If you want to move your body and clear your mind, yoga is always a good bet. But depending on the flow, yoga can also be a great detox method as well. Researchers think that yoga’s ability to decrease stress and increase blood flow to the scalp just might be a recipe for thick, healthy hair growth.

I – How Yoga Can Affect Your Hair

Stress can mess with your health and overall quality of life, and some research suggests that emotional or physiologic stress can also cause hair loss. Yoga may help by reducing stress and anxiety.

Inverted yoga poses can also promote blood flow to the scalp. While this is a primary part of how some hair loss treatments work, it’s important to note the difference: treatments can stimulate the scalp round-the-clock, but yoga will only get the blood pumping while you’re doing it.

The research on a definitive link between hair health and yoga isn’t there yet. But so far the science looks promising! And even if you don’t notice Rapunzel-like results, with so many other health benefits of yoga, the following poses are totally worth a shot.

II – 9 Yoga Poses That May Help Your Hair

1 – Standing Forward Bend

When you fold forward in this pose, gravity encourages blood to flow toward your scalp. Ideally, it’ll rev up your flexibility and your follicle growth.

How to do it:

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms at your sides.
  2. Lift your sitting bones up and back, and hinge forward at your waist. Bring your arms to your legs.
  3. Reach your fingers down to your knees, toes, or the floor. Keep a slight bend in your knees.
  4. Relax your head and let it hang down. Hold for several deep breaths.

2 – Downward-Facing Dog

This pose can stretch out your spine and the backs of your legs while increasing blood flow to the head.

How to do it:

  1. Start on all fours in a plank position.
  2. Keep your legs hip-width apart and your hands shoulder-width apart. Press up through your palms until your body forms an inverted “V.”
  3. Spread your fingers wide and elongate your spine. Let your head and neck relax.
  4. If you can, press your heels into the mat. Maintain the pose for several breaths.

3 – Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend

This simple inverted pose can have a major impact on blood flow and flexibility.

How to do it:

  1. Spread your legs out about as far as feels comfortable, toes facing forward.
  2. Hinge forward from your hips. Place your hands flat on the mat. You can rest your head gently on the ground or use a yoga block for support.
  3. Hold the pose for several breaths. Inhale as you return to start, bringing your torso slowly up.

4 – Rabbit Pose

This gentle pose can benefit you by boosting blood flow to your scalp without requiring you to contort upside down.

How to do it:

  1. Kneel down, toes pointed behind you, tops of feet on the floor.
  2. Hinge at your waist, bending your head forward. Place your head on the mat and look back at your thighs.
  3. You can place your hands on both sides for support or lace your fingers behind your back and bring your arms in the air.
  4. Rock your body slowly forward and back. Repeat for several breaths.

5 – Child’s Pose

Child’s Pose lets you relax, restore, and recover from other, more challenging, poses.

How to do it:

  1. Kneel on the mat, legs hip-width apart.
  2. Exhale as you bend forward. Fold your body at the waist, laying your torso over your thighs.
  3. Stretch your arms forward, hands palm-down on the floor. Reach your hands forward and your pelvis back to feel the stretch.
  4. Hold for 30 seconds or as long as you please.

6 – Fish Pose

Time to dive in and see if it helps to stimulate your scalp and strengthen your locks.

How to do it:

  1. Lie on your back, with your arms alongside your body or tucked gently under your hips, palms facing down.
  2. Raise your chest by squeezing your core. Imagine lifting from your heart. Keep your head on the ground.
  3. With your back and neck arched, hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds before rolling down slowly.

7 – Thunderbolt Pose

This simple pose may help alleviate stomach and digestive problems. The theory is that when your digestion is healthy, your body can better absorb the nutrients your hair needs.

How to do it:

  1. Kneel on the mat with your back, neck, and head straight, heels touching.
  2. Relax your hands, palms-down on your thighs. Gaze straight ahead.
  3. Exhale and inhale deeply for at least 30 seconds.

8 – Shoulder Stand

This is a full-body exercise. Just be sure you ask your doctor if you have back problems or high blood pressure before attempting this one.

How to do it:

  1. Lie flat on your back on the mat. Raise your legs slowly up to 90 degrees.
  2. Lift your hips and butt off the ground, bringing your legs toward your head.
  3. Raise your legs, abs, and chest to form a straight line. Place your palms on your back for support.
  4. Press your chin to your chest and hold for 30 seconds or more. Slowly bring yourself back to start.

FYI: Don’t rest your weight on your neck. This could strain or injure your neck.

9 – Headstand

This is a challenging yoga pose but definitely rewarding. Check with your doc first if you have spinal issues or high blood pressure.

How to do it:

  1. Get on all fours and bring your forearms down to the mat. Clasp your hands together, interlocking your fingers.
  2. Press the crown of your head into the mat. Lift your hips and straighten your legs.
  3. Gently walk your feet toward your head until your hips are nearly over your shoulders.
  4. Lift one foot off the mat and up to the ceiling. Engage your core, and slowly lift the other foot to meet it.

Pro tip: Use a wall (or a friend!) for support if you need. If you feel like you might topple, take it slow until you build strength and confidence.

Yoga *might* benefit hair growth and health by promoting blood flow to the scalp and helping relieve stress. However, the research doesn’t say whether this works for sure. According to some research, asana poses just might be the best for your locks.