Your hair growth is directly governed by blood flow to your hair follicles during its growth phase. This is a period of 3 to 5 years during which your hair can grow between 18 to 30 inches. Known as the anagen phase, blood flow during this process is essential, ensuring that the follicle receives sufficient nutrients and oxygen.
Therefore, to have healthy hair growth, it is essential to have a healthy flow of blood to the scalp. Several studies testify to the relationship between hair growth, hair loss, and blood flow. Studies show that that enhanced blood leads to better growth of hair and minimizes hair loss.
Effects of Blood Flow on Hair Growth
Blood flow in the human body is an internal vehicle that carries vital nutrients to areas of the body that need them most. As a general principle, the direction of blood flow in the body determines what it carries. For example, blood that flows toward the kidneys takes impurities with it that are filtered off. Similarly, blood flowing toward the lungs carries a mass of carbon dioxide that goes out when we exhale. Blood that flows to our vital organs, skin, and the scalp on our heads, all carries a mass of oxygen and nutrients.
When you talk about your scalp, poor blood flow can result in the most dreaded problem, hair loss. This is one reason why you see supermarket shelves lined with shampoos promising increased flow of blood to your scalp. Improved blood flow offsets your premature loss of hair and strengthens your hair follicles for better growth.
Is Blood Circulation Important for Hair Growth?
Blood circulation is a vital factor in the process of hair growth. If blood fails to reach the hair follicles in your scalp in a sufficient quantity, your hair follicles wither and die.
On the contrary, if your blood circulation to the scalp is good, your hair follicles will receive all the necessary minerals, nutrients, and oxygen. The result will be healthy, strong, and steady hair growth.
What Happens in Poor Blood Circulation?
Your scalp poses the toughest challenge when it comes to maintaining the healthy level of blood circulation. There are two primary reasons for poor blood flow in your scalp:
- Your scalp’s blood circulation is at the farthest distance from your heart.
- Your scalp is not the most active part of your body.
Thus, when there is an insufficient circulation of blood to your scalp, your hair roots experience malnourishment, and the follicles die in starvation. One major reason why you experience slow growth or hair loss is the lack of proper blood circulation. This is often a cause that is not clearly evident, but once you recognize it, there is plenty you can do to fix it.
How to Enhance Blood Circulation?
Your scalp requires some TLC for enhanced circulation. You must consider shampoos and conditioners that contain compounds to improve blood circulation.
You may even turn to healthcare products and devices that stimulate blood circulation and solve this problem for you.
Some Helpful Tips for Increased Blood Flow
Laser Caps
FDA-cleared laser caps are a medical device designed specifically for men and women suffering from hair loss. These hair growth caps are equipped with medical grade laser diodes that emit low level light therapy (LLLT) technology into the scalp tissue. LLLT stimulates blood flow in the scalp to provide an efficient amount of oxygen and nutrients to the dying hair follicles. As a result, cells are regenerated in the follicles and new hair growth occurs.
Garlic
There are other ways for stimulating blood flow in your scalp. Garlic is a super helpful ingredient since it contains allicin, a compound that promotes blood flow in the scalp. Vitamin E and Selenium present in garlic also boost circulation.
You can make a concoction using olive oil and garlic at home, and apply it to your scalp a couple of times a week. The difference will soon be evident.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is also beneficial for improved blood flow. It contains antioxidant properties that boost blood circulation in your scalp, eliminating radicals that stunt your hair growth. You must, therefore, eat foods rich in Vitamin E, including tofu, avocado, sunflower seeds, almonds, pumpkins, broccoli, and olive oil.
Scalp Massage
Never underestimate the power of a good massage of your scalp too. It will only require your palms and a few minutes of your time daily. Place your palms just above your temples. Begin by massaging in a rotational movement. Proceed to the other area all over your scalp in the same way. Repeat this massage a few times a day for not more than a minute. The results will be highly satisfactory.
Final Thoughts
Blood circulation is the number one essential requirement for good hair growth. Proper blood flow aids your stem cells and encourages the growth of new and healthy hair. The existing hair follicles also strengthen, and the likelihood of hair loss begins to minimize as your circulation keeps improving.
