Circulatory System and Cardiovascular System

(As it relates to hair growth and hair loss)

Overview

Your circulatory system, also known as your cardiovascular system, is made up of your heart and blood vessels. It works to transport oxygen and other nutrients to all the organs and tissues in your body. It also works to remove carbon dioxide and other waste products. Having a healthy circulatory system is vital to your health and well-being

Role of blood circulation for hair health

Everything starts with the heart, right? Our circulatory system is what keeps our body alive and functioning. The heart is the engine behind it all. It distributes oxygenated blood, nutrients, water – all that we need, throughout our body, including our head.

If you look closely at the anatomy of hair, at the base of the hair follicle is the papilla. This contains capillaries, or tiny blood vessels that nourish the cells. Good blood circulation ensures that these capillaries are well nourished. This is crucial for your hair’s health.

Blood flow to the scalp is a bit different from the rest. The blood circulation to your scalp is the furthest. Simply put, it reaches your scalp after satisfying all other organs and parts! Further, it is not an ‘active’ part of the body and hence needs stimulation to get that circulation going well. Baldness and hair loss may be more than just a cosmetic concern: it could be a marker for heart disease. This is especially true in men who also have other risk factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Poor circulation in your scalp can cause hair loss

Poor scalp circulation causes hair loss. Insufficient blood circulation stops the roots of your hair receiving adequate nutrients – leaving your hair follicles weak and lifeless. Research has shown that hair loss may also be associated with fewer blood vessels – but this has not yet been validated. Poor circulation will lead to issues everywhere. Limbs can become numb, hair follicles will die and one can end up with brain damage. The hair follicles are nourished by blood circulation. A healthy heart and proper blood circulation helps in transporting oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles effectively. This nourishes the hair roots, promotes growth and helps reduce hair loss. When the circulation is stimulated by various hair & scalp care routines, you ensure that the follicles receive the boost they need for hair growth. If the circulation is poor, your hair growth cycle will be disrupted and your scalps’ health is affected.

Age also decreases the size of the hair follicle resulting in patches of alopecia – and a reduced blood supply reduces hair growth – starving the hair root of fuel.is a vital transport system, and blood circulation supplies life to each and every organ in your body. The subcutaneous blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients for the hair as well. This helps in growth, maturation, and maintenance of your hair follicles through the hair-growth life cycle.

Improving and Increasing Blood Circulation

Blood is a vital transport system, and blood circulation supplies life to each and every organ in your body. The subcutaneous blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients for the hair as well. This helps in growth, maturation, and maintenance of your hair follicles through the hair-growth life cycle. Here are the few steps that will help you to increase the circulation of blood.

1. Consume a Balanced Diet

Your diet should include iron, vitamin A, protein, biotin, zinc etc. Examples of some of the food items you can include are peanuts, mushrooms, spinach, fish, eggs and chicken. These won’t specifically direct the blood flow to your hair and scalp, but it does enhance blood circulation to the head and body.

2. Exercise Daily to Increase Blood Flow

When you start exercising regularly, your body releases a happy hormone known as endorphins. It helps release stress and makes you happy. In addition to this, sun rays and fresh air are natural ways to activate your body. Thus, enabling your body to function smoothly along with proper blood circulation.

3. Massaging Scalp Can Improve Blood Circulation

One of the simplest ways to stimulate blood circulation to your scalp is through a scalp massage. It activates the blood vessels and helps supply more nutrients and oxygen to your hair strands. You can research or consult to know more about the proper ways of scalp massage. Otherwise, use your fingertips in gentle circular motions to massage your scalp. You can also use oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, castor oil and anything suitable for your hair. Best to do it for about 5-10 minutes.

4. Stay Away From Stress

Several studies have indicated that stress could hinder or decrease blood circulation. Also, some reports suggest that stress may put hair strands into a resting phase that results in hair loss. Though, more research or evidence would be required to claim this. Until then, it is better to stay away from stress or try and manage it as much as you can.

5. Brush Your Hair to Improve Blood Flow

Use a wide-toothed comb to brush your whole scalp gently. You can do it for about two to three minutes in the morning and before you hit the bed. It may not seem like a worthwhile idea, but it does improve blood flow to your scalp.