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Scalp massaging has been practised across Ayurvedic practices and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for its restorative and relaxing benefits. By stimulating the scalp, these ancient civilisations reaped the benefits of stimulating acupressure points, hair health and stress relief. In modern times, scalp massaging is still practised for its overall health and hair-stimulating benefits. Here are the many benefits of a scalp massage can have on your mind and hair:
1. Enhanced Blood Circulation
As you begin to gently massage your scalp, it encourages blow flow to the scalp. This increases blood circulation, oxygen and stimulation to your hair follicles, nourishing your scalp and encouraging hair growth and a healthier scalp environment.
2. Stress Relief
Massaging your scalp can also relieve built-up tension and stress as it releases any tension stored in your scalp or face. As you work your way around the scalp, you will feel a sense of calmness and reduced stress levels.
3. Hair Growth
As our hair growth starts in the scalp, by massaging the hair follicles you can increase the oxygen and blood flow to the scalp. If you are struggling with hair loss, this is a practice you can incorporate into your everyday life to promote hair growth. Check out our blog for more tips and tricks on growing your hair faster.
4. Product Absorption
When you pair this practice with your favourite hair oil it can encourage your hair to take to products better. This is particularly beneficial if you are looking to do a hair oil mask or leave-in conditioner as by stimulating the scalp your hair follicles will absorb the benefits more.
5. Scalp Detoxification
Scalp massaging can also help you remove impurities and buildup from the scalp by helping to unclog your pores through gentle stimulation. You can also use a shampoo brush as a way to gently massage your scalp and remove any product buildup. It is best to pair a shampoo brush with hair oil to make for smoother movement throughout your scalp.
6. Enhanced Relaxation and Sleep Quality
The relaxation and tension release that you receive from a scalp massage enhances how relaxed you feel and improves your sleep quality. This is a great relaxing technique to do before bed to get your body ready for sleep.
7. Balancing Oil Production
If you have a dry scalp, incorporating a scalp massage into your hair care routine is going to naturally distribute the oil produced in your scalp. Alternatively, you can add in a hair oil to keep your scalp nourished and moisturised. However, if you are practising scalp massages frequently, don’t use hair oil every time as this could lead to an overproduction of your natural sebum.
8. Release of Endorphins
Practising regular scalp massages stimulates your body to release endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. This can help to alleviate headaches or migraines and will contribute to your body's overall sense of well-being and relaxation.
How to Massage Scalp: Popular Methods and Tips
Now that you have heard all the many benefits of scalp massaging, you are probably wondering how to do it. Here are the most popular massage techniques and tips for scalp massaging:
Circular Motion Technique
The circular motion technique is a relaxing and effective method to massage your scalp, here are the steps to do it:
Step 1
Begin by sectioning your hair so you can access the entire scalp easily.
Step 2
Using the ends of your fingers, start applying gentle pressure in circular motions.
Step 3
Slowly work through each section until you are completely relaxed. We suggest starting from your front hairline and slowly working your way towards your crown, sides and then to the back of the neck. This way you can move your tensed energy downwards and out through your arms and fingers.
Step 4
Take five to ten minutes to work through the entire scalp.
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Kneading Technique
The kneading technique is another way to massage your scalp which focuses on a motion similar to kneading dough. This gentle pressure on the scalp helps to stimulate blood to the scalp, release any built-up tension and promote relaxation. Here are the steps to do this technique:
Step 1
Section your hair so you can work through your entire scalp easily.
Step 2
Apply light to medium pressure in a kneading or pressing motion through the pads of your fingers to work through your scalp.
Step 3
Lift and release different sections of your hair, working from the front to the sides and finishing on the back.
Step 4
Continue this practice until you have worked through your entire scalp, the process should take 5-10 minutes total to complete.
Hair Oil or Serum
Introducing a hair oil or serum into your scalp massage can do wonders for your hair and scalp. The oils will be able to absorb better into your scalp as you gently massage it and work through each section. Using oils such as jojoba seed oil, argan hair oil, castor oil or a combination of oils designed for hair growth (such as the Pump’s hair growth oil) will all have your hair and scalp relishing in the hydration and nourishment they supply So, grab your favourite hair oil and follow these steps:
Step 1
Selecting your favourite, nourishing hair oil or serum for your desired benefits and results.
Step 2
Take a small amount of oil and gently warm it up in the palm of your hands.
Step 3
Using the circular motion technique or kneading technique, gently massage the oil into your scalp. Working through different sections and focusing on the drier areas.
Step 4
Leave the hair oil on your scalp for 30 minutes to an hour before washing it out with lukewarm water and your favourite sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners (such as the Pump’s hair growth shampoo and conditioner) for luscious, healthy hair.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Scalp Massage
Here are all the tips and tricks to getting the most out of your scalp massage from our haircare expert Natasha Jay:
Frequency and Duration
For you to feel the full effects of a scalp massage, it is best to repeat this practice 2-3 times a week, doing 5-10 minute sessions each time.
Avoid Overstimulation
Whilst daily scalp massages may feel good, be careful to not overdo it as it can cause your scalp to overproduce oils. Always be gentle when scalp massaging and avoid excessive pressure or rubbing your scalp vigorously as this can lead to scalp irritation or your hair follicles becoming damaged.
Massage Tools
If scalp massaging with your fingers isn't the practice for you, you can incorporate a scalp massager or soft-bristle brush to gently stimulate your scalp and hair follicles. These tools can also help you distribute the hair oils or serums evenly. However, be careful to not overstimulate your scalp and be gentle as you use them.
Consistency Is Key
While you may not see or feel the benefits of scalp massaging immediately, with consistent practice you will start to feel more relaxed over time as well as your scalp becoming a healthier and more balanced environment.
