People of all ages can experience significant hair fall because of stress factors like poor diet, hormonal changes, and environmental shifts. Many try shampoos, oils, or supplements for short-term relief. Ayurveda teaches that healthy hair comes from balance within the body, especially among the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Practicing yoga is one of the most effective natural ways to restore this balance.
When practiced consistently, yoga increases blood flow to the scalp, decreases levels of stress hormones in the body, improves digestion, and improves the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals that support healthy hair growth. The doshas all play a role in creating a healthy environment for the growth of hair; therefore, according to Ayurveda, performing yoga asanas can benefit you physically as well as mentally by addressing one of the main causes of hair fall – chronic stress.
Dr. Deepak Soni, an Ayurvedic expert at TATA 1mg, explains, “Hair fall is rarely just a problem with your scalp. Within Ayurveda, hair fall is linked closely to chronic stress levels, poor digestion, and excessive heat from Pitta dosha. Through the practise of yoga, you can manage the causes of these issues naturally.”
Let’s take a look at some of the best practices of yoga asanas suggested by Ayurvedic professionals to reduce and eliminate excess hair fall and how they function.
How Yoga Helps Control Hair Fall According to Ayurveda?
From an Ayurvedic perspective, hair (Kesha) is considered the by-product of bone tissue (asthi dhatu) metabolism. If the digestive system is weak or if the doshas are out of balance, it compromises the nourishment of hair. Yoga, through the following methods, can help support the health of hair:
- Increase blood circulation to the scalp
- Decrease the stress response and levels of cortisol
- Balance hormones.
- Improve digestion and absorption of nutrients
- Soothe aggravated Pitta and Vata doshas
Practicing yoga regularly will create an internal environment where hair growth can occur, as opposed to simply addressing the external symptoms of hair fall.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
This asana is one of the most recommended poses for the health of the hair because it positions the head below the heart; its position increases blood flow to the scalp and nourishes the hair follicles.
Benefits to hair:
- Increased oxygen and nutrient delivery to hair roots
- Strengthening of the hair follicles
- Decreasing dryness due to Vata imbalance
Hold the pose for 30–60 seconds with deep breathing. Do not perform the pose if you have a serious cervical spine injury or poor control of your high blood pressure.
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
Uttanasana helps to stretch the spine and aid blood flow to the head. Uttanasana is a great way to calm your nervous system and reduce stress-related hair fall.
Hair Benefits:
- Reduces anxiety and mental fatigue
- Increases blood flow to the scalp
- Helps regulate hormones
To stop excess hair fall from stress and emotional fatigue, Ayurveda states that a calm mind is necessary.
Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose)
Known as the “queen of asanas,” Sarvangasana is crucial for regulating hormones and thyroid function, both of which have a direct correlation to hair fall.
Hair Benefits:
- Stimulates thyroid function
- Increases blood flow to the scalp
- Helps stop premature greying and thinning of hair
Sarvangasana should be done under professional guidance if you are a beginner, and should not be done if you have neck issues.
Halasana (Plow Pose)
Halasana is frequently done after Sarvangasana and will help to improve blood flow and flexibility to the spine, which makes this pose even better for your hair.
Hair Benefits:
- Improves digestion and metabolism
- Will decrease stress-related hair loss
- Supports detoxification
Since an imbalance in Agni can affect the nourishment of your hair, Halasana indirectly contributes to stronger roots of the hair.
Balasana (Child’s Pose)
Child’s Pose, or Balasana, is an excellent way to bring your mind and body into a calm and peaceful state. This position can help those experiencing hair fall caused by anxiety, lack of sleep, or emotional stress.
Benefits for Hair:
- Reduced cortisol levels
- Calmness of the central nervous system
- Better quality of sleep
Practising this pose will help you work on one of the most neglected reasons for hair fall, which is mental overload.
Thunderbolt Pose, or Vajrasana, can be practised right after eating. This posture aids in digestion, which is critical for absorbing nutrients into your body.
Benefits for Hair:
- Boosts digestive fire (Agni)
- Improves nutrient supply to hair follicles
- Helps balance vata dosha
In Ayurveda, weak digestion is closely linked to poor hair quality, so this simple posture is a great tool for your hair health.
Pranayama to Support Hair Growth
Yoga asanas are most productive when used in combination with breathing techniques. The following are some pranayama techniques that I have found to help with hair growth.
- Anulom Vilom: Reduces stress levels and balances doshas
- Bhramari: Calms the mind and helps you sleep
- Kapalbhati (in moderation): Aids in detoxification and improves metabolism
According to Dr Deepak, “pranayama is as important as asana”. Controlled breathing has a direct calming effect on the central nervous system, which positively impacts your hair health.
Ayurvedic Suggestions for Increased Effectiveness of Yoga with Regards to Hair Fall
To gain the greatest benefit from your yoga practice, develop habits that support this practice:
- Eat foods that help reduce Pitta and include cooling foods
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dryness of your scalp
- Limit or avoid hot, spicy, fried, and/or processed foods
- Establish a regular sleep schedule
- Practice yoga early in the day for the best results.
Ayurvedic principles for the practice of yoga are consistent and do not require a high level of intensity. Using “20 to 30 minutes of yoga daily can produce noticeable results over time” is an excellent way to support your body’s needs.
Precautions for Individuals When Practicing These Asanas
Although yoga is safe for most people, there are individual cases in which caution should be taken:
- It should be avoided by pregnant women even until after delivery.
- Before beginning a yoga practice, anybody with any cervical or spinal problems should consult with an experienced instructor.
- Individuals who have experienced significant hair loss due to a medical condition should seek advice from a qualified physician.
- Being mindful of your body is one of the most important aspects of ensuring a safe and effective yoga practice.
Summary
Practicing yoga from an ayurvedic perspective is a gentle and sustainable solution to controlling hair fall. Rather than seeking quick fixes, these age-old asanas work from within to help balance doshas and promote mental health. This combination helps nourish the roots of your hair and reduces the chances of developing further thinning hair.
“Healthy hair is an indication of a balanced body and mind, and yoga can help with both,” says Dr. Deepak.
By practicing consistently, being patient as you work toward achieving your goals and living mindfully, you will experience positive changes in yourself.
FAQs
Q. Can regular yoga help control hair fall naturally?
Regular practice of yoga can reduce stress, improve blood flow to the scalp, and aid in balancing hormones, which leads to controlling hair fall naturally.
Q. How long will it take before I see results from yoga for hair loss?
Due to the gradual nature of how yoga works (overcoming internal imbalances rather than quick results), it may take 6 to 8 weeks before any visible improvement.
Q. Which yoga poses will help improve blood circulation to the scalp?
Poses in which your head is below your heart (inverted), such as Adho Mukha Svanasana and Uttanasana, are known to enhance blood flow to the scalp and therefore help if you want healthy hair follicles.
Q. Is yoga helpful for hair fall caused by stress?
Yes, the practice of yoga and pranayama has the ability of calming the nervous system and lower cortisol levels, making them useful tools to stop hair fall due to stress.
Q. Can someone who has lost their hair due to a thyroid condition perform these yoga poses?
People suffering from hypothyroidism can benefit from the use of certain poses, including Sarvangasana. However, people with a thyroid condition should always practice under the supervision of an instructor or healthcare professional.
Q. Should I combine yoga with ayurvedic medicine for the best results?
You will typically receive better results and more long-lasting results if you incorporate Ayurvedic dietary and lifestyle practices along with your yoga practice into a regimen to control hair falls.
(The article is written by Deepa Sarkar, Medical Writer, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Deputy Manager, Clinical Health & Content, Medical Affairs)