Your hair is one of the biggest responsibilities you have, as studies indicate that your tresses reflect your overall health. But, what if we told you there are certain yoga poses to protect your hair? Yes! You aren’t dreaming. There is almost nothing that yoga cannot do.
In this article, we bring you a list of some of the best yoga asana to keep your locks healthy and luscious. But, before we get started with the asanas, let us understand how yoga can impact your hair. Keep scrolling!
How Does Yoga Protect Your Hair?
As we all know, yoga works wonders on our bodies. You’ll be surprised to know that it can change your hair from drab to gorgeous in a manner that even high-end salons cannot do. In addition to that, it improves digestion and reduces anxiety, which are major factors contributing to hair degeneration.
Some yoga asanas, in specific, work wonders for your hair as the head’s position enhances blood circulation in your scalp, invigorating your hair follicles. Let’s look at them now.
7 Best Poses In Yoga For Hair Protection
1. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)
Adho Mukha Svanasana – sounds a bit heavy, isn’t it? Well, doing the pose is not as difficult as pronouncing its name. The asana is called the Downward Facing Dog Pose as it resembles a dog bending forward. This beginner level Ashtanga Yoga asana needs to be practiced in the morning on an empty stomach. Hold the pose for about 1-3 minutes.
Benefits: Adho Mukha Svanasana improves blood circulation, enabling fresh blood to flow into your head. It compresses the abdominal muscles and improves digestion. It stretches your neck and spine, thus releasing stress. The asana also relaxes your mind and calms it.
2. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose)
Uttanasana, also called the Standing Forward Bend Pose, rejuvenates your body and lifts your spirits. This intermediate level Hatha Yoga pose needs to be held for at least 15-30 seconds. Practice it in the morning when your stomach is empty, or if it is not possible, shift to the evening, but only after a gap of 4-6 hours since your last meal.
Benefits: Uttanasana adds a rush of energy to the cells in your head. It helps quieten your buzzing mind and keeps splitting headaches and sleepless nights at bay. The digestive organs are massaged well, which solves constipation issues.
3. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Ustrasana, also called the Camel Pose, is a backward bend pose that opens up your heart chakra. Hold this basic level Vinyasa pose for 30-60 seconds. Practice the asana in the mornings on an empty stomach for the best results as your body carries energy from the digested food, enabling you to perform better.
Benefits: Ustrasana improves digestion and excretion. It opens up your chest, relieving trapped stress. It heals and balances your chakras, improves your posture, and strengthens your body. It regulates the menstrual cycle and helps release the tension in the ovaries.
4. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)
Vajrasana, also called the Thunderbolt Pose, has another name, – Diamond Pose – which comes from the belief that pranayama done in Vajrasana position makes the human body as strong as a diamond. Vajrasana is one of the few poses that is beneficial when done post a meal. This beginner level Vinyasa style yoga asana needs to be done for 5-10 minutes at least.
Benefits: With regular practice, Vajrasana eliminates constipation. It brings stability to the mind, reduces obesity, and relieves stress in the back. The pose also cures stomach disorders, improves blood circulation, and strengthens muscles.
5. Sarvangasana (All Limb Pose)
Sarvangasana, also called the All Limb Pose, is the queen of all asanas. It is a powerful asana that will help you ease into more multiple variations. This shoulder stand works best when done in the morning on an empty stomach. Hold this advanced level Hatha Yoga pose for at least 30-60 seconds.
Benefits: Sarvangasana cures mild depression. It calms your mind and relieves stress and also stretches your neck and shoulders. It regularizes your metabolism and keeps fatigue at bay. This asana will keep you active and pain-free.
6. Pawanmuktasana (Wind Relieving Pose)
Pawanmuktasana, also called the Wind Relieving Pose, is one of those poses that can be easily done by beginners. This asana works wonders when it is done in the morning because it clears all the digestive gases from the stomach and forms an excellent base for further exercise. This basic level Vinyasa Yoga pose needs to be held for 30-60 seconds.
Benefits: Pawanmuktasana improves digestion and strengthens the abdominal muscles. It also massages your internal organs and intestines. The pose eases tension in your lower back, improves blood circulation to the organs, and reduces belly fat.
7. Sirsasana (Headstand Pose)
Sirasana, also called the Headstand Pose, is the king of all asanas. Try it only when your body is ready to take it. This asana needs at least 10-12 hours gap between your last meal and the exercise. So, morning is the ideal time to do the asana. This advanced level Vinyasa Yoga pose can be held anywhere between 1-5 minutes or even less as per your convenience.
Benefits: Sirasana instantly calms your mind and relieves stress. It increases your focus and blood flow to the scalp, develops strength in your core muscles, and nourishes your brain. The asana treats thyroid and removes lethargy.
Try these poses in yoga for hair protection and stay healthy. Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about hair care and yoga
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I shampoo my hair?
Shampoo your hair once in every two days or depending on the accumulation of oil on your scalp. Avoid washing your hair every day.
How much hair loss is considered normal?
At any given point in time, you shed 10 percent of your hair. Losing a few strands every day is normal, but when it increases, you need to pay attention.
How often do I practice yoga?
Practice yoga every day, if possible, for 20 minutes to an hour. Otherwise, even 2-3 times a week will do.
Healthy hair and confidence go hand in hand. And if it takes a few yoga poses to get there, you should definitely try them. Fight the ill effects of stress, hair products, and health issues on your hair with a little bending and stretching. Happy exercising!
