Scalp care is vital for growing long, strong, and healthy hair, much as skincare prep is to any beautiful makeup look. You can be an expert at blow-drying, overnight rollers, and have an arsenal of high-end styling products at your disposal, but unless you start emphasizing scalp care, you haven’t truly unlocked your hair’s full potential.
A scalp massage does not have to be complicated; you can use your fingers or a massage tool, add hair oil for extra nourishment, or simply rub your conditioner into your roots while showering. “Think about your scalp as an extension of your face,” trichologist Gretchen Friese previously told InStyle. “A scalp massage in the shower while your conditioner is on your head moisturizes the scalp and increases circulation to the hair follicles. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse out the conditioner before leaving the shower.”
A scalp massage, regardless of the method used, is a simple way to improve circulation to the scalp and encourage thicker, stronger hair. Learn how to give yourself a scalp massage and discover additional benefits from experienced trichologists.
Benefits of Scalp Massages
Aside from fundamental relaxation, scalp massages can increase blood flow to the scalp, hence improving overall hair health. “Scalp massage aids with reducing tight muscles and tendons that are located in the scalp in addition to improving circulation to nurture and deliver the necessary nutrients to the hair follicle for optimal hair growth,” according to Hill.
In fact, a tiny study of Japanese males discovered that six months of daily four-minute scalp massage boosted hair thickness. And there is evidence that lengthier massages may produce more obvious outcomes. A 2019 study tracked 327 (mainly male) individuals while they practiced twice-daily 20-minute scalp massages for ten months. In practice, individuals massaged their scalps for an average of 11 to 20 minutes per day, yet they still experienced results. About 37% of individuals stated that their hair loss had slowed, while 32% reported fresh hair growth.
Emmanuel warns that “Massaging your scalp alone will not make a significant difference with hair growth.” This isn’t to imply there’s no utility, but there are limitations. “Scalp massages are used as a technique in conjunction with other treatments such as detox treatments to exfoliate the scalp or to massage a scalp oil or scalp treatment into your scalp,” according to Emmanuel.
How To Massage Your Scalp
Hill advises to keep your neck and shoulders free of constricting apparel. Emmanuel advises massaging a scalp treatment with essential oils like lavender, peppermint, geranium, or chamomile into your hair before shampooing. Alternatively, you can skip the oil and simply massage your scalp as you lather, rinse, and repeat.
Hill shared her preferred scalp massage technique below:
Begin your massage from the nape of the neck, using both hands, and work your way up the head to the crown.
Use your entire hand to experience various sensations; the finger tips can be used to provide direct pressure to pressure points, and the base of the wrist can be used to release and roll out the muscles surrounding the temples.
There’s a large region to cover, so take your time. Spend three to five minutes rubbing the right oil into the scalp to soften skin cells, then exfoliate and remove debris to promote blood flow. Use a scalp brush for another three to five minutes. Begin brushing at the nape of the neck on either side of the head, moving forward towards the heart. Repeat this technique around the entire head.
What to avoid.
When you first start giving yourself scalp massages, it’s tempting to become excessive, but massaging too vigorously can damage your hair, creating knots and breakage. Instead, apply firm but gentle pressure, easing up on fragile places such as the crown of the head and the strands closest to the face.
If you prefer to use an oil in your scalp massage, find one that is appropriate for your hair type. Thicker carrier oils, such as coconut oil and castor oil, are preferable for coarser hair types, whilst lightweight almond and grapeseed oils work best for fine hair. Start with less oil than you think you’ll need, then gradually increase; applying too much at once might make it difficult to rinse off and cause buildup. Hill recommends rubbing your scalp with oil for up to 20 minutes before or during shampooing. If you like to massage your scalp while conditioning your hair, avoid using oil.
