Visualise a calming, serene place where the air is fresh, and your hair flows down your back. You're blissfully happy as you breathe, running fingers through silky locks.
Sound like a dream? It doesn't have to be. But to get there, you need healthy hair growth phases. This article will describe the hair growth cycle and enrich your hair with Ayurvedic tips.
What is the Hair Growth Cycle?
A hair growth cycle is the seasonal phases of your hair. It grows, takes a rest, sheds, and then returns to growing. It's a natural part of life that everyone experiences.
Understanding the Structure of Your Hair
Before I enter each stage, it’s essential to understand the basic structure of your hair.
Hair Bulb. - The metaphorical ‘seed’ of your hair strand that fosters growth. It’s a cluster of cells that form your hair follicle’s foundation.
Hair Follicle. - A small hole on the surface of your scalp. It’s like creating an opening in the soil to help the seed of your hair strand push through and bloom.
Dermal Papilla. - The blood supply for the hair bulb. It's full of nature-given nutrients, supporting growth.
Hair Shaft. - Your lustrous hair. It’s a layer of cuticles that cover the tissue and cells that make up the inside of your hair strands
The 3 Stages of Your Hair Growth Cycle
Now, let's get into the three main stages of your hair growth cycle.
Hair Growth Cycle Anagen Phase (Growth)
The anagen phase, also known as the growing phase, resembles the radiance of spring and summer. It’s when cells in the hair bulb (or root) regenerate to nurture new hair growth. Your hair flourishes, abundant and rich with life.
A person’s hair growth cycle time varies but tends to be active for 2-7 years before going into the second cycle. 90% of your hair is in the anagen phase at one time. You can extend the cycle to grow thick and sumptuous hair (more on that later).
2. Hair Growth Cycle Catagen Phase (Transition)
Your hair transitions from anagen to telogen, and catagen is the segway between the two. The hair bulb stops multiplying cells and growing the hair strand to take a break.
The catagen phase is like winter. Your hair needs time to rest and rejuvenate. The dermal papilla (your hair’s life source) gets cut off, but the hair stays attached to the head. It's rooted in place by the hair follicle.
5% of your hair is consistently in the catagen phase. It lasts between 2-3 weeks, and your hair won’t see any growth or shedding.
3. Hair Growth Cycle Telogen Phase (Resting)
Now it’s the depths of winter, and your hair follicles are resting, but beneath the surface, there's life. Like the gorgeous buds of blossom on the first spring day, new hair is growing. It pushes out the old hair, shedding it to create space for radiant locks. The telogen phase lasts around three months, and it is when you'll see hair shedding.
How Ayurveda Supports a Healthy Hair Growth Cycle
Many women struggle with hair loss or long for sumptuous hair. Ayurveda cultivates a healthy hair growth cycle by providing simple and calming resources.
A Healthy Digestive System
The digestive system is a life source of Ayurveda. Whereas a healthy gut nurtures hair growth, an unhealthy one results in inflammation.
Inflammation affects your entire body. It swells blood vessels, restricting oxygen and nutrients from reaching the derma papilla.
Without healthy blood flow, the hair follicle shrinks. It causes thinning hair or hair loss. Inflammation can also cut the blood supply off completely. It may cause the derma papilla to detach from the hair root, resulting in hair fall.
The good news? A healthy digestive system reduces inflammation. It provides a strong blood flow, helping your mental and physical well-being.
How to Nurture Your Gut
- Eat anti-oxidant foods. - Green tea, dark chocolate, and berries fight oxidative stress. They rejuvenate skin cells and protect hair from free radicals that may cause damage.
- Consume anti-inflammatory ingredients. - Ginger, dark leafy greens and nuts boost blood flow and soothe inflammation.
Ayurvedic Oils
Irritating hair products are another inflammatory culprit. They can cause the hair follicle to swell, reducing hair growth.
A way to combat the dilemma? Oils. They are the holy grail in Ayurveda, and their use can stimulate hair follicles. The right oils nourish hair to reach its full potential during the growth cycle. Opt for organic, non-toxic oils that support soft, silky hair.
- Amla oil. - Hydrates the scalp, fostering a healthy environment for hair follicles.
- Coconut oil. - A rich fatty acid that protects the hair from pollution, strengthening the skin barrier.
- Essential oils. - Rosemary and peppermint oil produce stunning results for luscious hair. A 2015 study shows that patients who use rosemary oil had greater hair growth than minoxidil.
Manage Stress
Your hair growth cycle is connected to your body. That means anything off-balance inside affects your hair. Stress plays a significant role in unbalancing hormones. Unfortunately, it is prominent in modern-day society. - Think piling up emails and traffic jams.
Stress triggers the fight-or-flight response and directs blood flow to essential organs. It's a defence mechanism to reserve energy for survival.
The body draws blood abundant with oxygen and nutrients away from the hair follicle. As a result, it prematurely pushes the hair growth cycle into the telogen (resting) phase.
How to Reduce Stress
- Cherish your body. - Practising self-love through exercise and foods rich in nutrients will balance hormones.
- Nurture your well-being. - Wellness rituals such as meditation reduce cortisol levels. They improve blood flow and maximise the anagen phase.
- Socialise. - It's proven that gathering with friends and family helps destress. So, meet up with the people you love regularly.
Use Ayurveda for a Healthy Hair Growth Cycle
If you want thick, flowing hair, a healthy hair growth cycle is essential. Implement these Ayurvedic tips for locks abundant in health and beauty.
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Written by Emma Carey