Increase intake of dark-colored foods. These foods primarily benefit the kidneys, helping to nourish kidney essence.Incorporate dark-colored foods like black sesame seeds, black fungus, black beans, and black glutinous rice into your daily diet. For example, start your day with black sesame or black bean powder. Additionally, longan, red dates (or black dates), and dark grapes help prevent hair loss. Seaweed, such as kelp and laver, rich in iodine, promotes hair luster.
Go to bed before 11 PM. Many TCM practitioners agree that rather than aggressively consuming supplements to nourish the liver and kidneys to prevent premature graying or hair loss, getting adequate sleep is more effective. From a TCM perspective, blood flows through the gallbladder and liver between 11 PM and 3 AM. Therefore, the body should be fully rested during this period. Otherwise, the liver's repair function is impaired, hindering the replenishment of liver blood, which in turn affects normal hair growth.
Engage in regular exercise to relax the body and mind. Regular physical activity is the best way to ensure smooth circulation of qi and blood throughout the body, especially to the scalp. Pay particular attention to exercises for the lower limbs and the shoulder-neck area. Modern lifestyles often involve prolonged sitting, leading to poor circulation in the lower body.
Massage the scalp with your fingers. Choose combs made of natural wood or horn, as these are less likely to generate static electricity or cause damage by pulling on the hair.When no comb is available, use your fingers instead. Comb from front to back, then use fingertips to gently massage the scalp in circular motions or lightly tap the entire scalp to stimulate blood flow. If hair whitening or shedding is particularly noticeable in a specific scalp area, intensify massage in that region.
Change hairstyles regularly. Women should avoid tying hair tightly for extended periods daily, as excessive pulling can increase hair loss. Additionally, avoid frequently wearing overly tight headbands, which may impair local scalp circulation. When tying hair, vary the style—don't consistently pull hair from the same area—and switch parting sides often. This prevents hair thinning from repetitive styling.