As vaping has risen in popularity as an alternative to traditional smoking, more research has begun examining potential health effects of e-cigarette usage. While vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking combustible cigarettes, studies have started to shed light on various ways that vaping may impact the body. One question that has emerged is whether vaping can potentially lead to or exacerbate hair loss. Let’s take a look at what current research says about the possible connection between vaping and hair fall.
Hair Loss as a Nicotine Side Effect
Many of the e-liquids and vape juices on the market contain nicotine, which is the addictive substance in both cigarettes and vaping products. Nicotine causes the body to produce more of the stress hormone cortisol. Increased cortisol levels have been directly linked to hair shedding and can trigger genetically predisposed hair loss.
Several studies have found associations between smoking and thinning hair or accelerated baldness. Since vaping delivers nicotine in a vapor rather than smoke, it makes sense that it could similarly impact hair via nicotine exposure. Some early research backs this up, finding that chronic nicotine use through vaping may disrupt hair follicle cycling and increase levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone strongly connected to male pattern baldness.
However, other variables like vaping device wattage, e-liquid ingredients and individual nicotine metabolism make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions right now. More research directly comparing smokers, vapers and non-users is still needed. But the possible connection between nicotine and hair loss means it’s certainly plausible that vaping could cause or worsen hair fall for predisposed individuals. It may be wise for those concerned about hair to consider nicotine-free options or set clear limits on nicotine intake through vaping.
Dehydration Risks with Excessive Vaping
In addition to nicotine effects, there is concern that frequent or long-term vaping may increase risks of dehydration. The heated vapor produced by e-cigarettes draws moisture from the body as it is inhaled and exhaled. For casual vapers, this moisture loss is likely mild and easily replenished by regular fluid intake. But for heavy, chronic users puffing multiple times per hour, daily water depletion could become an issue over time.
Dehydration impacts the body in several ways that may influence hair. Researchers have found low fluid levels can slow blood flow to the scalp and impair nutrient delivery to hair follicles, hampering growth cycles. Dehydration has also been tied to higher cortisol and DHT, both of which we know accelerate balding.
While more data is needed, some dermatologists hypothesize chronic dehydration from heavy long-term vaping may pose risks for hair loss or thinning through these mechanisms. Moderate vapers seem far less likely to face issues. But frequent hydration is recommended, especially for those who vape heavily throughout the day. The risks may be higher for those already prone to dehydration or experiencing balding prior to vaping.
Other Possible Factors
Beyond nicotine and dehydration concerns, some commentary has been raised about other potential hair-related impacts from certain vaping ingredients or device usage patterns:
Flavored e-liquids: Some flavoring chemicals like diacetyl have been shown to cause harm when inhaled in high amounts. Their long-term effects on hair when vaped are unknown, but dermatologists note they could in theory disrupt follicles if they accumulate in the scalp over time.
Heavy metals: Low levels of metals like nickel, tin and lead have been detected in some vape device heating coils and refill pods. Long-term inhalation risks aren’t clear, but these metals are known to disrupt cellular processes and could theoretically affect hair when deposited in the scalp via vapor.
High temperatures: Using settings with excessive voltage or wattage can overheat both e-liquids and vapor, causing compounds like acetaldehyde and formaldehyde to form. High, repeated exposure to these could potentially stress follicles over many years.
Scalp inflammation: Like smoking, frequent vaping may cause chronic inflammation that reaches the scalp. Inflammation disrupts hair cycles and growth factors, potentially setting the stage for loss in vulnerable individuals.
On the other hand, for those struggling with smoking-related hair issues or other types of hair loss, experts at companies like Bono Hair note that switching from tobacco to vaping could help alleviate the problem over time by reducing harsh pollutants reaching the scalp. Research is sparse, however. More long-term data on vaping’s impacts is still sorely needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn either way.
How to Protect Your Hair When Vaping
While research progresses, prudent harm reduction steps for vapers focused on their hair health include:
- Choosing high-quality devices and nicotine-free e-liquids from trusted brands whenever possible
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily, especially if vaping frequently
- Limiting direct contact of vapor with the scalp
- Using lower power settings and avoiding dry burning coils
- Washing hair regularly to flush any residual chemicals
- Using natural hair loss treatments like rosemary oil or saw palmetto supplements
- Considering a skin hair system like those offered by companies like Bono Hair if hair has already significantly thinned from other causes
- Quitting vaping altogether if hair loss is observed as a possible side effect
Does All This Mean Vaping Definitely Causes Hair Loss?
To date, there is no conclusive scientific consensus around whether vaping directly leads to hair shedding or accelerated balding. More long-term observational studies are still needed to establish clear cause-and-effect connections. However, the available evidence points to plausible biological mechanisms by which vaping, particularly frequent or excessive use, could potentially stress hair follicles via nicotine, dehydration or accumulation of inhalation byproducts over many years.
For those genetically prone to balding, vaping may act as another risk factor exacerbating the problem. Heavy or chronic vapers may want to closely monitor their scalp condition and limit intake if worried signs develop. But occasional vaping is unlikely to directly harm hair for most people.
Switching completely from combustible cigarettes may even benefit hair health long-term for some previous smokers struggling with loss. Overall, further investigation is warranted to provide clearer answers on vaping’s actual impacts on follicles and hair shedding patterns. In the meantime, prudent harm reduction remains advisable.
