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Vaping is a common activity that many people engage in when trying to quit smoking. It is often an interim solution for quitting smoking, or sometimes it is an additional habit. Whilst vaping is still relatively new, there are a number of potentially negative health problems that could happen as a result of long-term vaping. Vapes are made up of e-liquid or tabs that are smoked, most commonly containing nicotine, however, some are also available without.
Vapes are available in numerous flavours, sizes and strengths, and many different brands have sought to create new and innovative products to increase sales. You may find products with 3 mg of integrated nicotine, but vapes can contain very large amounts of nicotine such as 6mg, 12mg and 18mg. The higher the dose of nicotine, the more effect it will have on your body and the more addictive vaping becomes. Those who vape regularly will also find that the effects are larger.
In this article, we will take a look at the components of vapes and how they may contribute to certain health issues, and answer if vaping causes hair loss.
Potential Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide. Whilst hair loss in minimal amounts is relatively common and natural, hair loss that is persistent and frequent could be the sign of a deeper problem. It is always important to speak to your GP if you are concerned about hair loss or the symptoms that accompany hair loss.
It is normal to lose up to 100 strands of hair a day. This natural process is a way to shed hair and others regrow. However, some people may notice more shedding than normal, or potentially even hair loss, where chunks of hair fall out, leaving sparse patches or baldness. There are numerous factors and causes of hair loss, such as vaping. For example, some conditions associated with hair loss are:
Alopecia
Alopecia can be acute or chronic and happens for multiple reasons. This is when more than 100 hairs a day fall from the scalp and over time, baldness may occur. This chronic condition may never be rectified and can be a lifelong issue, and the cause of alopecia is unknown.
Thyroid issues
Our hormones dictate every part of our body. For hair loss, thyroid issues may cause thinning hair. This can also occur for example in menopausal women or men over the age of 60. Sometimes, thyroid medications also wreak havoc on your scalp. If you have a thyroid issue, you may also notice your hair becoming dryer or more brittle.
Severe anaemia
Anaemia can cause a whole range of issues, such as fatigue and brittle skin and nails. It also contributes to thinning hair or hair loss. This is because the cells that rejuvenate the hair are not stimulated, and lack of iron means that your body is not stimulating this growth because it is redirected into keeping other parts of the body healthier and in good working order.
Drugs and chemotherapy
Certain medications, including chemotherapy, are renowned for causing hair loss. This is because they use abrasive chemicals that damage cells within the body. Whilst hair loss from medications is often reversible, it is still one of the biggest reasons for hair loss.
Dangerous chemicals
Poor choices in shampoo and hair care, including chemical products that we ingest, such as vaping, could contribute to hair loss. Some of the most common chemicals that contribute to hair loss are sulphates, Sodium Chloride, Parabens, Diethanolamine, Alcohols, Formaldehyde and Propylene Glycol.
Ingredients in Vaping Products That Could Contribute to Hair Loss
So, can vaping cause hair loss? It is known that the most common ingredient found in vape pens is nicotine. Arteries that carry oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles are narrowed by harmful compounds found in nicotine and e-cigarettes. Furthermore, desensitisation of receptors and micro-inflammation of hair follicles are damaging and, therefore, can inhibit growth and create hair loss. Although there is no evidence to suggest that vaping causes hair loss, it is something that still requires research to understand the long-term risks of vaping.
Ingredients commonly found in vaping products are:
- Nicotine
- Propylene glycol
- Artificial flavourings
- Vegetable glycerin
These ingredients are more than likely to create a type of toxin in the body. These toxic effects on hair follicles in lab studies show that hair may become damaged or affected by these chemicals. Ideally, in order to maintain healthy hair, it is best to remove anything toxic or artificial from your lifestyle. So, if you are wondering, ‘Does vaping cause hair loss?’, it is important to note that although there is not a direct link, the chemicals found in vapes can potentially contribute towards hair loss.
Can Vaping Cause Hair Loss?
Whether vaping causes hair loss or not has still not been fully researched. There are reasons to believe that it may in fact damage hair follicles from the toxicity of the products found inside. It may also exacerbate pre-existing conditions that are related to hair loss. Whilst we cannot categorically say that vaping causes hair loss, it is not something that can yet be ruled out.
Several studies have shown and indicated the harmful effects of tobacco on hair, as it reduces microcirculation at the level of the dermal papillae. Certain tobacco molecules also promote oxidative stress and, therefore, inflammation of the hair follicle. Therefore, vaping can also stimulate this unfortunate situation.
Recommendations for Maintaining Hair Health While Using Vaping Products
Maintaining hair health is incredibly important for smokers, just as dental hygiene is equally important. Vaping and hair loss are not mutually exclusive, however, in order to continue thriving with both your diet and your hair health, there are some designated tips that can assist you. For example, you should:
- Minimise stress and prioritise sleep
- Eat healthy whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals- leafy greens are preferable
- Take healthy supplements for hair
- Keep your scalp in good condition using healthy shampoos and products
- Protein is best for maintaining healthy strands
- Reduce your smoke intake
- Maintain your iron intake as this will promote growth and thickness
Whilst there are no strict facts to state categorically that vaping harms hair health and creates hair loss, we do fully believe that it is vital to adapt to a healthier lifestyle and limit the number of times that you vape and the amount of nicotine that you smoke. Smoking and vaping can create unnecessary trouble for your health.
Thankfully there are numerous websites that can offer impartial advice and self-help tips to quit vaping altogether. If you wish to stop smoking, please seek out assistance and please vape responsibly. Find out more about the withdrawal timeline of quitting nicotine here.
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John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: July 24, 2024
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.