How to Increase Blood Flow to Your Scalp

When you think about hair health, blood flow to the scalp may not be top of mind. However, adequate scalp circulation is up there as one of the easy ways to maintain a happy scalp and healthy hair growth, alongside practices like regular washing and eating a healthy diet.

Here, we’ll talk about how to increase blood flow to the scalp, plus why scalp circulation matters.

Circulation is basically the process of getting blood to various parts of the body. The blood that moves throughout the body brings oxygen and essential nutrients, including to the scalp, and then takes waste with it when it goes (basically the best delivery service ever). 

So how exactly does circulation to the scalp affect hair health? The currently available research is mixed. However, a 2001 animal study on mice that were genetically programmed to have larger blood vessels were found to have larger hair follicles and hair that grew faster and thicker compared to mice that did not have this gene alteration. When looking at overall volume, the study reported, the modified mice had hair that was 70% thicker.

Although these exact findings have not been replicated in humans, we know that circulation is important for supplying hair follicles with the oxygen and nutrients needed to thrive.

A lack of blood flow to the scalp can potentially cause hair loss. 

Findings here are a bit mixed, but well-regarded research on the anatomy of hair explains: “As the hair follicle develops, blood vessels … surround it. These vessels nourish the hair follicle and support nutrient delivery, waste elimination, and growth. Loss of blood supply to the hair follicles is associated with some forms of hair loss.”

In layman’s terms? Blood vessels bring in nutrients, remove waste, and help the hair grow. If the blood supply to the follicles is reduced or cut off entirely,  it can lead to certain types of hair loss.

Risk factors for poor circulation (which can affect the whole body, including the scalp) include aging, genetics, poor diet, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and more.

Looking for natural ways to increase blood circulation to the scalp? Read on for our tips.

1. Massage your scalp. A study from 2016 found that female office workers who received a daily scalp massage had increased circulation. Some research also shows that regular scalp massage can improve hair thickness, particularly for those with male pattern baldness. You can do a scalp massage yourself with a scalp massager brush or just by using your fingers to rub your scalp in circular motions. It can also help with removing any buildup.

2. Try the inversion method. Yep, go upside down. Hanging your head upside down for a few minutes daily (whether or during yoga poses or just hanging your head off the side of the couch) may enhance blood flow to the scalp.

3. Exercise. Cardiovascular activities like running, swimming, and cycling improve overall circulation, including to the scalp.

4. Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is crucial for circulation. Water helps make blood less viscous and more fluid, so it can more easily move throughout the body.

5. Use peppermint oil. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is known to increase blood flow. Bonus points that some research (on mice, at least) also indicates that peppermint oil may increase hair growth. Just make sure to dilute the essential oil into a carrier oil (like jojoba, coconut oil, or olive oil) prior to application. You can also buy a peppermint oil that’s already diluted before applying it.

6. Be mindful of your diet. In addition to drinking enough water, a balanced diet is important for scalp health. Eating a mix of vitamins and minerals — or taking supplements if you’re lacking in any one area — can help to promote circulation. In particular, iron is crucial for transporting oxygen through the body.

7. Try shampoo or hair care products with caffeine. Caffeine can increase circulation, so using a shampoo or hair styling product, such as a serum, that contains caffeine could theoretically improve scalp circulation. Our volumizing shampoo and conditioner both have caffeine in them.

8. Use minoxidil. If you’re noticing hair loss, minoxidil, an FDA-approved hair loss medication offered in an oral and topical form, can help with hair regrowth. Researchers aren’t sure of its exact mechanism of action (i.e., how it works), but we know it’s a vasodilator — meaning it brings blood flow to the areas where it’s applied, which is the scalp if you’re using it as intended.

You may notice some changes to your hair as a result of reduced circulation. Symptoms of poor scalp circulation include:

• Hair that looks dry or brittle

• Weaker hair that’s more prone to breakage

• Dryness on the scalp

• Hair loss or increased hair fall

It can also be helpful to be aware of the general signs of poor circulation throughout your body, as this can also affect your scalp. Poor blood circulation also poses a serious health risk. Signs of poor circulation in general include:

• Cramps

• Cold fingers and toes

• Numbness

• Chest pain

• Leg pain

• Lightheadedness

Scalp blood circulation helps support hair growth and a healthy scalp by flooding the hair follicles with blood, hydration, and nutrients.

If you’re concerned about your scalp circulation, seeing a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, is always a good idea. But if you’re curious about increasing blood flow to the scalp because you’re seeing hair thinning, our online hair loss consultation can help you find out more about what could be causing your hair loss.