How Scalp Massage Helps With Hair Growth

You love a scalp massage, don’t you? It helps you relax and destress after a long day. But certain claims state that regular scalp massage may even promote hair growth. How true is that? What does the science say? Here, we discuss all that you want to know about scalp massage for hair growth. Take a look. 

How Does A Scalp Massage Work?

A scalp massage helps relax the mind and promotes blood circulation. It can be performed with or without oil and is believed to reduce stress hormones. The massage is generally done using fingertips. However, one can have a scalp massage with various massage tools as well. Some believe scalp massage promotes hair growth. But what does the research say?

Does A Scalp Massage Promote Hair Growth?

In a study, researchers had found that regularly massaging the scalp may lead to thicker hair. The study included 9 men receiving a 4-minute scalp massage everyday for 24 weeks. The men had thicker hair by the end of the study (1).

Another study in 2019 surveyed 340 participants who were instructed to perform scalp massages twice a day. Over69% of the participants had reported improved hair growth (2).

While more research is warranted, scalp massage is known to have other benefits as well.

Benefits Of A Scalp Massage

The main benefit of scalp massage is hair growth. Regular massage works on the hair follicles that are located beneath the scalp skin. A massage stretches the cells of these hair follicles and helps in hair thickening(1). Scalp massage also increases blood flow to the hair follicles and promotes better hair growth. It may also help reduce hair fall.

Scalp massage also relieves stress (3). It may reduce headaches and migraines as well. The massage action has a calming effect on the body and mind.

There are various ways to get a scalp massage that will help promote hair growth. Some of them are discussed below.

How To Massage Your Scalp For Hair Growth

1. Traditional Scalp Massage

Traditional scalp massage includes the use of your fingers to massage the scalp. You can give yourself this massage at the comfort of your home or hire a licensed massage therapist. The price of the massage service may vary depending on the duration of the massage.

Giving yourself a traditional scalp massage:

Step 1: Usingy our fingertips, apply light to medium pressure on the scalp.

Step 2: Move your fingertips in small circular motions all over the scalp.

Step 3: Massage for 5 minutes everyday for better results.

Note: You can use various oils on your hair while giving yourself a scalp massage.

2. While Washing Your Hair

You may also massage your scalp while washing your hair. You can use your fingertips to gently massage the shampoo or conditioner into your hair for 5 minutes.

3. Massage Tools

There are many scalp massaging tools that come in the form of brushes. These mimic your fingertips while you massage your scalp. Although some dermatologists are in favor of using massage tools, many still recommend the traditional massage. You may go for what suits you the best.

4. Essential Oils

You can also use essential oils to massage your scalp. Some animal studies show that Rosemary, lavender, and peppermint essential oils may promote hair growth (4), (5). Using these oils with a carrier oil may help increase hair growth.

Step 1: Mix 2 drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil (jojoba or coconut oil).

Step 2: Mix the oils in between your palms and apply the mixture to your scalp.

Step 3: Use your fingertips or scalp massager to massage your scalp gently.

Note: Do a patch test before applying essential oils to check if they cause any allergies.

Conclusion

Scalp massage may help promote hair growth in most individuals. Though more extensive studies are warranted, current research does support the benefits of scalp massage for hair health. It is easy to perform, and does not cost anything if you are doing it by yourself. You can make it a part of your daily routine and see the results for yourself! 

Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions

How often should you massage your scalp?

You may massage your scalp 1 to 3 times a day to improve hair growth and thickness. For relaxation, you may perform a scalp massage whenever you want.

Can you massage your scalp everyday?

Yes. Regular scalp massage helps increase blood circulation to the hair follicles and strengthens them.

Does a scalp massage cause hair loss?

Scalp massage does not cause hair loss. We normally shed 100 hair strands a day. However, if you find clumps of hair falling off during a scalp massage, you may have an underlying medical condition. Visit a doctor.

Is overnight oiling good for hair?

There is evidence stating the benefits of overnight oiling for hair. However, the practice is not recommended for people with sensitive skin. Moreover, using excess oil on your hair will compel you to use more shampoo to wash it off. This could eventually dry your hair out.