How To Increase Blood Flow To The Scalp
Keep your scalp healthy and hair bouncy with different ways to enhance blood circulation.
By
Proper blood circulation is the key to hair growth. Increased blood flow to the scalp promotes hair growth, improves shine, and makes your hair bouncy and voluminous (1). So, relying only on hair care products is not enough to maintain scalp health.
Stimulating the scalp is a way to promote hair growth and improve other scalp issues. Read this article to know how proper blood circulation can improve your hair’s health and methods that are proven to be effective in increasing blood flow. Scroll down.
In This Article
How Does Blood Circulation Affect Scalp And Hair Growth?
Effective blood circulation supplies energy to every organ in our body, including hair. Subcutaneous blood flow delivers oxygen and other necessary nutrients to the hair and supports hair follicle maintenance. A healthy scalp can result in long-term hair health. In fact, regular scalp massages may even reduce stress, another possible cause for hair loss (1).
In the following section, we tell you how you can increase blood flow to your scalp and enjoy its many benefits.
Expert Tips To Increase Blood Circulation To Your Scalp
1. Massage Your Scalp Regularly
Applying gentle pressure during a scalp massage can facilitate good blood circulation. It also rapidly oxygenates and detoxifies the hair follicle cells. However, it is important to pick the right massaging method to prevent any possible hair damage.
- Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips, in circular motions. Focus on the hair roots to improve blood circulation to the scalp.
- You may also go for a simple hair scalp massager or a similar electronic device.
2. Use Diluted Essential Oils On Your Scalp
Stress and improper hair maintenance can weaken scalp blood circulation, constricting the capillaries that feed your hair roots. This prevents free blood flow to the scalp.
Essential oils (especially rosemary and peppermint oils) and their aroma help relieve stress and enhance free blood flow by opening up the blood vessels surrounding your hair follicles (2).
Some other essential oils that could help improve scalp blood circulation include rosemary, cedarwood, thyme, and lavender (3).
How To Use Essential Oils?
- Use them before a shower. Combine 3 to 5 drops of your favorite essential oil with 2 to 3 tablespoons of a carrier oil (like olive or coconut oils) to dilute it.
- Gently rub the oil mixture into your scalp.
- Leave the oil on your head for about 10 to 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Warm water and promote better absorption of nutrients.
3. Use Inversion Therapy
In inversion therapy, you hang your head upside down for a few minutes to increase blood flow to the scalp. This blood circulation to the hair follicles is vital for hair growth. The blood delivers oxygen, minerals, and various other nutrients to the hair.
Here, you will allow your head to go below the body as far as possible, ensuring the blood goes to the scalp. Lie in your bed with your upper body hanging on the side. Slowly drop your upper body until you start to feel a rush of blood to your head.
However, ensure you do this only for a few minutes, as prolonging can make blood pool in your head and cause you to feel uncomfortable and dizzy. Also, follow this therapy on an empty stomach.
4. Perform Scalp Exercises
Scalp exercises involve relaxing and tensing the muscles in the head to stretch and relax the scalp. This ensures a smooth, uninterrupted blood flow to the hair follicles. One simple exercise is raising your eyebrows upwards, as high as you can, and lowering them. Repeat this a few times every day. This exercise relaxes your forehead and reduces any tension.
5. Eat Healthy And Drink Enough Water
Include specific minerals and nutrients known for promoting scalp blood circulation. These include iron, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids (4).
Apart from healthy food, water also plays an important role in facilitating blood circulation throughout the body, including the scalp. Drink adequate water every day to boost blood circulation.
6. Have Cold Showers
Cold temperatures may stimulate an increase in blood flow as your body sends warm blood to try and heat the colder body areas. However, more research is needed to support this claim. Avoid cold showers if you are ill or are recovering. Consult your doctor for more information.
7. Brush Your Hair Regularly
The bristles of a hairbrush help stimulate the capillaries and increase blood circulation to the scalp. However, avoid harsh or excessive hair brushing as it can damage the hair cuticles and cause hair breakage.
8. Cleanse Your Scalp
Scalp buildup may obstruct the blood flow underneath. You can prevent this by keeping your scalp clean and allowing the blood to flow normally.
How To Do This?
- Wash your hair every alternate day if you have an oily scalp and every 3 to 4 days in case of a dry scalp.
- Use a good clarifying shampoo once a month to get rid of dirt, debris, dead skin cells, and excess oil buildup on the scalp.
What reduces scalp blood flow? We explore the causes in the next section.
What Causes A Lack Of Blood Flow To The Scalp?
1. Excess Use Of Chemicals
Using chemical-laden hair care products for long periods can block the hair follicles and contract the blood vessels around them. This can lead to poor blood flow.
2. Accumulation Of Perspiration And Sebum
Perspiration and sebum on the scalp can form hardened crystals near the hair follicles and obstruct blood flow. Ensure you wash your hair regularly.
3. Stress
A stressful lifestyle can constrict hair capillaries and obstruct blood flow. Practice regular exercise and meditation. Get adequate sleep.
Different Signs Of Poor Scalp Blood Circulation
Several signs indicate poor scalp blood circulation. These include the following:
- Dull and lackluster hair
- Rapid decrease in hair volume
- Hair strands losing density
- Finer hair
- Rapid hair fall
- Restricted hair growth (only grows up to the length of baby hair)
If you notice any of these signs, act immediately. Follow the methods mentioned in this post. Visit your doctor too.
The best way to promote your hair growth and volume is to increase blood flow to the scalp. It makes sure that your scalp and hair follicles get enough oxygen and nutrients to keep them nourished. Massaging your scalp regularly is the go-to remedy, while you can also use diluted essential oils, perform scalp exercises, practice inversion therapy, and go for cold showers to improve blood flow to the scalp. However, taking adequate rest and leading a stress-free life is equally important for healthy hair growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you massage your scalp every day?
Massaging your scalp every day can help improve blood circulation, thus improving hair growth by stimulating the follicles.
Does a head-scratcher stimulate hair growth?
It might. Head massage promotes healthier hair growth by stimulating the blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. So, if you use a head-scratcher to massage the scalp, it may stimulate hair growth.
How do you activate hair follicles on your scalp?
Various treatments such as minoxidil, DHT blockers, microneedling, laser therapy, and more may help activate dormant hair follicles. However, you should consult a dermatologist to know the right procedure for your hair.
Key Takeaways
- An increase in blood flow to the scalp improves hair growth, shine, volume, and bounciness.
- The excess use of chemical-laden hair products or accumulation of sebum and grime can reduce blood flow to the scalp.
- Regular hair care practices like massage, exercise, and adequate sleep stimulate blood circulation in the scalp.
Sources
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740347/ - Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth Without Toxic Signs,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/ - Randomized Trial of Aromatherapy Successful Treatment for Alopecia Areata,
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/189618 - Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/
