Hair growth is directly related to the blood flow to your scalp and hair follicles. It affects the hair growth cycle and how your hair grows and sheds throughout this process. This hair growth cycle phase lasts anywhere from 3-5 years, where the hair strands can grow up to 30 inches long.
During the anagen (growth) stage of the hair growth cycle, blood flow is crucial. Blood flow ensures that every hair follicle receives the appropriate amounts of oxygen and nutrients needed to keep a healthy head of hair.
With this being said, blood flow to the scalp is essential. This should come to no surprise, as all bodily functions are governed by blood flow. There are several studies that show enhanced blood flow to the scalp increases hair growth and minimizes the chance of hair loss and thinning.
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Blood Flow and Hair Growth
As previously mentioned, blood flow supplies life to all areas of the body by providing the necessary oxygen and nutrients for each part to function. Blood that flows to our vital organs, skin, and the scalp on our heads, all carries a mass of oxygen and nutrients.
When discussing blood flow to the scalp, a healthy head of hair will have constant, steady blood flow. An individual suffering from hair loss will have a lack of blood flow. That is the difference. This is another reason why you are always seeing hair products that advertise having ingredients and components that stimulate blood flow. Improved blood flow offsets your premature loss of hair and strengthens your hair follicles for better growth.
Is Blood Circulation Needed for Hair Growth?
Yes! Blood circulation is a vital factor in the process of hair growth. If there is no blood that reaches the hair follicles on the head, they will eventually die off and fall out. This is because they are not getting the proper nutrients and oxygen to be able to support the growth of the hair.
The opposite also holds true. If you have good blood flow to the scalp, you will most likely have a full head of healthy hair. It will be strong, shiny, and most likely thicker than normal.
Poor Blood Circulation
As you know, a healthy scalp comes from proper blood flow circulation. Here are some reasons that your scalp could be experiencing poor blood flow:
- Your scalp is fairly inactive compared to other vital areas of the body such as the heart, kidneys, etc.
- Blood flow has to travel a long distance in order to reach your scalp.
Therefore, if you have poor blood circulation, your hair growth will either be extremely slow or you will not experience growth at all. This is when the follicles fall out due to the lack of nutrients and oxygen. Basically, the hair follicles starve, and can no longer live.
However, once you realize that your hair is falling out and have pinpointed blood flow to be the main factor, there are several things you can do to help reverse it. See below for ways to enhance blood flow circulation to the scalp.
Some Tips for Increased Blood Flow Circulation
Laser Caps
Laser caps for hair loss are a medical device designed specifically for men and women suffering from hair loss. They are designed with low level light therapy technology that stimulates blood flow in the scalp. This increased blood flow will help encourage hair follicle growth. The treatment process is pain free and very convenient. Worn for just 30-minutes every other day, most individuals see new hair growth within 4-6 months’ time.
Garlic
Garlic is one herb in particular that you can use to stimulate blood flow in the scalp. This food contains components such as allicin, to help improve and increase blood flow. You can also mix this herb with other products such as peppermint oil to really encourage stimulation. Most of these products can be directly applied to the scalp or mixed with a shampoo for successful results.
Protein
Protein is extremely vital when it comes to growing the hair. Since your hair is made up of mostly proteins, it is important that you are consuming protein on a daily basis. Whether that be in foods or a vitamin capsule, it is necessary for a healthy head of hair. Foods high in protein include meats, fish, nuts, grains, seeds, fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
Blood flow circulation is extremely important when it comes to hair growth. If you do not have proper blood flow, chances are you are going to experience hair loss or at least some hair thinning in areas of the scalp.
There are several ways to make sure that the blood is flowing to your scalp. If you cannot do this with products, turn to medical devices such as a laser cap which will use light to stimulate the blood flow in the problematic areas of the scalp.
