Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD You can’t have healthy hair without a healthy scalp. Beautiful, strong hair depends on good blood circulation, proper nutrition, and a healthy and supple scalp. Scalp massage is undoubtedly relaxing, but will scalp massage really grow your hair?
Scalp Massage Benefits
- Improves both local and general blood circulation
- Reduces stress hormones
- Boosts immune function
- Improves natural healing ability
- Reduces pain/discomfort
That’s all great…but what about massage for hair growth? Well, while there isn’t a lot of scientific data on massage and hair growth, there is some:
- In a 2016 Japanese study, 9 men received a daily 4-minute scalp massage with a scalp massage device, for 24 weeks. At the conclusion of the study, the investigators found an increase in hair thickness.
- In another survey, over 300 men and women with androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss) were surveyed about their experiences with scalp massage. Of those surveyed, 69% reported improvement in their hair, either stabilization of hair loss or hair growth.
While these studies are limited in their scope, they do indicate that there could be some link between scalp massage and hair growth.
Besides the undeniably relaxing bliss that can result from scalp massage, there might be other benefits for you too: A study of female office workers found that twice weekly scalp massage had effects on stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate. With benefits like these, you may want to consider adding scalp massage into your self-care routines.
Scalp Massage How To’s
If you want to give scalp massage a try, you can use either your fingers or a scalp massage device.
- If you use your fingers, you should use your finger pads (not nails) to apply medium firm pressure to your scalp, in a circular motion. Try it for 5 minutes a day.
- If you prefer to use a device, you can use many of them in the shower while you wash your hair, or out of the shower with your favorite hair oil.
Hair Growth Oils and Scalp Massage
When massaging your scalp, you can also incorporate essential oils that might help with hair growth, such as cedarwood or rosemary essential oils. You can add them to your favorite carrier oil and then apply them to your scalp prior to massage.
Aromatherapy with some essential oils has been shown to help with hair growth and can also be added into your scalp massage routine. Revita+Fol Defense Serum + Adaptogens from Bloomballa Beauty uses neroli and rose oils as aromatherapy, while rosemary and holy basil help support growth and defense from environmental toxins.
