A cross-sectional study has recently revealed a link between smoking and androgenetic alopecia. It isn’t the first study to identify an association between smoking and hair loss. An observational study back in 2003, also revealed smoking can lead to hair loss as well as issues with the skin.

Here, we will look at what the most recent study found, and the impact smoking has on the hair.

Understanding the latest study

The study, published in September 2020, aimed to assess the clinical and demographic features of early-onset AGA in smokers and non-smokers. The researchers recruited 1000 male patients aged from 20 to 35 years old. All participants were healthy, with no sign of mental illness or local scalp conditions.

The men were split into two groups of 500, with one group consisting of smokers, and the other non-smokers. The Hamilton baldness scale was used to identify androgenetic alopecia, while a trichoscopy was carried out to diagnose the condition. The participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire relating to their smoking and physical habits.

In the smoking group, it was discovered that 425 out of 500 men had some form of androgenetic alopecia. In the non-smoking group, only 200 of the men were identified as having the condition. It was also revealed that the men in the smoking group had more severe cases of androgenetic alopecia.

The results of the study show smoking does have a significant impact on hair loss. The question is, how does smoking contribute towards androgenetic alopecia?

How does smoking affect the hair?

There are several ways smoking affects the hair. Through various studies, it has been established that the chemicals in tobacco smoke can cause both premature greying and hair loss. The chemical components can start to build up in the hair, gradually affecting the follicles.

Smoking is also known to limit the amount of oxygen that is carried by the cells, preventing the hair from getting the oxygen and nutrients that it needs. To sum up, smoking can result in premature greying, baldness, and brittle hair.

The different ways smoking can impact hair loss

The latest study isn’t the only one to link smoking with hair loss. A Taiwan study discovered that those who smoked 20 or more cigarettes each day, had an increased risk of baldness. It is thought that the toxins contained within cigarettes damage the follicles, causing damage at the roots.

Another potential cause of hair loss is oxidative stress. Previous studies have shown that smoking can increase the production of free radicals. These are molecules within the body which can cause damage to the cells of your DNA. This includes damage to the hair cells, leading to hair loss and thinning.

While the negative health effects of smoking are well documented, hair loss is one of the lesser-known symptoms. Quitting smoking is the best way to protect your hair against further damage. If you suspect you are suffering with androgenetic alopecia, call 020 7580 8356 to book a consultation with a hair expert to discuss the temporary treatment options available which can slow down the progression of the condition.

A new study has revealed that bald men are more likely to suffer with severe COVID. The findings were revealed at the EADV 2021 Spring Symposium, linking a biomarker relating to hair loss, with severe COVID infections.

Below, we will look at what the study into COVID and male pattern baldness found and how it might help in the treatment of COVID-19.

The link between COVID and male pattern baldness explored

The study was carried out after researchers noticed a large number of men who were hospitalised for COVID, had androgenetic alopecia. That is, male pattern baldness. The goal of the study was to determine how the androgen receptor gene associated with COVID. It is known that an enzyme associated with the COVID-19 infection, is regulated by an androgen response.

The study included 65 male patients who had been hospitalised with COVID-19. Their AR CAG repeat length was measured. This revealed that patients who had a CAG repeat of under 22 nucleotides, were dramatically less likely to be admitted into the ICU than those with a higher score.

The CAG repeat region is located within the AR gene, and it is also associated with androgenetic alopecia.

What is male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is a common type of hair loss said to affect around 50% of men aged over 50. It is thought to be caused by both genetic and hormonal factors.

The DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) hormone changes the scalp’s hair follicles. Those that are affected start to become smaller and shorter in length. Eventually, the hair follicles shrink completely and stop producing new hair.

This type of hair loss tends to follow the same pattern. The hairline recedes, while hair starts to fall out from the top of the head. Currently, there is no cure for male pattern baldness. However, new treatments are constantly being developed to help treat the condition.

How might the study help with future treatments?

This new study could help in the development of new treatments, particularly for COVID-19. The researchers are now exploring a new therapy for the coronavirus. It involves a novel androgen receptor antagonist, working to regulate the TMPRSS2 expression. This would possibly help to treat COVID patients.

The research could also help in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. By looking into how the AR gene contributes towards the condition, preventative measures can be explored.

What current treatments are available for androgenetic alopecia?

While there isn’t a cure for androgenetic alopecia, there are some ways to treat it. Using oral and topical treatments can help to slow its progression. Hair transplant surgery may also be available depending upon the severity of the condition. A hair loss expert can advise on the most appropriate treatment option.

Stress has long been known to link to hair loss. However, little is known as to how this actually causes the hair to shed.

Now, scientists from Harvard University have discovered how stress results in hair loss. In a study carried out on mice, it was revealed hair loss and balding occurred due to inhibited production of the GAS6 chemical.

Understanding the latest study

The study, published in the Nature journal, aimed to reveal how stress caused hair loss. Mice were fed corticosterone (the stress hormone), as well as introduced to a variety of stressors. These included putting the mice through isolation, changes in light, and damp bedding.

It was discovered that corticosterone can inhibit the GAS6 chemical production. The chemical is required to promote new hair growth. So, when it is inhibited, the hair falls into the dormant stage, before eventually shedding.

So far, this has only shown to occur in mice. However, researchers claim that the mechanism of the hair is similar in humans. This would lead us to believe that human trials would present the same effects.

Could this lead to new hair loss treatments?

The discovery of the link between corticosterone and GAS6 could potentially lead to the development of new hair loss treatments moving forward. However, human studies will need to be conducted to ensure the same results are recorded.

The researchers believe future treatments that increase the level of GAS6 could prove effective at treating alopecia. However, even if it does prove to be successful on humans, it won’t necessarily work for everyone.

There are many kinds of hair loss, and some forms of alopecia are more severe than others. Therefore, the cause of hair loss will depend upon whether this type of treatment would prove effective in the future.

What current treatment options are available?

Stress related hair loss is known as Telogen Effluvium. It is a temporary form of hair loss that is also known to occur after pregnancy.

With Telogen Effluvium, more hair is forced into the dormant phase. After a period of time, it will start to shed all at once. This leads to thinning. It will typically clear up by itself, particularly once the stress resides. However, in the meantime there are treatments patients can use to encourage a faster recovery.

Ensuring you eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is important. You should also avoid heat styling your hair, as well as reduce your stress levels. You can use over the counter topical treatments such as Minoxidil to help encourage regrowth.

Most of the time, Telogen Effluvium will clear up by itself. However, you should undergo a consultation to ensure stress is the cause of the problem, or whether it could be down to something else.