss is based on general health concerns. Smoking causes many illnesses and diseases, which can impair the functioning of other body systems. When the body is not healthy the organs do not function properly. Without properly functioning internal organs poisons, infections, bacteria, and other disease-causing substances are free to circulate throughout the body. These unwanted substances could further inhibit the hair follicle's ability to maintain the normal hair growth pattern.

Smoking has also been shown to accelerate the aging process and hair loss is often a symptom of aging. Smokers already know that they face an increased risk of developing wrinkles, facial discolorations, and grey hair. Recent medical findings suggest that premature hair loss could also be added to the list of accelerated aging symptoms seen primarily in smokers.

How to Prevent Smoking-induced Hair Loss

The most effective way to avoid hair loss caused by cigarette smoking is to stop smoking. If you have previously tried to quit smoking without positive results you should consult with your doctor to discuss ways to help you kick the habit. Many oral medications, patches, gum, and creams are available to help smokers beat their nicotine addiction and stay smoke free.

Once you have stopped smoking, or even while you are in the processes of quitting, you can help fight the affects of smoking on hair loss by getting adequate amounts of cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise, exercise that increases the heart rate, helps boost poor circulation. Strive to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five times a week in order to strengthen your heart and increase blood circulation.

7 Proven Hair Thinning Remedies
Many Americans find themselves suffering from premature hair thinning. There are many causes of hair loss. This article details 7 hair thinning remedies proven to regrow hair.
It is completely normal to loss hair every single day. In fact 10% of the time our hair is in a resting phase. The other 90% of the time it is in the growth phase. At any rate our hair is in a constant state of growing and falling out. The hairs that fall out are quickly replaced by new hair. Only when this process is out of whack do we notice significant hair thinning. Hair loss can be attributed to several factors: including childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, alopecia, hormone imbalance, heredity, radiation therapy and aging.

The good news is there are many hair thinning remedies that can be implemented with success. Not only can you stop hair from falling but you can re-grow hair as well. A few of the natural hair thinning remedies include:

1. Vitamins A, B, C and E are good hair growth promoters. The best way to get them is naturally through the foods you eat. There are several ways these vitamins work to promote hair growth. They provide sebum and promote blood circulation to the scalp by increasing oxygen absorption and collagen.

2. Proper Scalp Management: It is good to massage your scalp regularly with herbal oils. Use products like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil. There are reports that alopecia areata can be effectively treated with essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood.

3. Limit Scalp Abuse: You need to avoid blow drying and using chemical shampoos daily. Your hair and scalp can be damaged by harsh chemical processes such as coloring or straightening. Even daily hair washing with hot water can damage the hair. The hair can turn brittle and natural oils dry up.

4. Use of herbal care products: To increase your effectiveness utilize herbal powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner. Amla powder is a very powerful anti-oxidant which can prevent graying and hair loss. Shikakai has a low pH. This makes it a great shampoo which thoroughly cleans the hair without depleting it of its natural oils. Henna can be used as a natural conditioner.

5. Reduce Stress: Stress can cause thinning of the hair. You can reduce stress by doing exercises and meditation.

6. Stop Smoking: Smoking causes constriction of the blood vessels which supply blood to the scalp. This is just one of many of the benefits you get from eliminating smoking.

7. FDA approved Hair Thinning Remedies: There are lots of hair loss products out there that claim to work. The recommendation is to find hair loss products that have been reviewed by the FDA.

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