Things that can effect hair growth

**BeccaAngel** · May 30th, 2011, 05:02 PM

I always wanted to know, does smoking or being around cigarette smoke effect hair growth? i heard it slows it down but I'm not sure... I don't smoke, I'm just curious.

**HairFaerie** · May 30th, 2011, 05:17 PM

I do smoke and I would dearly love to quit. I know it sounds horrible, but I am more interested in stopping because of how smoking affects hair & skin and the whole premature aging thing!

Yes, I do believe smoking affects hair growth and health. It has something to do with oxygen and capillaries although I do not know all of the scientific specifics.

I would think if you have a member of your family in the house that smokes, secondhand smoke wouldn't be good either but not as bad as if you were the one smoking. If you are exposed to it only rarely, I would say the only side effect would be the lingering smell in your hair but shouldn't cause much long term problems.

**spike316** · May 30th, 2011, 05:55 PM

Though I'm not sure how much secondary smoke affects it, I know that niccotene constructs the blood flow to extremities which includes the head and scalp. I always try to remind my clients not to smoke post massage because it limits your body's ability to flush out all those toxins. Caffeine works similarity, although I'm not really sure which is worse when it comes to strictly affecting hair growth.

**TheMechaGinger** · May 30th, 2011, 05:59 PM

I know that smoking definitely really limits oxygen to not just your hair but to your other organs as well. It's just bad all around for your appearance and your health

**caiti42** · May 30th, 2011, 08:34 PM

When I stopped smoking the condition of my hair and skin drastically improved. My skin is so clear I don't even need to wear foundation anymore

As for my hair I can't guarantee that it's growing more but it's definately healthier, shinier and smells soooo much better!

**Chetanlaiho** · May 31st, 2011, 07:42 AM

I'm not sure if it directly affects hair growth but smoke definitely does a number on the length of my hair :/ it becomes dry and super tangly in no time if exposed to a smoky environment. Since DBF smokes I've been trying to find ways to protect my hair from the smoke but my hair feels terrible everytime I've visited him none the less :/

I do believe it affects the health of your hair growth also since your diet is pretty much reflected in your hair (for as far as I know, but I'm far from an expert).

**Madora** · May 31st, 2011, 07:49 AM

Please, anyone who smokes, don't! Your lungs are far more important than your hair!

Yes, you've heard all the horror stories...ad nauseum..from everywhere.

I know 2nd hand how horrible it can be. My godmother smoked 3 packs a day for years. She died horribly, lingeringly..unable to do just about anything..but die. There is nothing so horrible as watching a loved one die so slowly, knowing there is nothing you can do to make her more comfortable...except greater and greater dosages of morphine and other pain killers. Why put your loved ones through such torture?

Second hand smoke kills just as effectively. Smoking is not "cool" or "hip". Smoking kills, plain and simple!

**Fufu** · May 31st, 2011, 07:58 AM

I heard alcohol affects skin and hair.

**racrane** · May 31st, 2011, 10:14 AM

I know my mom's father (I never call him grandfather because he died when she was in her teens) died primarily of alcoholism, but his smoking did a number on his four children. She said when the smoke went away, her sisters and her hair improved dramatically and it was secondhand. I don't know much more other than that, but I believe it.

**gogirlanime** · May 31st, 2011, 02:53 PM

I say yes and no, smoking is going to affect you health over all, including your hair. But then I look at my mother and she has SUPER thick hair that grows really fast and long and she smokes about 5-6 cigs a day. Yet my hair is fine, it sheds a lot, and doesn't get too long without me taking really really good care of it. Sometimes you just need the gene and that's it.