How To Improve Blood Circulation To The Scalp

Your scalp is responsible for not only encouraging new hair growth but also regulating oils keeping your hair healthy, in strong condition, and protected against split ends, breakage, and hair loss.

There are three stages of hair growth – where each strand of hair is at its own phase of development. Once the cycle is complete it restarts and a new strand of hair begins to form.

Hair grows around half an inch every month – faster in the summer than the winter. Research has shown that you can actually speed up hair growth by massaging your scalp, as this stimulates the blood flow.

Proper blood circulation ensures that your scalp gets all the essential nutrients and oxygen needed to be healthy. Poor blood circulation eventually leads to short, brittle hair strands and hair thinning or hair loss.

See natural ways to increase blood circulation to the scalp here…

Be Scalp Massage Savvy

Circulation to the scalp is essential for hair growth. Hair follicles starved of blood quickly die. How to increase scalp blood circulation is done simply by scalp exercise and massage.

You can give yourself a massage by rubbing in circular motions at the side of your head above the ears, followed by the front of your head, and then the back. As you massage your scalp will naturally loosen and relax – reducing stress and tension as circulation is enhanced.

A recent study has indicated that massages are an effective method to strengthen weak hair follicles. And of encouraging hair growth following hair fall. Scalp massages help circulate all the essential nutrients to the hair follicles.

How to increase blood flow to the scalp

Massage your scalp

This is a simple way of how to improve scalp circulation by using your fingers to apply gentle pressure in circular motions. This opens up the blood vessels and encourages them to supply more oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. Choose lukewarm olive oil or other oils enriched with phytoconstituents to promote healthy hair growth.

Cleanse your scalp

A build-up of hair products may obstruct blood flow under the skin so washing your hair every couple of days if you have an oily scalp and every three to four days will keep your scalp clean and allow normal blood flow. You can also use a clarifying shampoo on a monthly basis to eliminate dead skin cells and remove dirt and excess oil.

Brush your hair

Avoid excessive and harsh brushing as this can result in damage to the cuticle and hair breakage, but do detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb and then gently brush. Choose mixed bristle brushes that distribute your hair’s natural oils and smooth the cuticle, as well as stimulating the capillaries and increasing the blood flow.

Eat a balanced diet

Diets rich in vitamins and amino acids help to increase blood circulation to the scalp. Vitamin B3 also has anti-inflammatory properties, and zinc, iron, and proteins are recommended for healthy hair. Eat a diet that includes chicken, eggs, fish, leafy green vegetables, brown rice, oats, and garlic to promote total body circulation.

Keep hydrated

Your hair needs an adequate water supply to grow and thrive as water is responsible for transporting oxygen to cells and tissues. If you become dehydrated you’ll notice that your hair is dull and dry. Drink plenty throughout the day to keep your scalp and hair healthy.

Practice breathing exercises

Breathing exercises boost the oxygen supply to your whole body including the scalp as these exercises involve deep inhalations, retention, and exhalations. They are also responsible for calming your mind and reducing stress which is one of the major causes of hair loss.

Exercise daily

When you start exercising regularly, your body releases a happy hormone known as endorphins that help relieve stress and anxiety. Exercise also helps with weight management which assists in increasing blood flow. Choose from walking, jogging, biking or swimming to stay healthy and keep better blood circulation throughout.

Explore the inversion technique

The inversion position is basically lying on the bed with your head hanging over the edge to increase the blood supply to your scalp. Bear in mind if you stay in this position for too long you may feel dizzy when you get up.

Enjoy Scalp Exercises

Carry on improving circulation by doing scalp exercises that relieve unnatural tension – and ensure the blood flow to the scalp stays unrestricted. Try two basic exercises that are really effective:

• Raise your eyebrows as high as you can
• Lower your eyebrows as far as they will go

 

This ensures you relax the forehead removing any tension that can relate to hair loss.

Natural Remedies

Factors such as centrally heated homes and chemicals in shampoos and conditioners can lead to an unnourished and dehydrated scalp. Using essential oils like rosemary and almond can warm the scalp as you massage, and hydrate as you go.

Encourage hair growth with neck exercise – moving your head and neck from side to side can also release trapped tension and stress in the surrounding muscles. Improved blood circulation and increased blood flow will boost hair growth and help to prevent hair damage.

Vitamins and minerals to incorporate in your diet include:

• Niacin – hair vitamin B3 that increases blood flow to the scalp – and has anti-inflammatory properties
• Biotin – vitamin B7 can be found in a range of foods including eggs, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, and lean meat
• Antioxidants – such as zinc and selenium that protect the hair from premature damage and ageing – food sources include red meats, almonds, egg yolks, and soy products

Bespoke Hair Care Treatments

If your hair fall becomes a serious concern you may want to consider visiting the specialists. Professional hair treatments will be available – and you’ll still be able to enjoy the latest trends.

Hair replacement systems are non-surgical and designed to suit you. Trained stylists at Cochrane & Co hair salon will talk you through the process – and then fit your hair system for you. You’ll be given all the support and advice you need on maintaining, styling, and looking after your scalp.