Ever wonder why your hair doesn't grow back thick anymore? Maybe your scalp needs better blood flow: centella could help.

Have you ever wondered why your hair doesn't grow as thick as it used to? Maybe your scalp needs better blood flow: centella could help.

Many people notice that, as they age, their hair begins to thin, grow more slowly, or even fall out in specific areas of the scalp. This condition, common in both men and women, isn't always linked to genetics or natural aging. One cause that has gained increasing attention in scientific research is decreased blood flow to the scalp.

When circulation is reduced, hair follicles don't receive enough oxygen and nutrients, compromising their ability to maintain strong, thick, and healthy hair.

What does circulation have to do with hair growth?

Although we often think that hair growth depends solely on genetics or hormones, the truth is that the health of hair follicles is closely linked to blood circulation in the scalp. When this circulation is deficient, the follicles don't receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to stay active and productive. Each hair follicle is connected to a capillary network that feeds it. If these vessels become constricted or clogged, the result is a limited supply, causing the hair to enter a longer resting phase (telogen phase).

During this phase, hair doesn't grow, thins, or even falls out. Efficient circulation keeps follicles in the anagen phase, the active stage of growth.

In addition, good blood perfusion helps remove waste products and free radicals that can damage the follicles. Oxidative stress, which can be caused by poor circulation, has also been linked to hair loss, making blood flow essential for maintaining a healthy scalp.

This link between blood flow and hair health has been supported by research such as that of Kang, who found decreased blood flow in the bald areas of people with androgenetic alopecia.

When the Problem Is Hormonal: DHT and Circulation

One of the main causes of hair loss in men and women is androgenetic alopecia, related to the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. This hormone binds to the hair follicle receptors and miniaturizes them, making each new hair finer than the previous one, until they eventually stop producing hair.

But DHT doesn't act alone. It has been observed that it can also reduce scalp microcirculation. This exacerbates the problem: it not only damages the follicle but also limits access to nutrients that could help it survive.

In this context, improving blood flow might not completely reverse hormonal damage, but it can provide a more favorable environment for regeneration and strengthen the still-active follicles.

What if the cause is an inflammatory scalp disease?

Other conditions, such as alopecia areata or seborrheic dermatitis, also influence circulation. In the case of alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. This response generates local inflammation that not only damages the follicles but also alters their vascular environment.

Even metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes can affect the scalp's microcirculation. Sustained hyperglycemia damages the body's small vessels, including those in the scalp, further decreasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients.

Therefore, when discussing hair loss, it is essential to understand that there is no single cause, and that improving circulation will not solve everything. However, it can be an important supporting factor for other treatments, especially if done in conjunction with natural ingredients, such as centella, that offer multiple benefits without severe adverse effects.

Hair growth is regulated by hair follicles, tiny structures in the skin that function as hair factories. These factories require a constant supply of nutrients, vitamins, and oxygen to produce quality hair.

All of this reaches them through the bloodstream. If the scalp's microcirculation is compromised, the nutrition received by the follicles decreases. As a result, they enter a longer resting phase (called telogen) and produce finer hairs or even stop producing them altogether. This phenomenon has been explored in studies such as one published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2020, which evaluated blood flow in patients with androgenetic alopecia. It was observed that in the areas affected by hair loss, blood perfusion was significantly lower than in other areas of the scalp.

Another is the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule, in its 100 ml presentation. This concentrated serum uses 97% pure Centella Asiatica extract from Madagascar. This ingredient has a long history in traditional medicine, and its effectiveness has been supported by modern studies. Centella is known for its soothing and regenerative properties, making it an excellent choice for improving blood circulation in the scalp.

In addition, this serum contains hyaluronic acid, which helps keep skin hydrated and smooth. Skin1004 promotes this product as a solution to soothe and restore irritated or inflamed skin, offering deep hydration and improving skin texture with continued use. The brand emphasizes that this ampoule is ideal for people with sensitive skin, as it not only soothes but also improves skin elasticity and radiance over the long term.

The Mary May Centella Asiatica Sensitive Essence 100ml is another excellent product for those looking to treat sensitive skin or irritated scalps. This serum is specifically formulated to combat inflammation and irritation, thanks to the high concentration of Centella Asiatica, which soothes and promotes cell regeneration.

The essence also contains hydrating and nourishing ingredients that help restore the skin's natural balance without causing adverse effects. The brand emphasizes that it is a lightweight treatment, perfect for skin that cannot tolerate heavy or overly concentrated products, and that it can be used on both the face and scalp. The advertising emphasizes its ability to be absorbed quickly, leaving the skin refreshed and soothed without feeling greasy.

The Centella Asiatica Hyaluronic Sensitive Ampoule 50ml focuses on soothing and regenerating the skin through a potent combination of Centella Asiatica and hyaluronic acid.

