As far back as I can remember, the hair care market has always been full of controversial hair growth products, gimmicks, and methods that promise incredibly fast hair growth.
Over the years, the internet has greatly increased the number of “before and after photos” that show women who in one way or another have “grown” several inches of hair seemingly overnight.
Although most of us know that such fast hair growth is unrealistic, we still pay attention every time someone claims that their product or method can make your hair grow instantly (or faster).
Having said that, let’s take a look at another hair growth method – commonly referred to as the “inversion method”.
What Is the Inversion Method?
The inversion method involves two primary steps:
Massaging your scalp nightly with an oil
Turning your head upside down for up to 4 minutes
This method is supposed to help you gain up to four inches in hair growth.
Science Behind The Inversion Method for Hair Growth
1. Do Scalp Massages Generate Hair Growth
This method uses scalp massages to stimulate growth and even re-growth of lost hair. Research carried out on scalp massages have proven to help hair regrow in rats, although research has not substantiated the claim that the hair will grow faster – only grow or regrow.
Although the scientific data around scalp massages don’t yet fully substantiate the hair growth in humans, due to the success seen in rats, it is believed that scalp massages stimulate hair growth. However, it is important to note that even in rats, the massages mostly stimulate normal growth, and not faster growth.
2. Does Inversion Work? Is the Inversion Method Safe?
Turning the head upside down is intended to increase blood flow to the scalp. The inversion method claims that this increased flow of blood will promote hair growth.
According to The Journal of Clinical Investigation (Feb. 2001, Volume 107, Number 4), pages 409-417, studies carried out in mice have shown if some blood vessels are blocked, hair growth decreases.
This would suggest that good blood flow is important for hair growth. However, if you turn your head upside down you can potentially cause your body to develop a number of health complications.
The risk of such complications is dependent on the individual. You should always consult a medical professional before you attempt to perform experimental hair care methods.
Using the Inversion Method for Hair Growth
Many women are searching for something new, a potential scientific hair growth breakthrough, despite the fact that the best hair growth methods are well documented.
There are many different factors that determine the speed of your hair growth, but the one that is most important is time. It sounds really simple, but there isn’t a substitute for just letting your hair grow.
Hair growth follows a very specific process, and for your hair to be healthy and look its best, that process must be carried out in full, and that process requires time.
Some people just naturally have hair that grows faster or slower than others. The good news is that regardless of your natural rate of hair growth, your hair is always in the process of growing on a 24-hour basis.
The Inversion Method: Results and Reviews
If you want to try the inversion method, chances are that it won’t make any difference. The scalp massages will help promote hair growth, and scientific data tends to purport this claim.
My recommendation would be to simply massage your scalp in a circular motion and avoid exposing yourself to potential complications associated with turning yourself upside down.
However, unlike some other hair growth methods, this one doesn’t cost much money. Additionally, it won’t take up too much of your time. If you choose to try it, make sure it does not affect your health in any negative way and consult with a medical professional.
No amount of hair growth can justify putting your well-being at risk. If you happen to get nauseous or dizzy during the process, slowly get yourself back upright to avoid injury.
Curl Centric does not recommend the inversion method for hair growth. However, we do recommend If You Love It, it Will Grow by Dr. Phoenyx Austin.
This book is ideal for women looking for new techniques to optimize their natural hair growth. Use this link to learn more about Dr. Austin’s book.
Reader Interactions
Comments
beryl benbowsays
There is a reflexology exercise that promotes hair growth.
Rubbing your nails together is meant to send signals to the brain that cause’s it to to send more … I had a book on reflexology and the author promoted nail buffing to regrow hair.
I tried the inversion method and I have only done it for one day. I am desperate for at least 1 inch of hair in a week or so. I wanted just 1 inch cut off, but I got 3 for some reason. I really don’t like it and want my long hair back.
It does work by the end of 5 days, keep massaging your hair with oil and you head upside down, and youll grow one inch of hair a month. Only do it 5 days a month or else its not effective
Inversion method works but you do not need to follow it exactly. The issue is blood flow and circulation. The scalp and especially the crown do not have as many blood vessels as the rest of the body. Therefore blood flow is already low compared to other regions and as you get older this decreases. Anything that increases blood flow circulation to the scalp will help with hair growth. That means inversion, scalp massage, heat, exercise, & stimulants (e.g. peppermint, capsaicin, caffeine) will all work to varying degrees based on how much they are able to stimulate the blood flow to the scalp.
