Yoga for Hair Growth and Healthy Scalp: 8 Exercises that Contribute to Healthy Hair

In yoga and Ayurveda hair and nails are considered feces or metabolic waste products, resulting from the metabolic processes that produce the skeletal system. According to experts, a comprehensive approach to hair health with yoga will help you enjoy long, beautiful hair if you combine it with vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddha Akshar, founder of Akshar Yoga Centre, suggested, “Include foods like Giloy, Amla, Fenugreek etc. You should focus on maintaining a healthy scalp as it encourages hair growth. Poor hygiene can cause serious damage to the health of your hair. Wash your hair thoroughly once or twice a week. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously as this can loosen your scalp and weaken the hair roots. Instead use herbal oils to give yourself a light massage. This will stimulate the roots of your hair.”

He recommended the following yoga exercises for hair growth and healthy scalp –

1. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose): This pose helps improve blood circulation in the scalp, which can nourish the hair follicles. Start on your hands and knees, then lift your hips up and back, straightening your legs and forming an inverted V shape. Hold for several breaths, focusing on lengthening the spine and relaxing the head and neck.
2. Padahasthasana (Standing Forward Bend): Padahastasana increases blood flow to the scalp and stretches the back of the body, including the spine and hamstrings. Standing with feet hip-width apart, exhale and bend forward from the hips, keeping the spine long. Let the head hang heavy, relieve tension in the neck and promote blood circulation in the scalp.
3. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand): Sarvangasana improves blood circulation in the scalp and stimulates the thyroid gland, which regulates hormone levels. Lie on your back and raise your legs, supporting your lower back with your hands. Keep your neck long and avoid putting too much pressure on the cervical spine.
4. Vajrasana (Vajra Pose): Vajrasana helps improve digestion and reduce stress, which can indirectly benefit hair health. Kneel on the floor with your buttocks resting on your heels and your hands on your thighs. Sit straight and breathe deeply, focusing on relaxation and peace.
5. Matsyasana (Fish Pose): Matsyasana stretches the neck and throat, stimulates the thyroid gland and improves blood circulation in the head. Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms at your sides. Press your forearms and elbows into the floor as you lift your chest toward the ceiling. Place weight on your elbows and tilt your head back, opening the throat and chest.
6. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Bhujangasana stretches the spine and chest, stimulates the abdominal organs and can help reduce stress and tension. Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders and elbows close to your body. Inhale as you lift your chest off the floor while keeping your lower ribs on the ground. Lengthen the spine and look forward while breathing deeply into the chest and abdomen.
7. Balayam Mudra: Balayam yoga involves rubbing the finger nails of both hands together, which is believed to promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. Sit comfortably and bring your hands together so that your finger nails are touching. Rub the nails vigorously against each other for 5-10 minutes daily.
8. Kapalabhati Pranayama (Skull Shining Breath): Kapalbhati Pranayama is a breathing technique that helps cleanse the body and increase oxygenation, which may benefit overall health, including hair health. Sit comfortably with a straight spine and take a deep breath, then sharply contract the abdominal muscles and exhale forcefully through the nose. Start with a few rounds and as your strength and stamina increase, gradually increase the duration.

Himalayan Siddha Akshar concludes, “Apart from practicing these yoga asanas regularly, it is important to maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins to aid healthy hair growth. Adequate hydration, stress management techniques, and scalp massage can also complement your yoga practice and contribute to healthy hair. A healthy scalp promotes hair growth so you need to pay attention to that. Meditate and exercise regularly to deal with stress and anxiety, eat fresh fruits and vegetables to improve hair growth and reduce hair fall.