We all know by now that smoking is a bad thing. It causes cancer, heart disease, increased respiratory illness and a whole host of other health problems. And yet, many still smoke. If you can’t quit for your health’s sake, what about for vanities sake?

Perhaps we need to focus on the hair rather than the health? Scientists have thought for some time that cigarette smoke might accelerate hair loss and premature graying. The connection was largely attributed to toxins in smoke that can harm the hair follicles and damage hormones. (remember, hormonal problems can cause hair loss) According to epidemiological studies, that appears to be the case. A report in the journal BMJ looked at more than 600 men and women, half of them smokers. After controlling for variables, the researchers found a “significant” and “consistent” link between smoking and early graying.

Last year, another team studied the link in a group of 740 men in Taiwan, aged 40-91 years. This is important because Asian men generally have low rates for hereditary baldness. After controlling for age and family histories, the researchers found a greater rate of hair loss among the smokers, a risk that grew with increasing smoking.

The question then, is the link a result of tobacco toxins directly affecting the scalp, or is the smoking causing disease which speeds aging? There are now several studies suggesting that smoking can lead to premature graying and hair loss.

Smoking is more than a smelly, bad habit. Again, if you can’t quit for health’s sake, how about for vanities sake?