It should be noted that diet plays a major role, especially iron. If your ferritin levels drop below 30, your hair will not grow and in order to get it back to normal growth rates you have to get your levels above 60. My dermatologist also said that protein intake and fats also play a role.
Normal growth rates are .5-1 inch per month based on genetics
I started taking warfarin (blood thinner) in April 2019 and in August my hair starting falling out. It is now so thin that I have to pull back in ponytail! It’s awful. Will this inversion method help me to regain my hair while I am still taking the warfarin?
hi! i would like it if someone replied fast. i got my bangs cut, and usually i trim them by myself, but this time i cut them too short. i am eating foods to boost growth like berries, nuts, oats, and peanut butter. i need it grown out by saturday, today is tuesday, because im seeing my dad for the first time. does this ACTUALLY work? i dont nerd an inch, maybe 1-2 centimeters.
Curl Centric does not recommend the inversion method for hair growth. However, we do recommend If You Love It, it Will Grow by Dr. Phoenyx Austin.
beryl benbow says
There is a reflexology exercise that promotes hair growth.
Rubbing your nails together is meant to send signals to the brain that cause’s it to to send more … I had a book on reflexology and the author promoted nail buffing to regrow hair.
Kira says
Beryl,
This is interesting! Do you have the name of the book?
Kira
NaturalMan says
Seriously that’s different
Olivia says
So you just rub your nails together and your hair grows?
Mari says
No you rub your finger tips on your scalp
Ellie says
Seems to work, but not more than 1/2 inch to an inch.
Anna says
it didnt work
Tess says
I tried the inversion method and I have only done it for one day. I am desperate for at least 1 inch of hair in a week or so. I wanted just 1 inch cut off, but I got 3 for some reason. I really don’t like it and want my long hair back.
Gina says
Tess, did this work for you? Keep reading about, but wondering. I too asked for an inch and she was scissor happy.
alyssa says
It does work by the end of 5 days, keep massaging your hair with oil and you head upside down, and youll grow one inch of hair a month. Only do it 5 days a month or else its not effective
GC says
Hair grows more than 1 inch a month anyway. Normally.
Bill says
If one concentrates super seriously then the hair follicles will hear your heart and bid you hair. Fast and strong. Shiny and long. Good tidings.
A says
…..but seriously sarcasm is no ones friend.
Maria says
Did anyone else find the inversion method effective? I’m desperate for my long hair back!
Pucelle says
Inversion method works but you do not need to follow it exactly. The issue is blood flow and circulation. The scalp and especially the crown do not have as many blood vessels as the rest of the body. Therefore blood flow is already low compared to other regions and as you get older this decreases. Anything that increases blood flow circulation to the scalp will help with hair growth. That means inversion, scalp massage, heat, exercise, & stimulants (e.g. peppermint, capsaicin, caffeine) will all work to varying degrees based on how much they are able to stimulate the blood flow to the scalp.
It should be noted that diet plays a major role, especially iron. If your ferritin levels drop below 30, your hair will not grow and in order to get it back to normal growth rates you have to get your levels above 60. My dermatologist also said that protein intake and fats also play a role.
Normal growth rates are .5-1 inch per month based on genetics
CONNIE BERRYMAN says
I started taking warfarin (blood thinner) in April 2019 and in August my hair starting falling out. It is now so thin that I have to pull back in ponytail! It’s awful. Will this inversion method help me to regain my hair while I am still taking the warfarin?
Marian says
Can the inversion method work without oil or do I have to use an oil? And If I don´t use an oil will the results be the same?
ellie says
hi! i would like it if someone replied fast. i got my bangs cut, and usually i trim them by myself, but this time i cut them too short. i am eating foods to boost growth like berries, nuts, oats, and peanut butter. i need it grown out by saturday, today is tuesday, because im seeing my dad for the first time. does this ACTUALLY work? i dont nerd an inch, maybe 1-2 centimeters.