Inversion method for hair growth: myth or miracle?

The inversion method as a tool for hair growth gained prominence in 2013 from a blog on Hairlista (now renamed Hairlicious). Initially dismissed by some, the hair growth community has since reported significant results, with claims of up to 1 inch (or more) of hair growth per week.

Being focused on nature-based and holistic hair growth, we couldn't help but investigate this method, seeking to either debunk the myth or explain it through scientific reasoning. It is important to note that no studies have been conducted to definitively prove or disprove the inversion method’s effectiveness for boosting hair growth.

(Article originally written in 2019, updated in August 2022)

What is the inversion method for hair growth?

The inversion method focuses on one main aspect: blood flow is a crucial factor for fast hair growth. Several clinical research studies support the role of blood flow in promoting faster hair growth.

The inversion method involves massaging warm natural oil into your scalp and then hanging upside down for 4 minutes each day for one week each month.

Components of the Hair Growth Inversion Method

The inversion method consists of three main components: (1) oiling, (2) scalp massage, and (3) direction of blood flow.

Oiling

Natural organic oils can benefit the health of your scalp. It's hard to find an oil that isn’t good for something, so you generally can't go wrong with this step. Mono-saturated natural oils are rich in micro-nutrients, vitamins, and omega oils, all of which contribute differently to your hair health.

Some oils, like castor oil, also increase cutaneous blood flow. Besides delivering nutrients, the ricinoleic acid in castor oil further enhances blood flow, potentially speeding up hair growth.

You may find that you need to use oil on some days while skipping it on others. The rationale is to avoid washing your hair every day. While this step is beneficial, it is not essential.

(To help you navigate the complex landscape of hair oils, we created a six-question quiz, which you can access HERE >>)

Massaging

Massaging your scalp affects blood flow in two ways. First, it exfoliates the scalp, removing dead skin cells that may clog hair follicles and hinder growth.

Second, massaging stimulates and increases subcutaneous blood flow in your scalp, promoting faster hair growth and thickness, as illustrated in the 2016 study by Koyama. It also facilitates the delivery of nutrients from natural oils into your scalp and hair follicles.

How to Massage Your Scalp Correctly:

It's important to gradually relax the tension in your scalp, starting from the most relaxed areas (at the back of your skull, or occipital) to the areas above your ears (temporal), and finally to the most tense areas on your vertex and crown.

If you massage your scalp regularly, it might encourage hair that's already on its way out (telogen) to shed sooner from the follicles, making room for new hair in the growth stage (anagen). Therefore, some initial increased hair shedding during regular massages is normal and expected.

The pressure should be firm enough so that your fingers don’t glide over your scalp and hair roots but rather move the skin of your scalp—similar to the pressure used in deep tissue massage.

Direction of blood flow

If you’ve ever been or seen a kid hanging upside down on a playground climber or did a headstand in your yoga class, you know the resulting red face and dizziness that follows. More blood flow into your head causes that. Some inversion method instructions actually tell you do a full head or handstand and hold it for 4 minutes. Some, more lenient ones, just tell you to hang upside down from the side of your bed, which is the less effortful and a safer option. Regardless which one you choose, the act of inversion itself is the key ingredient of instilling better blood flow which impacts your hair growth.

Your hair follicles or receive their nutrition from the surrounding blood vessels originating from the dermis. These blood vessels supply nutrition to your hair follicles, remove waste and enhance hair growth.

How to do inversion method for hair growth?

We looked at the science and individual components of the inversion method, and if you are convinced, you may want to give it a go.

• Select a natural oil of choice – about 2-4 tablespoons, depending on your hair density
• Warm oil in a water bath, making sure it's not too hot so you you don’t accidentally burn yourself
• Massage warm oil into the roots of your hair and scalp – start from the back of your head, where the scalp tension is at its lowest and then work your way around to the area above your ears and temples, ending up at the crown of your head.
• Put your head upside down in whichever position you find comfortable. Hanging off the side of the bed, sitting in a chair with your hair between your legs, or practicing your Uttanasana (forward folding position in yoga) – just make sure you can maintain your head in this position for the next 4 minutes. Having said that, headstand position in yoga (Sirsasana) while does also deliver blood flow to scalp, it applies pressure on the crown of your scalp – which is better to be avoided
• After the elapsed 4 minutes, take your time returning to normal position, as you may experience dizziness
• This step is optional but is recommended: if time allows, leave the oil in your hair for 2-3 hours, or sleep with it left-in overnight as the increased blood flow helps absorbency of nutrients from the natural oils you used
• Rinse off the oil with your usual shampoo + conditioner routine
• Repeat this procedure once or twice daily over the period of 7 days

Does the Inversion Method Work Without Oil?

The key aspect of the inversion method is the direction of blood flow to the scalp, combined with the stimulation provided by scalp massage. While adding oil to the routine can enhance the benefits—since improved blood flow helps absorb nutrients from the oil—it is not a requirement. If using oil every day means you will need to wash your hair daily, it might not be practical.

Daily hair washing can damage your strands, so if you're doing the inversion method for one week, you can skip oil on the days you don't plan to wash your hair afterward.

How Often Can I Do the Inversion Method for Hair?

The inversion method is unlikely to be effective if you increase the frequency to more than one week per month. Simply put, your body becomes accustomed to the blood flow, and the effects will not be as pronounced as in the first week.

Consider other supplemental alternatives that also promote healthy blood flow to the scalp. For example, The Hair Fuel scalp treatment works directly with your blood flow and delivers essential nutrients, including DHT blockers, to your scalp on a weekly basis. You might also consider using derma rollers and regular scalp massages.

Contraindications for using inversion method to grow hair

If you're subject to any of the conditions listed below, inversion method to grow your hair should be avoided:

• Pregnancy
• High blood pressure
• Vertigo
• Ear infection or pain
• Detached retina
• Back or spinal pain

There are also other factors, such as stress, which if managed correctly, can help you on your hair growing journey.

Happy inverting!

Sources:

Distribution of Blood Flow within the Skin of the Rabbit with Particular Reference to Hair Growth, (1)

Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography, (2)

Minoxidil: mechanisms of action on hair growth,  (3)

Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue, (4)

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