So often, when clients talk about wanting their hair to grow faster and healthier, they want to know all about what vitamins they should take. Well, taking supplements is all well and good – but that vitamin-rich blood needs to be circulated to get to the hair follicles. What helps blood circulation? You got it – exercise! Exercise increases blood flow to the scalp resulting in better hair growth.
Another connection between exercise and hair health – Sweat.
A good cardio workout allows you to sweat. Sweat opens up the pores in your scalp and helps to flush out toxins.
Exercise lowers stress levels by decreasing Cortisol.
Cortisol is a hormone in the body that is released by the adrenal gland into your bloodstream during times of stress. It is referred to as the “fight or flight” hormone. Of course, your body needs some levels of the hormone to function, but too much can be a bad thing. Too much Cortisol can affect the cyclic regulation of the hair follicle and accelerate the degradation of the hair’s thickness. Symptoms of hair thinning and loss result from a gradual reduction in the hair diameter.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase. Within a few months, affected hairs might fall out when simply combing or washing your hair.”
– Well… that doesn’t sound good.
The Mayo Clinic goes on to say: “A variety of factors are thought to cause Alopecia Areata (Alopecia means – loss of hair. Areata means – in an area… in other words – bald spots), possibly including severe stress. With Alopecia Areata, the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles. Causing hair loss.”
Exercise can increase Serotonin levels.
How does Serotonin help?
Serotonin is your body’s natural mood stabilizer and is responsible for combating stress as well as preventing anxiety and depression. Moving your body produces Serotonin. (Yay!)
Less stress = Less thinning of the hair.
So, yes, take those vitamins daily….. but remember – exercise is very important too. Do both and you will definitely see a big difference in the overall health of your hair.
Please keep in mind… I am a hair stylist, not a doctor. If you truly have concerns about your hair health – please consult a physician.
Here are a list of resources for this post:
https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961616P1001X
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/exercise
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org
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