If you're a vaper who cares about your hair, you may wonder: Does vaping harm my hair? Is there any scientific proof or just hearsay and assumptions, and should you quit vaping to save your precious mane?
In this blog, Vapor Shop Direct is looking into the link between Vaping and Hair damage and finding out whether you can keep puffing while rocking your locks.
The Science behind Vaping and Hair Damage
To learn whether vaping is bad for your hair, first of all, we need to look at the science behind these two. As you all are already aware, vaping involves the inhaling and exhaling of vapour created by a vape. And this vapour contains a mixture of chemicals, including nicotine, propylene glycol, and flavourings, all of which are believed to damage hair.
Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to the hair follicles. Reduced blood flow to the hair follicles may result in your hair thinning and eventually may lead to hair loss.
Propylene glycol, which is commonly used as a base for e-liquids, can also have some adverse effects on your hair. It is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture. However, if the humidity in the environment is low, propylene glycol ends up drawing moisture out of the hair, leaving it very dry and brittle.
And thirdly, flavourings in the e-liquid too can be another cause of hair damage. Some flavourings contain chemicals that can irritate the scalp, leading to inflammation and damage to the hair follicles.
The Effects of Vaping on Hair Growth
Now that you know what vaping can possibly do to your hair, what can vaping possibly do to your hair growth? Will vaping have some adverse effects on your hair growth too? Let’s find out!
There is some evidence suggesting that vaping can inhibit hair growth. As mentioned earlier, nicotine constricts blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to the hair follicles. This reduced blood flow can slow down hair growth and even cause hair loss.
Additionally, propylene glycol can cause hair to become dry and brittle, which can lead to breakage and slower hair growth.
How to Prevent Hair Damage While Vaping
If you're a vaper and you're concerned about the effects of vaping on your hair, don't you worry friend! There are steps you can take to prevent hair damage while still enjoying your good ol' vape.
- Try to choose e-liquids that are free from propylene glycol. There are many e-liquids on the market that use alternative bases, such as vegetable glycerin, that are less likely to cause hair damage.
- Make sure to keep your hair moisturized. Use a good quality conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.
- Consider using a hair oil to protect your hair from the effects of vaping. Oils such as coconut oil or argan oil can help to lock in moisture and prevent damage from chemicals in e-liquids.
Conclusion
The damage that is possibly done to your hair through vaping is insignificant when compared with what cigarettes do to your hair. And even if vaping may not be the best choice for maintaining healthy hair, there are some steps you can take to prevent its damage. It is best to use vaping as a way to quit smoking rather than a way to start enjoying nicotine.