Why keeping your head cool and your feet warm can help prevent gray hair and thinning hair
Gray hair is genetic.
Hair thinning is hereditary, so it can’t be helped.
Even professional hairdressers
sometimes think this way.
However, that’s not entirely true,
and there are many ways to prevent it.
Of course, factors like genetics, age, constitution, and health do play a role.
But there is a more fundamental idea,
something I always share with every client.
That is,
keeping the head cool and the feet warm.
This is what’s known as “Zukan Sokunetsu” (head cool, feet warm).
A Concept Based on Eastern Medicine
Keeping the head cool and the feet warm is not just
“something that sounds good”
or “something people have always said.”
It is a theory based on Eastern medicine,
aimed at regulating the body’s circulation.
In Eastern medicine,
the body is viewed not as separate parts,
but as a flow of the whole.
Blood circulation, energy flow, and body temperature distribution.
When these are unbalanced, problems occur.
In Eastern medicine,
hair is referred to as “the surplus of blood.”
The idea is that
blood is first supplied to the most vital organs,
and whatever remains (nutrients)
finally reaches the hair roots in the scalp.
When heat builds up in the head
and the lower body is cold,
circulation becomes poor,
and nutrients cannot reach the tiny capillaries in the scalp.
This imbalance
is the root cause of scalp issues and physical discomfort.
This is a fundamental concept in Eastern medicine.
Most Hair and Scalp Problems Can Be Explained by “Blood Flow”
Gray hair, thinning hair, hair loss, fine hair, lack of elasticity.
What do these all have in common?
The answer is simple.
Poor circulation.
Blood carries
oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and repair signals.
When circulation is poor,
the scalp is no longer an environment that supports growth.
On the other hand,
a well-circulated scalp is naturally more stable and resilient.
Why Children’s Scalps Look “White”
Have you ever looked at a child’s scalp?
It’s not red, but pale (no inflammation).
This indicates healthy skin
and balanced circulation.
When we are young,
blood vessels are flexible and circulation is smooth.
As we age,
lack of exercise, stress, poor sleep, diet, and cold exposure accumulate,
and circulation gradually declines.
I see this as part of the aging process,
where circulation becomes less balanced over time.
Why You Should Not Warm the Head
The head naturally retains heat easily.
- Hot showers
- Long periods of blow-drying
- Wearing hats for extended periods
- Direct sunlight
All of these are forms of “excess heat” for the scalp.
As a result,
it can lead to inflammation of the scalp,
- Increased oxidized sebum
- Uneven blood flow
which can easily occur.
That’s why
the scalp should not be warmed, but rather cooled.
Keep the Lower Body and Abdomen Warm
On the other hand, the lower body and abdomen.
These areas should be kept warm,
regardless of the season.
Even in summer,
- Don’t overcool your ankles with air conditioning
- Avoid excessive intake of cold food and drinks
In Eastern medicine,
a cold lower body means reduced overall circulation.
When the feet are cold,
blood does not circulate upward effectively to the scalp.
The calves act like a pump,
helping circulate blood throughout the body when kept warm or active.
Daily Habits Over Expensive Treatments
More than any expensive treatment or salon service,
consistently practicing this habit in daily life leads to more stable results.
This is because it is not about “fixing” something,
but about maintaining a state where things don’t worsen.
This is preventive beauty.
In Eastern medicine,
there is also the concept of “Mibyo” —
maintaining balance before symptoms appear.
It Still Matters Even If You Already Have Gray Hair or Thinning
This is also important.
This approach is not a magic solution
that “removes gray hair” or “cures thinning.”
However,
- It can prevent further progression
- Slow down the rate of change
- Protect what you currently have
This is absolutely possible.
Just like teeth.
Rather than fixing them after damage,
it’s better to take care of what you still have.
Better Circulation Improves Hair Quality
When circulation improves,
- Color results become more stable
- Perms and straightening respond better
- The overall texture improves
When the foundation is healthy,
a hairdresser’s technique can truly perform at its best.
Age does not matter.
Conclusion: Simple but Most Reliable
- Keep the lower body and abdomen warm, especially the feet
- Keep the head cool
This is a concept based on Eastern medicine,
with a clear rationale.
Avoid washing your hair with hot water, take half-body baths.
Wear toe socks or abdominal warmers.
Drink warm miso soup to support digestion.
It may seem simple,
but the longer you continue, the greater the difference.
That’s why
I always share this with every client.
Improving circulation.
That is the answer behind head-cool, feet-warm.
