There are many great health benefits of exercise, but does exercise affect hair growth? It may seem unlikely that exercise will 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 blood cell circulation and oxygenation, which benefits hair follicles. But this could allow the hair’s growth phase to lengthen, meaning that exercise could also reduce the effects of stress, which is one of the contributing factors to thinning hair.
Dr. Fuat Yuksel, a hair transplant surgeon and expert in hair loss issues, says there is very little scientific research on the effects of exercise on hair growth so far. But by understanding the hair growth process and the factors that can enhance natural hair growth, it is logical to assume that continued exercise can support healthy hair growth, as hair is known to grow through an alternating cycle that includes phases of rapid growth, hair shaft elongation and regression periods are driven by apoptotic signals, through three distinct phases: anagen, terminal and regression. Hair falls out after the latter phase due to several factors including underactive or overactive thyroid, stress and vitamin deficiencies.
The health of hair follicles
Exercise can boost 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 blood cells. It will also allow for 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 since stress is a factor in the regression phase of hair loss which can cause thinning hair, continued exercise can prevent hair loss.
Pattern instructions
It’s unrealistic to think that a one-time run or yoga class could suddenly reverse hair loss and cause a bunch of new strands to appear, but Dr. Yuksel explains that typical guidelines for physical activity levels are sufficient. , which means adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-vigorous aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, which Dr. Yuksel says 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 or cardio exercise, says Dr. Yuksel. The stark 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,” says Yuksel.
When it comes to strength training, Dr. Yuksel says multijoint exercises that engage larger muscle groups, such as squats, deadlifts and lunges, increase testosterone the most.
Cons of strength training
Strength training aggravates hereditary hair loss. But because exercise also reduces stress hormones and improves how the body responds to stress. It may show a positive effect from resistance training if a person is suffering from 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 classified 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 may lead to hair loss.” hair due to 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-rich diet can promote hair growth.
Hair growth depends on getting enough calories. A long-term diet, especially with insufficient protein intake, causes the body to stop regenerating hair cells.
There are many other nutrients that are vital to keeping hair follicles healthy 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 in your hair after working out can make your hair “weak and clogged if sweat stays on your head too long.”
