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Does scalp massage help hair growth?

Do scalp massagers work? Can any of them really stimulate hair growth?

Nowadays different hair care treatments and procedures are praised, and one of them is the scalp massage. Is it worth the hype? Is scalp massage a good decision for natural hair growth? Today we will talk about scalp massage benefits and nuances of selecting and using a scalp massager for hair growth, answer your questions, and reveal other interesting facts you could be curious about.

What Is a Scalp Massage?

A scalp massage is a procedure that can help not only weaken headaches and have a rest after a hard day – a lot of people confirm that it can also stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. There are two general scalp massage techniques. One of them implies doing the procedure with hands and fingers in particular, while the second requires using scalp massagers. In both cases, the aim is the same – to relax and to get healthier hair.

Benefits of the Scalp Massage

A properly done massage helps dilate arteries in the scalp, improves blood flow to the hair follicles, and even extends the hair life cycle. In essence, the low pressure applied to the scalp positively affects blood circulation which leads to enhanced oxygen absorption. Raising the amount of oxygen delivered to the follicles helps the hair grow faster and improves hair texture over time. Besides, regularly massaging your scalp will:

– positively affect the head muscles;

– increase the tone of the skin;

– improve blood circulation;

– normalize the nervous system;

– relieve fatigue;

– enhance the effect of medical products for hair.

The procedures can relieve headaches, insomnia, neck and occipital pains. Cosmetic effects include skin moisturizing which is so important if you deal with seborrhea or simply want to strengthen the hair follicles and accelerate hair growth.

Manual Scalp Massage vs. Hair Scalp Massager

Manual scalp massage is cheaper. However, you’ll definitely need to learn several good massaging techniques if you want to upgrade your skills and really wake your hair up and encourage it to grow faster. On the contrary, using a specially designed head scalp massager is much more effective since, with its help, it is possible to do an effective deep tissue scalp massage. I always recommend mixing different types of massage. Read on to find out more!

Types of Scalp Massagers

What is the best scalp massager? Actually, you can use any scalp massage tool you find the most relaxing and pleasant for you. Nowadays, there are a lot of massagers that can help regrow hair. You will see a wide range of massagers for your scalp on the market, starting from simple Jade stone combs and scratching whisks, ending with modern vibrating gadgets. The choice depends on your individual preferences.

The most popular type of scalp massagers is, of course, the handheld one. The shower scalp massager is the first to come to mind if someone asks about scalp massagers. Well, it is a good and budget-friendly choice. It is also called the shampoo brush and it can be used for both wet and dry hair.

The Jade comb is a comb made of the healing Jade stone. You must have already heard of the Jade rollers for the face. Combing has been used as the Chinese self-healing treatment for thousands of years. It improves blood circulation and boosts lymphatic drainage. Advice: Gently massage the scalp with a natural Jade comb and then move to the back of your shoulders and neck to relax and relieve tension. Don’t stop. “Combing” the body helps to reduce cellulite.

A lot of people agitate for electric scalp massagers and even acupuncture massaging helmets. Smaller smart scalp massagers with rotating massage heads and soft silicone bristles are often waterproof; so, they can also be used in the shower. Another type of electric massagers is wire scalp massagers. Such massagers are quite effective, but some of them are not portable. If you want to have a scalp massager on hand any time, even during trips, choose wireless models or those that can be charged via USB.

Massaging brushes with red light therapy become more and more popular. They are reported to make hair softer after a few uses.

There are even DIY tutorials showing how to make a homemade scalp massager from any cheap whisk: just bisect its metal rods, make them smoother with the help of pliers, dip the ends into the silicon or glue, and that’s it. Massage your head gently top-down, from the crown to ears.

How to Massage Scalp for Hair Growth?

If you are going to massage your head with fingers, be it in the shower or during the day, remember to avoid excess pressure on the scalp. Make soft, circular motions all over your entire scalp. You can do it before and after a shower or at any suitable time.

In case you use a scalp massager, you should follow almost the same rules, but the procedure will be much more effective. You should also use circular motions and medium or even light pressure.

To enhance the effect of scalp massage to regrow hair, it is recommendable to apply essential oils. You can mix one of them with a carrier oil, for example, coconut oil, and leave the mixture on your hair for at least 30 minutes. Choose oils according to your hair type.

Frequently Asked Questions

– How often to massage scalp for hair growth?

It depends on what your goal is. To regrow your hair, improve thickness, and prevent hair loss, you should repeat the procedure daily, at least 1-2 times.

– How long to massage your scalp for hair growth?

The time spent on one procedure should be no less than 5 minutes. For better effect, it is recommended to massage the scalp for at least 10 minutes per one procedure.

– Can scalp massage cause hair loss?

No. If the procedure is done gently, you will not lose a single hair.

– What happens if you massage your scalp every day?

Daily massage will help extend the growth cycle of the hair, boost follicles growth, relieve fatigue, and even improve your hair texture.

– Do scalp massagers help with dandruff?

Yes, because head massagers exfoliate the scalp, thus helping to remove the dead skin cells and flakes. However, any situation is different. If you have any severe hair and scalp conditions, consult a specialist.

Scalp Massage Negative Effects

Can you over massage your scalp? No. Until you avoid scratching it to bleeding. The only unwanted effect may be the need to wash your hair more often. Also, it is better to avoid massaging the scalp if it is damaged, the lymph nodes are inflamed, and arterial pressure or body temperature is above the norm. Readers also ask if massaging the scalp can make hair fall out. You will definitely notice more hair shedding, but only because these hairs are among those 100 per day that have to fall out anyway.

As you see, a good and regular scalp massage is a perfect way not only to relax but also to improve hair growth and make your hair thicker. Although there is a great possibility to do it with fingertips, this procedure will be more effective if you use one of the above-mentioned scalp massagers. Moreover, you may always find a skilled massage therapist that will do the job for you. Very often spa salons have offers that include scalp and full-body massage and face masks, so do some research and give yourself a gift!

Featured Image: jcomp – www.freepik.com

by Donna Sullivan
Donna is a hairstylist with 8 years of experience. Ask her about any hair-related problem (haircuts, hairstyles, colorings, hair care) and get a pro advice!