Y oga has a plethora of holistic health benefits. This ancient fitness form, which is also a way of life, has been known to not just safeguard inner and mental health but also give cures to skin and hair issues. If you’re someone who is tired of the short bob and desires for your tresses to be longer, there are several yoga asanas that can actually help out with hair growth. In fact, yoga for hair growth and better health has been getting some popularity around the world due to the wonderful results it seems to achieve. Here are some yoga asanas that not just promote hair growth, but will also help in reducing hair fall and improving their health.

1. Kapalabhati

Kapalhbhati is derived from two Sanskrit words: Kapala, which means "skull," and Bhati, which means "light." It's a mind-body activity that rejuvenates, cleanses and invigorates. This breathing exercise helps cleanse the toxins from the kapal, meaning the entire head or face region, thus promoting better oxygen supply and reducing free radicals, enabling hair growth. Moreover, it helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are also contributing factors to hair fall.

2. Adho Mukha Svanasana

Adho Mukha Svanasana, better known as the downward facing pose, is among the 12 poses we practice during the Surya Namaskar. It is a transitional resting pose, which increases the blood flow. Due to this, there is a boost in the oxygen reaching the scalp and promotes hair growth. This asana has a range of other physical benefits as well. For example, it helps calm the mind, rejuvenate and energise the body.

3. Sarvangasana

Sarvangasana or the shoulder stand is a full body exercise, which works on different muscle groups. It helps improve your balance as well as posture. But besides that, this asana enhances the blood circulation in your head. Daily practice of the pose has a long-lasting effect on your head and is especially beneficial for dry and thin hair.

4. Balasana

Before you get any ideas, Balasana literally means child’s pose and does not refer to the hair. However, it combats the two biggest factors that cause hair fall: stress and digestive issues. Balasana is commonly recommended to provide relief from any stomach-related issues and it is known to help with anxiety as well. Daily practice of this pose can have a positive impact on both your digestive and mental health, thus cutting down the risk of hair loss considerably.

5. Sirsasana

Also known as the headstand, Sirsasana improves blood circulation in the scalp which helps in reducing hair loss, thinning of hair and balding. This asana helps in new hair growth and prevents greying of hair. It helps the dormant hair follicles to reach their maximum growth capacity and thus improve hair growth.

6. Vajrasana

Vajrasana or the thunderbolt pose is simple yet quite powerful. It deals directly with stomach-related issues, which you may or may believe, have a large part to play as far as hair loss goes. As per studies, poor gut flora can cause thinning of hair and eventually, lead to hair loss. Vajrasana helps relieve and cure a lot of these issues and it also helps digest your food better. This is beneficial to hair growth as nutrients are absorbed by the body better when your digestion is in top form. Of course, maintaining a healthy diet is a must for long, thick and healthy hair.

7. Uttanasana

Uttanasana AKA the camel pose is an effective yoga asana that takes some time to master. This yoga pose stretches as well as relaxes muscles and it also increases the oxygen levels and blood flow to the head. This, in turn, enables the hair follicles to be strong and your hair grows long. It not only improves the quality and texture of your hair but also makes it flawless and shinier.

8. Matsyasana

Popularly known as the fish pose, this is among the most effective and popular asanas for strong, long and healthy hair. It is quite easy to practice and can be done at home quickly without needing any equipment, like the other poses mentioned above. This yoga asana is known to relieve most hair problems with daily practice.