What Are the Benefits of a Scalp Massage?

We’ll be the first ones to admit that getting a scalp massage is one of our favorite parts about heading to the salon. Aside from the feeling of luxury that is innate with a scalp massage, this massage technique has a few notable benefits that may make it worth incorporating into your hair care routine on the regular. Before you head out to the store to purchase a scalp massager brush so you can give your head a treat, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on some of the biggest scalp massage benefits, which we’re sharing below. Wondering if scalp massagers for hair growth work? We’ve got the details!

SCALP MASSAGE BENEFIT #1: STIMULATE HAIR GROWTH

Let’s dive right into the most commonly stated benefit of scalp massages: hair growth! Is this benefit a myth or fact? Well, it’s actually a little bit of both. While research has yet to determine if scalp massages can impact hair growth, over time, scalp massages have been shown to increase hair thickness. In fact, a study from the National Center for Biotechnological Information (NCBI) had healthy Japanese men practice four minutes of standardized scalp massage per day for 24 weeks using a scalp massage device, which resulted in increased hair thickness.

SCALP MASSAGE BENEFIT #2: REDUCE STRESS

Like we mentioned earlier, a scalp massage feels like a luxurious experience. Turns out, this salon treat is more than just relaxing. A study from the NCBI observed positive effects on stress hormone, blood pressure, and heart rate when a scalp massage was applied to female office workers for 15 to 25 minutes. Further supporting this finding, another NCBI study found results suggesting performing a head treatment helped decrease anxiety and can have both relaxing and refreshing effects.

SCALP MASSAGE BENEFIT #3: SOOTHE MIGRAINES

Last but not least, scalp massages can be used to help soothe migraines. The Cleveland Clinic explains that massaging your scalp and applying pressure to your temples using circular motions can help manage migraine pain. Not to mention, keeping yourself in a calm, stress-free state can help reduce migraine pain, per the Cleveland Clinic, which brings us back to scalp massage benefit number two.

HOW TO USE A SCALP MASSAGER

Now that you know more about some of the benefits of a scalp massage, you may be wondering how to give yourself a scalp massage at home. A scalp massage can be done by using your fingers, going to a masseuse, or by using a scalp massager. Speaking of the latter, a scalp massager is a much easier method for executing a scalp massage at home if you’re a scalp massage novice or don’t have time to master how to do one with your fingers. Using one is easy—simply glide the tool in circular motions over your scalp daily. Keep in mind that you’ll need to learn the proper scalp massage techniques and perfect your methods—or visit a professional—to really experience all the positive benefits. But at the very least, it’s an easy way to add some relaxation into your daily routine!

4 TIMES TO GIVE YOURSELF A SCALP MASSAGE

Need some inspiration when it comes to adding a scalp massage into your daily routine? Here are four times to give yourself a scalp massage!

Give yourself a scalp massage…when you take a shower. One of the most common times to indulge in a scalp massage, show your head some love by massaging your shampoo onto your strands.

Give yourself a scalp massage…when you watch a movie. Binging your favorite movie or TV show? You know what to do!

Give yourself a scalp massage…when you do a face mask. Multitask while you wait those several minutes to remove your face mask and give yourself a scalp massage.

Give yourself a scalp massage…when you have a girls’ night in. Spending the night with your girls? We’d argue there’s no better time to show yourself (and your scalp) some love—and get your girlfriends in on the action, too!

Next up: Continue to upgrade your scalp routine. Here’s Why You Should Add a Scalp Scrub to Your Hair Care Routine.