Advantages of sports on hair health

By Prof. Dr. Soner Tatlidede 2021-05-24

What are the benefits of sports on hair health? We often hear that sport is good for our health and for our body; but, what about hair? Many people are interested in keeping their hair healthy and even ask us how much a hair implant would cost in case they need to do it.

But especially before, during and after having hair loss problems, there is always a recurring question in most cases: does doing sport have any benefit for the hair or is it prejudicial to the condition of the hair?

The truth is that sport, in general, can be a great ally of our hair, helping it to grow healthy and strong, and preventing hair problems and hair loss as long as we also avoid bad habits. If you are among those people who have doubts about the benefits of sport for hair, do not miss what follows.

Does sport cause hair loss?

There are many myths and hoaxes on the Internet about hair, and sports and hair loss are not an exception. We know quite well what causes hair loss... and sports are not among things than can cause hair loss. The truth is that practising a sporting activity - except when we commit excesses - is healthy for our body, and of course for our hair; in fact, doing sports is one of the main factors that can contribute to a healthy and shiny hair, by improving blood circulation and oxygenation in our scalp.

In modern life, stress and its related problems are almost a constant that we must deal with. Stress causes important changes in our body that also affect scalp follicles, causing hair growth alterations as well as stress hair loss. However, doing sports is a very effective way to release tensions and reduce accumulated stress, while at the same time we eliminate toxins through sweat.

Practicing physical exercise on a regular basis therefore has obvious benefits for our body and our hair; but, what happens if we do too much sport? What happens when we regular do intensive training, or when we practise high-intensity workouts? Although in principle there is no direct relationship, the truth is that often an intensive practise of certain physical activities require supplements that, in the end, can affect our hair.

For example, there are studies that have found that hair loss is one of the side effects suffered by those who take steroids, anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) or other similar supplements; an excess of vitamin A taken through vitamin supplements can also cause hair loss. In general, any cardiovascular exercise practised in a moderate way - even yoga - provides benefits to hair without side effects.

However, contrary to the common belief, there is no scientific evidence linking the practise of extreme sports or the intake of products to gain muscles, with hair loss. It is true that these sports and products can produce certain hormonal alterations, and increase testosterone levels; but in any case, it is not testosterone but a hormone derived from this, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), what actually causes baldness: and only in those with a genetic predisposition.

Does sport help hair growth?

Certainly, there is no doubt that doing exercise can help hair grow. As we explained before, when we are doing exercise we sweat, and in this way, we eliminate toxins accumulated in our body, which is of great help to improve and sanitise our skin and, of course, our hair, since hair roots open themselves thus allowing more hair to grow.

Among the toxins that our body should eliminate are free radicals, very harmful to our cells, but also proteins such as cholesterol or molecules such as sugar: these are substances that our body discards through sweat or urine... and nothing better for that than doing sports.

Cortisol is also another very harmful toxin: this is a hormone related to stress; in addition, by increasing the presence of cortisol, our blood pressure also increases, thus reducing circulation as well as nutrients absorption in areas such as scalp.

Besides, physical activity helps increase blood flow and scalp irrigation: therefore, more nutrients and oxygen reach follicles, helping to enhance hair growth. Another benefit that doing exercise brings to our body and in hair health is that it increases the production of serotonin, the so-called happiness hormone, which contributes significantly to reduce stress and, therefore, prevents hair loss.

In summary, it is clear that the advantages and benefits of sports on hair health are very positive, and that doing exercise is a good way to prevent hair problems. But if, in the end, you suffer from a hair condition, you should go to a skilled specialist capable of diagnosing your problem in time. Clinicana is the best hair transplant clinic in Turkey, and we are specialised in all hair treatments: request your free consultation now, and ask us for a free, no obligation estimate.