Did you know that you can encourage hair growth through meditation?
It sounds bizarre, but your lifestyle plays a significant role in your hair care. Sure, hair treatments, medications, and your regular hair care routine are important elements of its health, but they will not deliver the best results unless you change your lifestyle.
Learn how to take a step back and slow down with meditation.
What is Meditation?
“We can’t always change what’s happening around us, but we can change what happens within us.” – Andy Puddicombe, co-founder, Headspace
Meditation is a practice that allows individuals to train their attention and awareness while being mindful and rooted in the present. It can help one achieve a mentally and emotionally calm state, which can manifest changes in your hair, skin, and overall health.
The positive effects of meditation emerge more quickly when practiced with consistency and with the power of belief.
How Does Meditation Facilitate Hair Growth?
Meditation is often seen as a practice that targets mental health, but it can also help your hair and skin in numerous ways. It does so by rooting you to the present, which allows you to become more conscious of your subconscious mind and actions.
Here are the ways meditation can improve your hair health and facilitate hair growth:
It Increases Blood Circulation Brain Activity
The better the blood flow, the higher levels of oxygen it will carry through our bloodstream, which can make our hair and skin look and feel healthy. You can also sneak in a quick massage to heighten the many benefits it can offer.
A 2015 study reported that meditation may also increase brain activity, which is associated with better self-control over your emotions and moods.
It Has a Positive Impact on the Endocrine System
Stress is a natural part of our lives. While its effects on our mental health have been a matter of discussion for quite some time, how it affects our physical health should also be a cause for concern.
Take hair, for example. Stress can manifest in a fight or flight response, leading to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol is associated with the functioning of our hair follicles, so when it is present in higher concentrations, it can cause your hair to enter the resting phase prematurely, leading to hair loss.
Meditation is perfect in this case. It has a positive impact on our endocrine system, which is associated with lowering the levels of cortisol. A 2013 mindfulness meditation study conducted on medical students showed that the average participants’ cortisol levels dropped by a massive 20% - in just four days!
It can also tackle hormonal imbalances that cause dry flakes and irritation. These changes can take a toll on the health of your hair, leading to shedding and hair loss.
It Improves Respiratory Function
Our bodies have different ways of ridding themselves of toxins. Through meditation, you can bank on the benefits of one of them: breathing. Meditation slows down the rate at which we breathe, increasing the flow of toxins through our respiratory cycles.
This list is by no means comprehensive. Meditation can do so much more for your overall health, giving you all the more reason to include the practice in your everyday routine!
How to Practice Meditation for Hair Growth?
Practicing meditation is easy. Simply:
- Create a quiet, comfortable space. Light a candle and ensure there’s plenty of fresh air in the room.
- Sit on the floor or a cushion and close your eyes.
- Focus on your breathing. Pay attention to how your body moves with every breath. If your thoughts interrupt your concentration, simply redirect your attention to your breath.
As with every self-care technique, it would be wise to start small—around five minutes a day—and then increase the timing as your body and mind become more receptive to its many benefits.
If you’re new to this practice, you can opt for guided meditation or download an app that offers coaching sessions to guide you through mindfulness and meditation.
You can also explore other ways to slow down:
- Get the required hours of sleep each night. Doing so will ensure you’re well rested, your body and mind are working at their best, and your body synthesizes the needed protein to facilitate hair growth.
- Slot in some “me time” to practice self-care and manage stress.
- Get lots of vitamin D to promote the growth of new hair follicles.
- Limit your daily screen time and pursue tactile, productive hobbies instead.
- Clear away the clutter on your work desk and in your home to give yourself some breathing room.
The Takeaway
Meditation can help you manage your emotions, put your mind at ease, and help you cope with stress. A healthy body and mind can help boost hair growth and prevent hair loss.
For best results, combine mindfulness with the best possible hair care routine. You’ll be surprised by the difference it will make!