This product is perfect for those seeking a targeted treatment for irritated or inflamed skin, as it not only improves circulation but also deeply hydrates, helping to restore the skin barrier. The formula is designed to be gentle and lightweight, without irritating or overloading the skin, making it ideal for use on both the face and scalp. The brand promotes it as an essential ally for those who suffer from sensitive or allergic skin reactions, highlighting that with regular use, people experience a noticeable improvement in skin texture and resilience. Finally, the Ivory Centella Asiatica Facial Ampoule 30ml is a concentrated serum with Centella Asiatica that focuses on cell regeneration and improved circulation.

This product is ideal for those looking for a gentle yet effective treatment to soothe irritated or inflamed skin.

In addition to Centella, the serum contains other ingredients that help hydrate and restore skin elasticity. In its marketing descriptions, Ivory highlights its effectiveness in short-term treatments to improve the appearance of the skin, leaving it soft, bright, and healthier-looking.

Each of these products has a specific range of ingredients that support both circulation and skin regeneration. Although they do not replace medical treatments, they can be effective allies in improving the overall health of the scalp and skin in general.

User Experiences

Several community members on Tressless have discussed the potential role of Centella asiatica (also known as Gotu Kola) in improving scalp health and possibly enhancing hair regrowth. The sentiment around this natural compound is cautiously optimistic, with users exploring its benefits in conjunction with other treatments.

One user in a discussion about hair transplant complications mentioned using a combination of La Roche-Posay B5 cream, thermal water, and Centella asiatica to soothe inflammation and promote scalp healing after experiencing what appeared to be severe shock loss in the donor area. This individual was also using oral minoxidil and dutasteride. Others in the thread noted that centella-based creams can reduce inflammation and support the skin barrier, which could indirectly help create a healthier scalp environment conducive to hair regrowth.

In a separate conversation about experimental treatments, another user touched on Centella asiatica-derived exosomes as part of a broader discussion on cutting-edge therapies. While exosomes in general were viewed with skepticism due to questions around their stability and efficacy, the mention of centella-based exosomes highlights ongoing interest in the plant's bioactive properties—particularly for its potential in boosting blood flow and cellular regeneration in the scalp.

Though not as mainstream as finasteride or minoxidil, Centella asiatica appears to be gaining traction as a supportive agent in managing inflammation and promoting skin health, with some users incorporating it into their post-procedure or general care routines. However, no one reported dramatic regrowth from centella alone—it's generally used alongside proven treatments.

Is Centella worth trying?

Although there's no single miracle treatment for hair loss, recent studies and clinical experience support centella asiatica as a promising ingredient, especially in cases where circulation or inflammation play a role.

Incorporating centella products can be a safe and natural way to complement other treatments, especially if you're looking to strengthen your scalp, improve microcirculation, and provide your follicles with a healthier environment to grow. As always, before starting any new routine—even one with natural ingredients— it's advisable to consult a dermatologist, especially if your hair loss is severe or sudden. But if you're looking to support your scalp's health with a simple, daily gesture, centella could be your ally.

References

Kim, J. H., Kim, D. H., Lim, H., Baek, D. Y., Shin, H. K., & Kim, J. K. (2017). Hair growth promoting activity of Centella asiatica extracts in human dermal papilla cells. Molecules, 22(6), 1017. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22061017

Lee, J., Lee, J., Jung, E., Kim, Y. S., & Park, D. (2019). The anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects of Centella asiatica extract in humans: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(21), 5317. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20215317

Kang, J. S., Lee, S. Y., & Choi, J. H. (2020). Scalp blood flow and alopecia: A pilot study using laser speckle flowgraphy. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(1), 140–146. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13060

Medicube. (n.d.). Medicube Red Centella Balm – Sensitive skin & breakouts. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Medicube-Sensitive-breakouts-Low-irritating-Moisturizing/dp/B0DGPVMCQG/

SKIN1004. (n.d.). Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule – Calming and hydrating serum. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Skin1004-Madagascar-Centella-Asiatica-Ampoule/dp/B06Y15D1LH/

Mary & May. (n.d.). Centella Asiatica Serum for sensitive skin. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Mary-May-Centella-Asiatica-sensitive/dp/B09713JPRP/

Centella Asiatica & Hyaluronic Acid. (n.d.). Hydrating serum for sensitive skin and irritation relief. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Centella-Asiatica-Hyaluronic-Sensitive-Irritation/dp/B0D96TTTLV/

SKIN1004. (n.d.). Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream – Strengthening and soothing barrier cream. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/SKIN1004-Madagascar-Centella-Probio-Cica-Enrich/dp/B0BTPGPK7H/

Ivory. (n.d.). Centella Asiatica Ampoule – Facial serum for soothing and hydration. Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Ivory-Centella-Asiatica-Ampoule-Facial/dp/B0D5FDSDZX/