How Does A Scalp Massage Work?
A scalp massage is extremely relaxing. It involves applying gentle pressure on the scalp with the fingertips. A scalp massage may promote hair growth in the following ways:
Improves Blood Circulation
Scalp massages stimulate the skin appendages, blood vessels, and nerves and improve blood flow to the skin. The improved blood flow may promote hair growth. A study found that scalp massage could improve hair thickness (1).
Stretches The Scalp Skin
Massage stretches the scalp skin. This stretching changes the gene expression, especially in hair cycle-related genes like IL6, IL6ST, BMP4, NOGGIN, and SMAD4, and promotes hair growth. Stretching is also found to stimulate Wnt signaling (passing signals into a cell) in the hair follicles and accelerate the anagen phase (growth phase) (1). Another survey found that scalp massages stimulated hair thickness in men with androgenic alopecia. About 6.89% of the participants reported hair growth stabilization after six months of regular scalp massage (2). However, further studies and clinical trials are required to establish the effects of scalp massages. Scalp massages have several other benefits. Let’s take a look.
Other Benefits Of A Scalp Massage
1. Relieves Stress
Turns out, a 15-minute scalp massage can reduce your stress levels. A study found that scalp massages positively affect the stress hormone levels, heart rate, and blood pressure levels (3). This promotes relaxation and rejuvenates your mind.
2. Softens The Skin
Massaging improves blood circulation to the skin and softens it. Moreover, the finger movement on your scalp also clears any scalp buildup. This keeps the hair follicles healthy. Now that you have good reasons to perform scalp massages, go through the following section for the best ways to do a scalp massage at home.
How To Do A Scalp Massage At Home
1. Fingertip Scalp Massage
Massage your scalp with the fingertips. Apply a light or medium pressure and move your fingers in a circular motion. Cover the entire scalp. Do it for five minutes every day.
2. Oil Massage
Mix 2-3 drops of any essential oil (like tea tree and peppermint oils) and a tablespoon of any carrier oil (like coconut, jojoba, sweet almond oils). Warm the mixture and massage it onto your scalp with your fingertips. Start from the middle and slowly cover the entire scalp in a circular motion.
3. Use A Scalp Massage Brush
Scalp scrubbers or scalp massaging brushes have multiple benefits. These handheld brushes scrub your head, exfoliate the dead skin cells, scrape product buildup, improve blood circulation, and stimulate the hair follicles. Use one during shampooing to clear all dirt and buildup and promote relaxation. Now, let’s take a look at a few important questions that you may have.
When To Do A Scalp Massage
You may do a scalp massage at your convenience. If you are using oils, do it at least an hour before shampooing or before bedtime. However, remember to cover your head before hitting the bed.
Do I Need Special Scalp Massage Tools?
It is not necessary. Your fingers are enough to exert pressure and stimulate the nerves, skin layers, and blood vessels. However, you may also use scalp brushes and scalp massagers.
Does An Inverted Scalp Massage Help?
There is no scientific proof that an inverted scalp massage or the inversion method can boost hair growth. However, massage may boost blood circulation, which, in turn, may promote hair growth. Learn more about the inversion method. How often should you massage your scalp? Massage the scalp every day for 15 minutes. Does scalp massage damage hair? Massaging your scalp vigorously for too long can damage your hair follicles and cause further breakage. Ensure that you massage your scalp gently in circular motions to avoid any damage.
