Hair grows approximately 1/2 an inch a month. If you are trying to grow your hair halfway down your back, this certainly does not sound like a lot of length. Factor in necessary trims and it may feel like your hair is taking forever to gain some length. Eating well, taking hair supplements, and giving yourself scalp massages a couple times a week with oils may help to increase the growth a bit. The Inversion Method, however, is supposed to significantly help with hair growth. This method is not scientifically proven but of course, I had to give it a try. Read on for my personal results.
The Inversion Method claims to grow up to an inch of hair in seven days.
The theory behind it is that being inverted, along with a scalp massage, is supposed to increase circulation to the scalp and allow more blood flow to your hair follicles allowing hair growth to increase. I have seen bloggers and YouTubers try this method and share their results anecdotally so I was anxious to try it for myself.
How to do the Inversion Method
1. Massage an oil of your choice onto your scalp. My personal favorite is coconut oil.
2. Invert for 4 minutes. Suggested positions: Sitting in a chair or on a couch and lowering your head slightly toward feet as if you are painting your toenails, standing at kitchen sink and lowering head as if you are getting ready to wash your hair.
3. Leave the oil to sit on scalp for at least two hours. Co-wash to remove excess oil if necessary.
4. Repeat everyday for only 7 consecutive days/one week. Wait at least 3 weeks between each attempt otherwise, your body gets used to the extra blood flow. Then the method will not work as well, if at all. At worst, you become susceptible to some dangerous health risks. So, only attempt to do this over seven consecutive days once per month (no more than that”>.
FAQ
A question that often gets brought up is why we have to wait 3 weeks before trying this again. People who have found success with the Inversion Method have reported that after 3 weeks their bodies adjusted to the improved circulation directed toward the scalp, and they experienced minimal, if any, growth. Overuse has also reportedly lead to headaches and feelings of weakness. In my opinion it’s not worth putting your health at risk for the extra hair growth.
My Results
I faithfully used the inversion method every day for 7 days for 4 minutes. I chose coconut oil to massage my hair. I found the best way for me to do the inversion was laying off the side of my bed with my head upside down. It wasn’t comfortable at all on my neck which became a bit of an issue.
I do not think I could invert for any longer than 4 minutes. Note, I also have a history of neck problems and dizziness so that may not be the norm, I am just sharing my personal experience. More than once I got a little dizzy, but nothing unbearable that caused me to stop. Much to my dismay, my hair did not miraculously grow an inch that week. I had high hopes and didn’t want to give up.
My hair grew about 1/4 inch which is slightly above average for a week. I will happily take any extra hair growth of course, but I really wanted to achieve 1 inch like so many others did. Something else I was thinking about regarding my results is I do regularly practice yoga a couple times a week, so because there are times when I am inverted in poses perhaps my head is used to the blood flow?
You can chart your progress by taking pictures of your hair or measuring your hair with a ruler. Because I colored my hair and went for a touch up right before trying the inversion method, I measure my new growth in my roots.
Overall, I am disappointed with my results with The Inversion Method, as I hoped for a significant increase in growth like so many others have achieved. I suppose I’ll keep hoping for a different hair growth miracle.
Note: Hair Diary says to avoid trying The Inversion Method if you have any of the following conditions: pregnancy, hernia, low or high blood pressure, recent stroke, heart or circulatory problems, glaucoma, conjunctivitis (Pink Eye”>, detached retina, spinal injury, swollen joints, osteoporosis, unhealed fractures or injuries, ear infection, obesity, or are otherwise unhealthy, or during menstruation.To read more about the science (or lack thereof”> behind the Inversion Method, read here.