The Ancient Wisdom of “Hair as a Reflection of Blood”
How Diet Affects Hair Health: The Role of Nutrition
The Connection Between Hair and Vitality in Animals
Human Hair and Evolution: Why We Value Thick Hair
The Role of Hormones in Hair Thickness
Why Hair Becomes Thinner with Age
The Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Hair Health
Common Causes of Dull, Thin Hair
How to Nourish Your Hair from the Inside Out
The Importance of Emotional Well-Being for Hair Health
Hair Loss and Postpartum Dieting: The Risks
The Link Between Love, Care, and Healthy Hair
Practical Tips for Achieving Thick, Shiny Hair
Conclusion: Embracing Holistic Hair Care
📝 1. Introduction: Why Hair Thickness and Shine Matter
Thick, lustrous hair is often seen as a sign of beauty, youth, and health. But what exactly makes hair thick and shiny? The answer lies not just in external products but also in how we nourish our bodies and care for ourselves.
In this article, we’ll explore the ancient wisdom of “발자혈지여(髮者血之餘)”, which means “Hair is the surplus of blood,” and how it applies to modern hair care practices.
📜 2. The Ancient Wisdom of “Hair as a Reflection of Blood”
The phrase “발자혈지여(髮者血之餘)” originates from traditional Eastern medicine, particularly from the Dongui Bogam (동의보감), a classic Korean medical text. It means:
“Hair is made from the surplus of blood.”
According to this belief, the body uses blood to sustain essential physiological functions first. Once these needs are met, any leftover blood is used to nourish hair.
This concept emphasizes that hair health is directly linked to overall blood circulation and vitality. If someone’s hair is thick and shiny, it indicates they have an abundance of blood and energy in their body.
🦁 3. How Diet Affects Hair Health: The Role of Nutrition
Just as a well-fed animal has a glossy coat, a person with a balanced diet is more likely to have healthy hair. This is because hair growth requires essential nutrients like:
Protein for building hair structure
Iron for blood production
Zinc to maintain scalp health
Biotin and Vitamins (B, D, E) for strengthening hair follicles
In traditional medicine, food is seen as the primary source of blood production. Therefore, a nutrient-rich diet is essential for promoting healthy, thick hair.
🐾 4. The Connection Between Hair and Vitality in Animals
If you’ve ever owned a pet, you may have noticed that their fur becomes shinier when they eat high-quality food and receive proper care.
For example:
A lion’s mane is a symbol of strength and dominance.
A deer’s antlers grow as a sign of vitality.
A peacock’s feathers display health and attractiveness.
In the animal kingdom, visible features like fur, feathers, or antlers serve as indicators of health and reproductive fitness. Similarly, for humans, thick, shiny hair signals vitality and good health.
🌱 5. Human Hair and Evolution: Why We Value Thick Hair
Unlike animals, humans don’t rely heavily on body hair for survival. However, the hair we do have — especially on our heads — serves important evolutionary and social functions.
In evolutionary terms:
Hair protected early humans from the sun.
Thick hair signaled health, youth, and fertility to potential mates.
As humans evolved, hair became more than just a practical feature. It turned into a symbol of beauty, status, and reproductive fitness.
🔄 6. The Role of Hormones in Hair Thickness
Hormones play a key role in hair thickness and texture. For example:
Estrogen promotes hair growth and thickness in women.
Testosterone and DHT affect hair density in men, often causing hair loss.
Cortisol (stress hormone) can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning hair.
Hormonal imbalances can cause changes in hair texture, thickness, and even color.
⏳ 7. Why Hair Becomes Thinner with Age
As we age, our hair naturally becomes thinner due to:
Reduced blood flow to the scalp
Slower cell regeneration
Hormonal changes
This is why children often have fine hair that becomes thicker during puberty and then gradually thins out as they age.
📉 8. The Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Hair Health
Despite having access to abundant food, many people today experience hair loss and thinning. This can be attributed to several lifestyle factors, such as:
Modern Factor
Impact on Hair
Processed foods
Nutrient deficiencies
High stress levels
Hormonal imbalances
Lack of sleep
Reduced blood circulation
Sedentary lifestyle
Poor scalp health
🍽 9. Common Causes of Dull, Thin Hair
Common factors that contribute to dull, thin hair include:
Poor diet
Stress and anxiety
Hormonal imbalances
Excessive heat styling and chemical treatments
To achieve thick, shiny hair, it’s crucial to address these underlying causes.
🧪 10. How to Nourish Your Hair from the Inside Out
To promote healthy hair growth, focus on nourishing your body from within. This means:
Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins
Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
Reducing stress through mindfulness and relaxation techniques
💖 11. The Importance of Emotional Well-Being for Hair Health
Hair health isn’t just about physical well-being — it’s also tied to emotional health. People who feel loved, cared for, and supported tend to have healthier hair.
Stress, anxiety, and depression can all negatively affect hair growth.
🤰 12. Hair Loss and Postpartum Dieting: The Risks
Many new mothers experience postpartum hair loss, especially if they start dieting too soon after giving birth. This happens because:
Pregnancy depletes the body’s nutrient reserves.
Dieting can further reduce the body’s ability to produce blood and nourish hair.
For new mothers, a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential to prevent hair loss.
💡 13. The Link Between Love, Care, and Healthy Hair
Just like pets thrive when they are loved and well-fed, humans, too, benefit from love and care. Hair health improves when we feel:
Emotionally supported
Physically nourished
Mentally balanced
🧴 14. Practical Tips for Achieving Thick, Shiny Hair
Here are some practical tips to maintain thick, lustrous hair:
