The Inversion Method for Hair Growth: A Complete Guide

Does it really work?

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Stocksy / Design by Michela Buttignol

There's never been a shortage of "quick hair growth" gimmicks, schemes, and products. You know the hype: before and after pictures showcasing the back of a woman who seemingly grew inches of hair overnight. Most people know that's unrealistic, but it still doesn't stop many of us from sitting up and paying attention when a company makes claims of instant hair growth.

One of the latest hair growth crazes making its way among the hair-obsessed is the Inversion Method. Here’s everything you need to know about the inversion method, including how it works and what the benefits are with help from a trichologist. Keep scrolling to learn more, including the pros, cons, and how you can tell if it really worked for you.

Meet the Expert

Leata A. Williams is a trichologist and the founder of Mane Theory, Inc., a hair restoration service.

What Is the Inversion Method?

"The inversion method is a new trend that was started on the Internet," says trichologist, Leata A. Williams. "People believe that this method will make your hair grow one to two inches a month because inverting your head causes more blood to flow to your head." As the term suggests, you invert yourself, or just your head.

"The point of the inversion method is to stimulate follicles, by blood flow so people are doing handstands, using fitness inversion tables, and putting their head between their legs to cause a rush to the scalp," says Williams. There are claims that suggest that following this method can result in one inch of hair growth in a week. Now, knowing that the average rate of growth is 1/2 inch per month, this incredibly quick technique certainly sounds attractive to someone who wants longer hair right now. But does it work?

How Does the Inversion Method Work?

The inversion method requires two things: hair oil and a comfortable place to invert. Lying on your back so that your head hangs over the side or end of your bed is how many people do it since everyone isn't able to do a handstand or doesn't own an inversion table. Alternately, you can also sit in a chair and bend forward from the waist so that your head hangs between your knees, or stand and bend over, touching your toes if you can.

After warming up a small amount of oil (coconut, jojoba oil, grapeseed or Jamaican Black Castor Oil are good choices), thoroughly massage it into your scalp and then invert yourself. This should be done twice a day for several (three to five) minutes at a time. Follow this routine for seven straight days. It's advised to leave the oil on your scalp for a minimum of two to three hours afterward, but you can still shampoo or co-wash after if desired.

Does the Inversion Method Really Work For Hair Growth?

"In my opinion, this method does not work," says Williams. "There is no scientific proof behind this method." However, there is one piece of this method our haircare expert does find useful. "People are using essential oils to massage their scalp prior to doing this method," she says. "I do believe that a blend of essential oils with carrier oils will be far more effective in stimulating the scalp before handstands and utilizing inversion tables." Williams also adds that there is no way to determine how long you'd need to practice this method to see results. "The amount of time that it would take to see a difference in hair growth with this method is indeterminable."

Byrdie Tip

You might want to invest in a t-shirt, like the Hair Length Check Growth Chart Women's T-Shirt ($18), designed to help measure hair growth since it already has marking lines, making it easy to use (plus you won't have to break out your own ruler).

Is the Inversion Method Safe?

With any natural remedy, it is always best to check in with your healthcare provider before giving anything new a try. Williams wants those who try this method to be mindful of inverting, especially depending on your unique health concerns. "It is important to be mindful of what happens when you stand your body upside down—your blood pressure increases," she says.

"So if you have certain illnesses such as high blood pressure and heart disease, this is something that you wouldn't want to try." If you do still decide to try this method, listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or nauseous at any time, stop inverting and slowly get back into an upright position.

The Final Takeaway

Williams says the focus should always be on taking time to nurture yourself and your hair, not just hair growth. "If you begin to care for your hair from the inside out (eating healthy, taking the vitamins needed, exercising, and washing and conditioning your hair frequently) you will experience a change in two to three months," she notes.

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