According to Chinese acupressure, the nerve endings in our fingertips are linked to the scalp. When you rub your nails together, the friction you create affects nerves in the scalp. This, in turn, increases the blood flow and stimulates hair growth.
Furthermore, nail rubbing improves blood circulation to the scalps, which in turn strengthens hair follicles and facilitates hair growth.
Rubbing finger nails for a minimum of 10-20 minutes daily, can make your hair grow again. You should rub all your fingernails except for your thumb, because rubbing thumbnails may cause growth of facial hair. The number of fingernails you rub does not really matter.
The trichologist says this simple hand motion stimulates the brain to send signals to adult stem cells to revive dormant and unproductive hair follicles. She also shared that rubbing your fingernails together increases blood flow to the hair follicles for healthier hair growth.
Nail rubbing is a form of yoga that is said to stimulate your brain and increase blood circulation to your scalp, strengthening hair follicles.
Massaging your scalp everyday will enhance blood circulation and can even strengthen your follicles. However, make sure you do it gently and don't rub vigorously. This can cause your hair to break. In case you have used an oil while massaging your scalp, make sure you rinse it off within an hour.
According to Ayurveda, nail rubbing (also known as balayam) supports hair growth. This practice is done by rubbing your nails back and forth for 5-10 minutes. It activates the nerves on the nail bed and promotes blood circulation. The results are generally seen in 2-6 months with regular practice.
Scalp massage with essential oils
Animal studies have shown that both lavender and peppermint oils may help promote hair growth. Mix 1 to 2 drops of lavender or peppermint oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil, like jojoba or melted coconut oil.
Avoid Using Your Nails
Not only can scratching cause burning and irritation—but any dirt or bacteria lurking underneath your nails can lead to an infection. Stick to using the pads of your fingers, and feel free to apply as much pressure as you like while you scrub.
Rubbing fingernails also increase blood circulation to your scalp, which strengthens your hair follicles and in turn, prevents hair fall or greying. However, no scientific research has been conducted to substantiate these positive claims of Balayam.
The inversion method is said to help you grow your hair an extra inch or two per month. Proponents of the method believe that hanging your head upside down increases blood flow to the scalp, stimulating hair growth. Some methods even suggest doing a headstand, handstand, or using an inversion table.
A Balayam yoga side effect is that it may make your skin and nail infections worse. Another Balayam yoga side effect is for people who have undergone angiography or appendicitis. Increased blood pressure may cause post-surgery complications.
Fingernails grow approximately 1/8 inch, per month. Toenails grow slower than fingernails, at a rate of about 1/16 inch per month. Hair, on the other hand, grows at a much faster rate: roughly ¼ to ½ inch per month, or up to 6 inches per year.
There are a variety of methods available for the regrowth of hair follicles, from using medication to massaging your scalp to stimulate your hair directly. Currently, the most effective way to reactivate your hair follicles is by using medication, such as finasteride and minoxidil.
Vitamins B and D factor big in healthy hair. So do zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and the B vitamin biotin. Your doctor can test you for deficiencies. Ask them whether you should take a multivitamin or supplement and how much.
"Getting a trim every six to eight weeks prevents split ends and damage, making ends stronger and leading to faster growth," she explains. "I recommend trimming 1 to 2 inches at each appointment to avoid fraying ends and keep hair healthy."
Balayam yoga works on the principles of reflexology that your hair follicles are connected to the nerve endings in your nail beds. So when you stimulate these nerve endings, it improves the blood circulation to your scalp, enhancing hair growth,” she said.
The process of rubbing your nails against each other is known as Balayam yoga. It is one of the simplest and easiest ways to reduce hair fall. You just need to practice it everyday for 5-10 minutes.