Doing cardio exercises is good for your health, but it does not make your hair grow faster. Hair growth happens naturally, and exercise does not directly cause it.

However, if you have problems with your physical or even mental health, it can interrupt the hair growth process and lead to hair loss. Even though cardio cannot magically make your hair grow, doing regular cardio exercises can improve your overall health and make you feel happier.

This can help prevent interruptions in the natural hair growth cycle. So, while cardio would not make your hair magically grow back or become super long and thick, it might be able to reduce or even get rid of some of the health issues that can cause hair loss.

The relationship between exercise and hair growth¹

In a study, it was discovered that blood vessels play a crucial role in promoting hair thickness. Interestingly, engaging in physical activities that enhance blood flow to the scalp has been found to have a beneficial effect on slowing down hair loss. This discovery underscores the fascinating relationship between exercise and hair health.

However, it is important to note that individuals who participate in rigorous exercises, such as weightlifting, primarily aimed at muscle building, may need to take precautions to maintain their hair health. Both men and women engaging in intense exercises can potentially experience accelerated hair loss .

This occurrence can be attributed to the increase in testosterone levels associated with intense physical activity, which in turn promotes the rise of a particular chemical known as DHT. Unfortunately, DHT negatively impacts hair, contributing to hair loss.

Stress and hair loss²

Engaging in regular physical exercise can be a beneficial strategy in combating hair loss, primarily due to its ability to alleviate stress, a recognised factor contributing to hair loss. Stressful situations have long been associated with the feeling of wanting to “tear one's hair out”. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, three forms of hair loss have been linked to heightened stress levels.

Firstly, telogen effluvium occurs when severe stress forces hair follicles into a dormant stage, leading to hair loss over months or in clumps during grooming. Trichotillomania, on the other hand, involves individuals intentionally pulling out their own hair as a response to stress-induced emotions such as tension, loneliness, or frustration.

Lastly, alopecia areata occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, with stress being identified as one of the contributing factors alongside others.

Given the significant role of stress in hair loss, adopting a regular physical activity routine, which numerous studies have demonstrated to effectively reduce stress levels, is a wise approach for individuals seeking to mitigate hair loss.

Exercise and its impact

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being. Engaging in physical activity not only contributes to a healthy body by promoting proper circulation and reducing inflammation, but it also has profound effects on our psychological well-being.

Exercising stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters that elevate mood and alleviate stress. By regulating our stress levels, we can positively impact the growth cycles of our hair, leading to stronger and healthier locks.

Furthermore, incorporating regular exercise into our routine can significantly improve the quality of our sleep. Sound and restful sleep plays a pivotal role in reducing stress levels and maintaining overall good health. Consequently, prioritising physical activity can have far-reaching benefits for our physical and mental well-being.

References

1. What you eat promotes radiant hair, skin and nails naturally. Mayo Clinic Health System. Available at: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/get-radiant-hair-skin-and-nails-naturally.
2. Telogen Effluvium. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24486-telogen-effluvium.