Will hanging your head off the side of the bed result in hair growth?

You may still be able to count the stars, but will never be able to put a number to the tips and tricks promising hair growth on social media. One among them is the inversion or tilt method that many people swear by. This method involves hanging your head off the side of the bed to increase blood flow to the scalp — a practice believed to stimulate hair growth. But do experts give it a thumbs up?

“When you tilt your head or body, the blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles increases which, in turn, increases the supply of oxygen to the scalp. This eventually helps in hair growth and reduces hair fall,” said skin expert Dr Blossom Kochhar. But that’s not all, along with an adequate supply of oxygen, it also provides all the required nutrients that help stimulate hair growth, added Dr Kochhar.

For added benefits, some people even massage their scalp with oil (like coconut or castor oil) before tilting their heads, said Sangeeta Tiwari, clinical nutritionist, Artemis Lite, NFC, Delhi.

Here’s a breakdown of the inversion method

How to do it?

Kochhar shared a guide

*Massage your scalp with any oil for 5-10 minutes before you start inversion. It stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles.
*Now slowly start inverting your body. You can choose to do a headstand or sit in the middle of your bed and invert your head to one side in a way that it hangs from a side of your bed. You can even do this on a sofa.
*Hold this position for 4-5 minutes. “Slowly come back to your normal posture. Do not rush back to your normal posture, it may cause damage to your nerves or muscles. You may also sprain your neck or even get a head rush,” said Dr Kochhar.

Important considerations

While the concept of increased blood flow potentially benefiting hair health sounds reasonable, there are some key points to consider.

– Limited scientific evidence: “There’s currently a lack of strong scientific research directly linking the inversion method to hair growth. While increased blood flow might be beneficial in general, studies haven’t definitively shown it promotes hair growth through this specific method,” said Tiwari.

Blood flow is improved (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

– Safety concerns: Inverting your head can cause dizziness, especially for those not used to it. Start slow and listen to your body. If you experience any discomfort, stop immediately,” Tiwari said.

-Pre-existing conditions: According to Tiwari, the inversion method is not recommended for pregnant women, people with high blood pressure, vertigo, ear infections, or back/spinal pain. Always consult your doctor before trying any new technique, especially if you have any health concerns.

 

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Are you curious to try it? Here’s what to keep in mind

Prioritise safety, start gradually, and listen to your body, said Tiwari.

What else to keep in mind?

A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial for overall hair health. Scalp massages with nourishing oils can improve circulation (potentially contributing to hair growth), and there are many hair care products formulated to promote healthy hair.

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