Hair health is not just about using the right shampoo or conditioner; it is also about maintaining a healthy scalp and nourishing your hair from within. Yoga, an ancient practice originating from India, offers a holistic approach to hair care by improving blood circulation to the scalp, reducing stress, and balancing hormones, all of which are crucial for healthy hair growth.
Hair health is influenced by various factors such as genetics, age, hormonal imbalances, diet, and lifestyle. Poor nutrition, stress, lack of sleep, and environmental factors can also contribute to hair problems like hair loss, dryness, and breakage. Yoga promotes overall well-being by reducing stress and anxiety levels, improving blood circulation, and balancing hormones. These benefits extend to the scalp and hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing hair loss.
Yoga Asanas for Healthy Hair:
Incorporating specific yoga asanas into your routine can not only help nourish your scalp but also strengthen your hair from root to tip. These asanas work by increasing blood circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair follicles, and reducing stress levels, all of which are essential for maintaining healthy hair. Practicing yoga for hair loss control regularly can be a beneficial addition to your hair care routine, promoting overall hair health and vitality.
1. Yogendra Ushtrasana (Camel Pose):
● Ustrasana, or Camel Pose, is a heart-opening pose that increases blood flow to the scalp, balances hormones, and reduces stress.
● To practice Ustrasana, kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart. Place your hands on your lower back and inhale to lift your chest up. Exhale and lean back, bringing your hands to your heels. Hold the pose for a few breaths and then release.
● Avoid this pose if you have a neck or back injury.
2. Yogendra Hastapadasana (The Hand-Foot Pose):
● Hasta Padasana is a standing forward bend that stretches the back of the legs, increases blood flow to the scalp, and strengthens the hair roots.
● To practice Hasta Padasana, stand with your feet hip-width apart and inhale to raise your arms overhead. Exhale and fold forward, bringing your hands to the floor or to your shins. Hold the pose for a few breaths and then inhale to slowly rise back up.
● Avoid this pose if you have a back injury or low blood pressure.
3. Yogendra Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose):
● Sarvangasana, or Shoulder Stand Pose, is an inversion that increases blood flow to the scalp, strengthens the hair roots, and balances hormones.
● To practice Sarvangasana, lie on your back with your arms at your sides. Inhale and lift your legs up towards the ceiling. Exhale and use your hands to support your hips as you lift them off the floor. Hold the pose for a few breaths and then release.
● Avoid this pose if you have neck or back injuries, high blood pressure, or glaucoma.
4. Yogendra Yogamudra (The Symbol of Yoga):
● Yoga Mudra is a seated yoga asana that is known for its numerous health benefits and healthy hair is just one of them. It is often practiced to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Sit in any cross-legged posture and clasp your hands behind your back. While exhaling, bend forward to touch your forehead to the ground and rise up while inhaling. Similarly, touch your forehead to your right knee and left knee.
● Avoid this pose if you have a back injury or sciatica.
5. Yogendra Kapalabhati (The Cleansing Breath):
● Kapalbhati, a powerful breathing technique, offers immense benefits by purifying and energizing the entire facial region. The term 'Bhati' translates to 'shining', indicating the glow and radiance it brings to the face. This practice also increases blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair health.
● To Practice Kapalbhati sit or stand firmly, maintaining an erect spine. Take a few normal breaths. Inhale and exhale sharply, forcefully, and quickly using the muscles of the throat, without contorting the facial muscles. Maintain short, sharp, and forceful breaths. Ensure inhalation and exhalation are equal and follow each other without a break. Complete 10-15 cycles to finish 1 round. Practice daily, performing 3-5 rounds per session with a pause in-between rounds.
● At The Yoga Institute, Kapalbhati has been uniquely modified to exclude vigorous movements of the stomach, making it beneficial and safe for all practitioners without complications. So, it can be safely practiced by all individuals. Still avoid or do it slowly if you are prone to dizziness.
In addition to yoga, incorporating natural hair masks into your hair care routine can further enhance the health and vitality of your hair. Here are two DIY hair masks that you can easily prepare at home:
1. Onion and Curry Leaves Hair Mask:
● Onions are rich in dietary sulfur, which helps in the production of keratin and other enzymes that promote healthy hair growth. Curry leaves, on the other hand, are rich in antioxidants that strengthen the hair.
● Here's how you can make this mask:
○ Blend a few pieces of onion in a grinder with a little water and strain the juice.
○ Grind a fistful of curry leaves into a smooth paste and mix it with the onion juice.
○ Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair.
○ Leave it on for an hour and then wash it off thoroughly with a mild shampoo.
○ Use this mask once a week for best results.
2. Fenugreek Seeds and Hibiscus Mask:
● Fenugreek seeds are rich in iron and protein, which are essential for healthy hair growth. Hibiscus flowers and leaves contain flavonoids that improve blood circulation to the hair follicles, making the hair stronger from the roots and preventing hair fall.
● Here's how you can make this mask:
○ Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of water overnight.
○ Boil the soaked seeds in the same water.
○ After cooling, grind the seeds into a paste using the same water along with 3-4 hibiscus leaves and a hibiscus flower.
○ Massage this paste onto your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes.
○ Rinse your hair with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
○ Apply this mask twice a week for best results.
Incorporating these natural hair masks into your hair care routine, along with regular yoga for hair loss control, can help promote healthy hair growth and improve the overall health of your hair.
Yoga offers a natural and holistic approach to promoting healthy hair by improving blood circulation to the scalp, reducing stress, and balancing hormones. Incorporating these yoga asanas and additional tips into your routine can help you achieve strong, healthy hair from the inside out. Remember, consistency is key, so make yoga, a balanced diet and hair care routine a regular part of lifestyle.