Does Working Out Help Hair Growth

In this article:

• Exercise boosts blood flow: This flow carries oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles which strengthens them and promotes healthy hair growth.
• Stress Reduction: Physical activity is a known stress reliever. Less stress can reduces the of stress-related hair loss. An example is telogen effluvium.
• Hormonal Balance: Exercise helps in balancing hormones that affect hair growth and health. For instance, it can reduce androgens in women with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which causes hair thinning.
• Better Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for overall health, including hair growth. Exercise improves sleep, and lets the body repair cells, including those of hair.
• Nutrient Optimization: Regular activity boosts the body's metabolism. It also increases nutrient absorption efficiency. This ensures that your hair gets enough vitamins and minerals for growth.

• Cardiovascular Exercises boost blood flow. They do so throughout the body, including the scalp. Examples of these exercises are running, cycling, and swimming. It brings more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles which promotes healthier hair growth.
• Yoga is known for its stress-reducing benefits. It also improves circulation, especially in poses with inversion, like downward-facing dogs or headstands. These poses encourage blood flow to the scalp, nourishing the hair roots.
• Neck exercises involve neck movements. They relieve tension and boost blood flow to the head and scalp. Simple neck rolls and stretches can be done multiple times throughout the day.
• Breathing exercises, also called pranayama, reduce stress. Stress is one of the causes of hair thinning and loss. Controlled breathing reduces stress. It ensures that stress doesn't hinder hair growth by causing hormone imbalances.
• Gentle scalp massages can be performed as part of your exercise routine. Using your fingertips to massage the scalp stimulates the hair follicles. It does this by increasing blood flow. It also helps in detoxifying the scalp.

• Moderate Intensity: Engaging in moderate-intensity exercises 3 days a week is ideal. These activities include brisk walking, light jogging, swimming, and cycling. Doing them for about 30 minutes a day can greatly boost blood flow, including to the scalp. And, they won't overstress the body.
• Consistency is Key: Consistent daily exercise is more beneficial than sporadic high-intensity workouts. Daily activity keeps the blood flowing to the scalp. This nourishes hair follicles.
• Include Variety: Mix in cardio, strength training, and flexibility workouts each week. This variety prevents boredom. It ensures a well-rounded fitness routine and keeps blood and hormone levels optimal, which helps hair health.
• Avoid Overtraining: Exercise helps, but overtraining can raise cortisol which can harm hair growth. Ensure proper resting and recovery days, especially after intense workout sessions.