Eating a balanced diet containing all the food groups and drinking plenty of water are two which support the persistent production of hair.
A moderate consumption of alcohol and a nicotine-free bloodstream also contribute to less hair loss and better hair growth.
However, few people realise that yoga and meditation also help to reduce hair loss and lead to better hair growth.
They do it in two ways.
Yoga can reduce anxiety and stress levels, two triggers of hair loss.
Research shows that extreme stress can affect the body’s immune system and in turn slow down hair growth.
It is proven that yoga helps to reduce serum cortisol levels, which are associated with high stress levels.
Yoga enhances the circulation of blood in the scalp, improves digestion and reduces anxiety and stress levels.
The eastern ritual incorporates certain yoga poses which can also increase blood flow to the scalp.
Hair follicles rely on the cardiovascular system for a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen.
Adopting inverted poses such as the downward dog and camel poses enhances blood flow to the head and scalp, and supports follicles in their production of hair.
It is important to note though that, these and other inverted poses shouldn’t be adopted within a month of a hair transplant to avoid dislodging newly implanted follicles.
That aside, yoga can contribute to a good recovery from a hair transplant thereafter.
Which yoga poses are best for hair growth?
The following four yoga poses support healthy hair growth all year round. They can enhance a medical hair restoration programme and aid hair growth from one month after a hair transplant.
Downward Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
The ‘downward dog’ is one of yoga’s most rudimentary poses. It increases blood and oxygen supply to the face, head and scalp. This improved circulation stimulates nerve endings and micro-capillaries attached to hair follicles.
Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Yoga’s Ustrasana pose is called the ‘camel pose’ because it creates an arched body shape which resembles, in profile, a camel. By allowing the head to hang backwards from the shoulders, it improves breathing and blood circulation for better hair growth.
Standing Forward Fold Pose (Uttanasana)
This forward bend exercise places the head below the heart to encourage better blood circulation to the scalp. Uttansana also helps to destress the nervous system to provide a break from tension and anxiety, often cited as a cause of hair loss.
Rabbit Pose (Sasangasana)
Sasangasana is known among yoga experts as a pose that helps hair to grow. It serves to oxygenate the head and stimulate the scalp and its follicles, while it also calms the mind to reduce stress. Performed daily ‘the rabbit pose’ is said to have a noticeable effect on hair growth.
Which yoga poses are best for hair loss?
The following four yoga poses work against hair loss by reducing stress, easing tension and improving digestion and blood flow. They can enhance a medical hair restoration programme and aid hair growth from one month after a hair transplant.
Shoulder Stand Pose (Sarvangasana)
This inverted yoga pose regulates the function of the thyroid gland for a better balance of hormones in the body to counter hair loss, while it also ensures the head receives a good supply of blood to promote hair growth.
Diamond Pose (Vajra Asana)
Very easy to perform, Vajra Asana is a meditative yoga pose that is practiced to regulate and improve breathing. In doing so, it helps to reduce tension, stress and anxiety quickly. The de-stressing process has overall benefits in countering hair loss.
Breath of Fire Pose (Kapalbhati Pranayama)
This controlled breathing exercise is believed by yogis to cure hair loss problems. Kapalbhati Pranayama helps to calm the mind, improve digestion and oxygenate the body, so if it doesn’t prevent hair loss it certainly provides the physiological conditions needed to help hair grow.
Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
Dropping the head beneath the level of the heart in the ‘fish pose’ induces calmness to counter stress and reduce hair loss. Sit crossed legged, with a hand under each buttock, before falling back, arching the spine and lowering the crown of the head to the floor.
Yoga poses for hair loss and hair growth are only beneficial if practiced frequently. Try to do one of the above each day to see results from a month or two later.
If you want to understand more about hair loss and hair growth, our knowledgeable consultants are waiting and happy to help you. Telephone 01565 745 344 or contact MHR Clinic through this contact page.