There are many great health benefits of exercise, but does exercise affect hair growth? It may seem unlikely that exercise would be able to protect against the seemingly inevitable hair loss associated with aging, but there may be some connection, as reported by Live Science.
improve blood circulation
For example, exercise increases circulation and oxygenation of blood cells, which benefits hair follicles. But could this allow the hair’s growing phase to become longer, meaning that exercise could also reduce the effects of stress, which is one of the factors that contribute to hair thinning.
Dr. Fuat Yuksel, a hair transplant surgeon and expert in hair loss issues, says that there is very little scientific research so far on the effects of exercise on hair growth. But by understanding the hair growth process and the factors that can enhance natural hair growth, it is logical to assume that continuous exercise can support healthy hair growth, as it is known that hair grows through an alternating cycle that includes phases of rapid growth, hair shaft elongation, and periods of Regression is driven by apoptotic signals, through three distinct phases: anagen, terminal, and regression. Hair falls out after the latter phase due to several factors including hypo- or overactive thyroid, stress, and vitamin deficiencies.
The health of the hair follicles
Exercise can increase hair growth, says Dr. Yuksel, because it always has a positive effect on overall health.
“Your hair follicles will benefit from the increased circulation and increased oxygenation of your blood cells. It will also allow healthy hair follicles during the growth phase,” explains Dr. Yuksel. [طور التنامي] to last longer. So, the hair will have more time to grow.”
Exercise can also reduce stress, and because stress is a factor in the regression phase of hair loss that can cause hair thinning, continuous exercise may prevent hair loss.
Model instructions
It’s unrealistic to think that a one-time run or yoga class will suddenly reverse hair loss and cause a bunch of new hair strands to appear, but Dr. Yuksel explains that typical guidelines for physical activity levels are sufficient, meaning adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise. Vigorous or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, which Dr. Yuksel believes is enough to support a healthy hair growth cycle.
testosterone
Interestingly, not all types of exercise are created equal when it comes to promoting hair growth. Hypertrophy-oriented strength training isn’t as good as any type of aerobic exercise or cardio, Dr. Yuksel says. The distinct difference is due to the testosterone boosting effect of training.
“Muscle growth is directly related to testosterone, and having high levels of testosterone, including DHT (dihydrotestosterone), shrinks hair follicles and shortens the hair growth cycle,” Yuksel says.
When it comes to strength training, Dr. Yuksel says that multi-joint exercises that engage larger muscle groups, like squats, deadlifts and lunges, increase testosterone the most.
Cons of strength training
Strength training exacerbates hereditary hair loss. But because exercise also reduces stress hormones and improves how the body responds to stress. It can show a positive effect from resistance training if a person is experiencing stress-related hair loss.”
Dr. Yuksel adds that taking stimulants along with resistance training is one of the significant causes of hair loss, so stimulants should be avoided at all costs.
Two types of hair loss
Dr. Yuksel explains that hair loss can be categorized into two types: permanent and temporary. Most permanent hair loss is caused by a genetic predisposition, while hair loss caused by lifestyle choices is usually temporary and reversible by improving overall health, noting that “the failure of athletes to meet their nutritional needs for such training can lead to hair loss.” hair due to a lack of iron and other vitamins and minerals.
Long term system
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as getting enough sleep, not smoking, and eating a nutrient-dense diet can promote hair growth.
Hair growth depends on getting enough calories. Long-term dieting, especially with insufficient protein consumption, causes the body to stop regenerating hair cells.
There are many other nutrients that are vital to maintaining healthy hair follicles and stimulating new hair growth, such as folic acid, beta-carotene, iron, biotin, zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Shower after exercise
Finally, Dr. Yuksel recommends showering quickly after working out because leaving sweat on the hair after working out can make hair “weak and clogged if sweat stays on the head for too long.”