Tobacco contains nicotine, a psychoactive chemical that stimulates brain activity. Nicotine is found in cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, among other things, and is utilised primarily in those products. To be clear, nicotine is a drug, and we all know that there is no such thing as a safe level of drug consumption, which is why smoking is also called an addiction. Tar and nicotine are found in tobacco; when they are combined, harmful gases such as carbon monoxide are generated, which not only cause lung damage but can also be lethal if smoked over an extended period of time. Among the psychoactive ingredients in tobacco is nicotine (the primary psychoactive agent). As a stimulant drug, it is classed as such, consequently, coffee, cocaine, methamphetamine, and ADHD medicines such as Adderall and Ritalin are all included in the same broad classification as ketamine.
It is incredibly addictive to use nicotine and there are several routes through which it can be taken into the body: the lungs, mouth, nose, and skin. However, nicotine cannot enter the body by way of the hair follicles. It can, however, be absorbed through the skin. As a result, in this post, we’ll talk about the connection between nicotine usage and hair loss.
Does Nicotine Cause Hair Loss
Nicotine can have a direct impact on hair loss by depriving a hair follicle of nutrients that are necessary for the growth of new hair. Nicotine is a mediator of what is referred to as “systemic inflammation” in the medical community. The body employs inflammation to protect itself against potentially damaging chemicals and events when nicotine is not present. Acute inflammation, which is a short-term phenomenon, is something that many individuals are familiar with. Those of us who have twisted our ankles or broken bones are familiar with the swelling and redness that occurs around the site of the injury. This is a demonstration of acute inflammation in action.
In general, systemic inflammation is more difficult to manage. A single bodily injury, in contrast to acute inflammation, does not cause inflammation. The circulatory system, which is the biological system that transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body via the bloodstream, becomes irritated as a result of the inflammation. Inflammation gradually causes these parts to lose their ability to operate correctly over time. The upshot is that other sections of the body that rely on the circulatory system receive reduced levels of oxygen and other nutrients, which impairs their ability to operate as well.
Nicotine plays an important function in the development of systemic inflammation. According to research, Nicoline activates specific white blood cells, known as neutrophils, which then produce chemicals that cause greater inflammation in the body. Skin and hair are degraded at the molecular level as a result of systemic inflammation. Skin and hair both require a consistent supply of nutrients given by the circulatory system in order to survive. Circumstances such as arteries hardening and blood vessels being destroyed might cause a disruption in this delivery mechanism. Skin and hair cells are unable to live if they do not receive the nutrients they require. Consequently, hair growth is slowed or completely stopped.
How does nicotine contribute to hair loss?
External Exposure
Nicotine exposure that occurs outside of the body can cause serious damage to the hair follicle and could cause the hair follicle to fall out.
Nicotine gum
Nicotine gum can cause hair damage in the form of early balding, and we all know that balding is irreversible. Nicotine gum can also create blood circulation problems, which can lead to anaemia.
Excessive Oil Secretion
Nicotine, whether in the form of a chewing gum or chewing tobacco cigarettes, can produce excessive oil secretion, which can cause hair to become damaged and the star to fall out.
pH balance
Nicotine can induce an acidic scalp, which is a major contributor to hair loss. Nicotine can also cause hair loss by disrupting the pH balance of the hair.
Excessive DHT secretion
Androgen, which is located in hair follicles, can be released in large amounts as a result of nicotine usage, which can result in hair loss or even irreversible baldness.
Harmful chemicals
In addition, nicotine releases a large number of potentially dangerous chemical combinations that, when mixed with the materials contained in packers and other types of consumable cigarettes, can result in reactions that cause hair loss.
This is only a small sampling of the many ways nicotine consumptions can lead to hair loss. There are numerous ways that it might cause hair loss if it is ingested in an excessive amount.
How to Reverse Nicotine Hair Loss
Nicotine is harmful to one’s health and causes damage to one’s hair and physique. If you quit nicotine consumption in time, you will be able to reverse at least some of the hair loss. Because nicotine is commonly used in the form of tobacco chew, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, and other products, it is recommended that you quit it consumption or smoking as soon as possible. You can utilise a variety of treatments to reverse hair loss caused by nicotine consumption or exposure to the chemical.
Vitamin E oil: Hair care treatments frequently contain vitamin E, which is a very prevalent ingredient in hair care products. Vitamin E oil is an important oil that aids in the formation of new hair. You can use vitamin E-based products on your scalp to stimulate hair growth and achieve healthy hair, or you can take vitamin E pills to help you get healthy hair.
Essential Oils: A variety of essential oils are utilised to boost growth in various ways. They can be eaten or used topically to the hair. Massage is an excellent alternative since it increases blood flow in the blood vessels and improves the health of the hair.
Dietary supplements that include iron: Dietary supplements that include iron are quite beneficial. Cigarette smoking can result in iron deficiency and hair damage. Taking iron supplements might also be advantageous to one’s hair and nails. It is critical to obtain a prescription because an excessive amount of iron can be dangerous and cause poisoning if consumed.
Proteins: Proteins are a very significant component of hair structure and health. Increased protein intake, which helps to strengthen hair follicles, can also help to mitigate the effects of smoking on the hair.
Conclusion
It’s not just the vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables that are good for your hair, but an outpatient treatment programme can help, but the first step is quitting all types of nicotine use and staying away from sources of exposure. You should also cut ties with “friends” who tempt you to use nicotine.
Only a portion of the harm can be reversed. So, to avoid irreversible hair and body damage and to preserve a healthy and smoke-free lifestyle, keep these tips in mind. It’s never too late to make a healthy lifestyle a priority!
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