Yoga for Hair Health: 10 Poses to Thicken Your Locks and Reduce Shedding

With all the stresses of modern life – from pollution to poor diet to hormonal imbalances – it’s no wonder so many of us are struggling with hair loss and thinning strands. While there are a number of treatments and products that claim to address these issues, one of the most natural and holistic solutions may be right under our noses (or more accurately, above our heads) – the ancient practice of yoga.

Yoga has long been touted for its myriad benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving flexibility and strength. But the restorative and rejuvenating effects of yoga can also work wonders on the health of our hair. Certain yoga poses in particular have been shown to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, nourish the follicles, and even promote the growth of thicker, stronger hair.

So if you’re looking to breathe new life into your locks, consider incorporating these 10 yoga poses into your regular routine. Not only will they help strengthen and thicken your hair, but they’ll leave you feeling calm, centered, and more beautiful from the inside out.

1. Downward-Facing Dog

This classic yoga pose is a particularly effective one for improving hair health. By inverting the body and directing blood flow to the scalp, Downward-Facing Dog helps to nourish the hair follicles and stimulate new growth. It also stretches and lengthens the spine, which can improve circulation throughout the body. To do this pose, start on all fours with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Tuck your toes under and lift your hips up and back, straightening your legs as much as possible to form an inverted “V” shape with your body. Relax your head between your arms and hold for 5–10 breaths.

2. Legs-Up-the-Wall

This restorative pose is another great option for getting blood flowing to the scalp and promoting healthy hair. By elevating the legs above the heart, Legs-Up-the-Wall encourages lymphatic drainage and helps to reduce any puffiness or inflammation in the scalp area. It’s also incredibly calming and can help to relieve stress, which is a common culprit behind excessive hair shedding. To do this pose, sit with your left side against a wall, then swing your legs up the wall as you lie back. Your body should form an “L” shape, with your legs resting comfortably against the wall. Stay in this position for 5–15 minutes.

3. Child’s Pose

Child’s Pose is a soothing and grounding posture that can have a profoundly restorative effect on the body and mind. By gently stretching the back, shoulders, and neck, this pose helps to release tension and improve circulation to the scalp. It also encourages deep breathing, which can further boost blood flow and nourish the hair follicles. To do Child’s Pose, start on all fours, then sit your hips back toward your heels as you fold your torso forward, allowing your forehead to rest on the mat. Extend your arms out in front of you and hold for 1-5 minutes.

4. Forward Fold

Another inversion that directs blood flow to the scalp, Forward Fold is a potent hair-boosting pose. By bringing the head below the heart, this posture helps to stimulate the hair follicles and promote the growth of thicker, stronger strands. It also stretches the muscles of the back and shoulders, which can improve posture and alleviate any tension or stiffness that may be contributing to hair loss. To do Forward Fold, stand with your feet hip-width apart, then hinge at the hips to fold your torso down toward your thighs. Let your head hang heavy, keeping a slight bend in the knees. Hold for 1-3 minutes.

5. Shoulder Stand

This challenging inversion is a powerful way to boost blood flow to the scalp and stimulate the hair follicles. By elevating the legs and hips above the heart, Shoulder Stand encourages lymphatic drainage and can help to reduce any inflammation or puffiness in the scalp area. It also stretches the neck and shoulders, which can alleviate tension and improve circulation. To do Shoulder Stand, start by lying on your back, then lift your hips and legs up toward the ceiling, coming into a supported shoulder stand position. Hold for 1-5 minutes, being mindful not to strain your neck.

6. Camel Pose

This heart-opening backbend is excellent for improving blood flow to the scalp and nourishing the hair follicles. By stretching the front of the body, Camel Pose helps to open up the chest and neck, allowing more oxygen-rich blood to reach the scalp. It also stimulates the thyroid gland, which plays a key role in regulating hair growth. To do Camel Pose, start by kneeling on the mat with your knees hip-width apart. Reach your hands back to grab your heels, then gently arch your back, keeping your thighs perpendicular to the floor. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

7. Headstand

One of the most potent inverted poses for hair health, Headstand is a true superstar when it comes to boosting blood flow to the scalp. By completely inverting the body, this posture sends a surge of nutrient-rich blood to the hair follicles, nourishing and strengthening them from the roots up. Headstand also helps to reduce inflammation and calm the nervous system, both of which can contribute to hair loss. To do this pose, start by kneeling on the mat, then carefully lower your forearms to the floor, interlacing your fingers to create a shelf for your head. Slowly lift your hips up and back, straightening your legs to come into a full Headstand. Hold for 1-5 minutes, being mindful of your alignment and stability.

8. Plow Pose

Like Shoulder Stand, Plow Pose is another inversion that can work wonders for the health of your hair. By elevating the legs above the heart, this posture helps to improve circulation to the scalp and nourish the hair follicles. It also stretches the back and shoulders, which can alleviate any tension or stiffness that may be contributing to hair loss. To do Plow Pose, start by lying on your back, then lift your legs up and over your head, coming into a inverted “V” shape. Use your hands to support your lower back if needed. Hold for 1-5 minutes.

9. Supported Bridge Pose

This restorative backbend is a great option for those looking to improve the health of their hair. By gently opening up the chest and neck, Supported Bridge Pose encourages blood flow to the scalp and can help to reduce inflammation and tension in the area. It’s also a calming pose that can help to alleviate stress, a common trigger for hair loss. To do this pose, start by lying on your back, then bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Lift your hips up, placing a block or bolster under your sacrum for support. Hold for 5-10 minutes.

10. Corpse Pose

While not technically a pose, Corpse Pose is a crucial part of any yoga practice, especially when it comes to hair health. By allowing the body to fully relax and release, this restorative posture can help to calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being – all of which are essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant hair. Spend 5-20 minutes in Corpse Pose at the end of your practice, allowing your body and mind to fully integrate the benefits of the previous poses.

By incorporating these 10 yoga poses into your regular routine, you can help to nourish your hair from the inside out, promoting thicker, stronger strands and reducing the risk of excessive shedding. Remember, the key to seeing results is consistency, so try to practice these poses a few times a week, or even daily if possible. And don’t forget to pair your yoga practice with a healthy diet, plenty of hydration, and other hair-healthy habits for the best possible outcomes.

Here’s to luscious, vibrant locks that will have you feeling beautiful, confident, and truly in sync with your body’s natural rhythms.