Hair Health with Exercise

Did you know that working out does more than just keep you fit? Regular exercise benefits your skin, energy levels, and yes—your hair health! Exercise increases blood flow to the scalp, helps balance hormones, and even reduces stress, all of which contribute to stronger, healthier hair. In this post, we’ll explore how exercise can support your hair goals and share tips on getting the most hair-friendly benefits from your fitness routine.

1. Embrace Cardio for Better Scalp Circulation

Cardio exercises like running, cycling, and swimming are great for heart health, but they also increase blood circulation throughout your body, including your scalp. Improved circulation ensures that more nutrients and oxygen reach your hair follicles, which promotes growth and strengthens roots.

Tip: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate cardio exercise, like brisk walking or cycling, three to four times a week. This will help keep your hair follicles well-nourished without overexertion.

2. Focus on Stress-Relieving Workouts

Chronic stress is a common cause of hair thinning and shedding, as it leads to an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone that can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Exercises like yoga, Pilates, and tai chi are fantastic for reducing stress and calming your mind, which can, in turn, improve hair health.

Tip: Add a 10-15 minute yoga or meditation session at the end of your workout to de-stress and bring balance to your body. Poses like forward bends and gentle head massages help increase blood flow to the scalp, further supporting hair growth.

3. Stay Hydrated During Workouts

Keeping hydrated during and after exercise is essential, as dehydration affects not only your body but also your hair. When your body lacks water, your hair can become dry and brittle, leading to breakage.

Tip: Carry a water bottle with you and sip consistently throughout your workout. As a rule, try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, and increase your intake on workout days to compensate for the water lost through sweat.

4. Avoid Tight Hairstyles While Exercising

If you usually tie your hair back for workouts, be cautious about tight hairstyles, which can cause strain on your roots and contribute to breakage or even traction alopecia (hair loss due to pulling). Opt for loose, gentle styles to keep your hair out of the way without putting stress on the scalp.

Tip: Go for a loose braid or a low bun, secured with a soft, fabric-covered hair tie. Avoid hairstyles that pull on the edges, as these areas are often more delicate and prone to breakage.

5. Cleanse Your Scalp After Sweating

While sweating during a workout is a sign of hard work, sweat can also build up on your scalp, leading to clogged pores and potential scalp irritation. If not properly addressed, this can slow down hair growth and make hair appear greasy or dull.

Tip: After a workout, rinse or cleanse your scalp to remove sweat and buildup. If you’re short on time, consider using a scalp spray or dry shampoo for a quick refresh until your next full wash. Bloom by Natural Remedies is a scalp-friendly choice to use post-shower, as it nourishes without adding buildup.

6. Add Resistance Training for Hormonal Balance

Weightlifting and resistance exercises can help balance hormones, which is key for reducing hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances. These exercises increase muscle mass, improve body composition, and can reduce the production of androgens (hormones that can contribute to hair loss).

Tip: Incorporate two or three days of strength training into your routine. Focus on compound movements like squats, lunges, and rows, which engage multiple muscle groups for a well-rounded workout.

How Bloom Complements an Active Lifestyle

After exercise, Bloom by Natural Remedies can help your scalp recover and stay nourished. Massaging a few drops into your scalp after cleansing can help restore any moisture lost through sweat and keep your scalp balanced. Bloom’s natural ingredients like rosemary and jojoba oil support scalp health, hydrate strands, and work well with your workout routine to promote stronger, healthier hair.

Exercise isn’t just great for your body—it’s an ally for your hair health, too. By incorporating these workout tips, staying hydrated, and giving your scalp a little TLC with Bloom, you’re setting your hair up for success from the inside out.